Admission to the Library

1. All Lingnan University students and staff, members of the Court and Council, and all other users holding valid Lingnan Library cards are all eligible users.
2. For admission, students should obtain a Student Identity Card from the Registry. Staff Identity Cards are issued by the Human Resources Office. Other users should apply for relevant Library Cards.
3. Council and Court Members may apply for a Library Card free of charge.
4. Lingnan staff members employed by individual departments / research units or Visiting Scholars who are not issued the regular staff ID card may apply for a Library Card free of charge.
5. Staff’s spouses and children aged 15 or above (up to 21) are eligible to apply for reader/borrower privileges.
6. Long-serving Retired Staff may apply for reader/borrower privileges.
7. JULAC Library cardholders can register with the Library for borrowing books. Students of other UGC-funded universities can access the Library based on mutual agreements reached with JULAC.
8. Staff of government departments, quasi-government bodies, and non-profit organisations can apply for readers’ cards with the recommendations from their department heads or senior executives.
9. Other external users can apply for reader/borrower privileges.
10. Users must show their valid Library Cards when they enter the Library.
11. The University Librarian reserves the right to decline access to all users other than the current staff and students under special circumstances without giving prior notice. All charges are not refundable.
12. The University Librarian may approve other persons to use the Library for a specified period or purpose.
13. Library cards are individual and personal, they cannot be transferred to other parties. Loss of cards or change of address must be reported to the appropriate University authorities without delay.
14. The Library Card application is considered on an individual basis. The Library reserves the right to reject any new / renewal application.

Departure from the Library

1. Staff members and students are responsible for returning all loans and settling any outstanding fines and charges before departing upon cessation of employment, withdrawal or graduation from the University.

Fees and Charges

1. Library may impose fees and charges for the use and access of Library services, facilities and resources as deemed appropriate.
2. Charges will be imposed for any of but not limited to the following services upon approval of the relevant University Committees:
   • Membership
   • Loss or damage of a Library card
   • Overdue items
   • Loss or damage of a Library item
   • Printing and copying of Library materials
   • Interlibrary loans
3. Any user who refuses to pay the outstanding charges may result in declining of access and use of Library services, facilities and resources until the payment has been settled.

Conduct of Library Users

1. All Library users should abide by the Library Regulations and follow any other instructions from the Library staff on the use of the Library.
2. The Librarian or deputy may temporarily exclude any person who has infringed any of the Library Regulations or who has interfered with the comfort of the other users and the work of the Library staff.
3. Umbrellas, food, drink or anything which in the opinion of the Library staff may interfere with the proper use and management of the Library are not permitted inside the Library.
4. Users must not wear rain-coats or any clothing likely to soil Library property.
5. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the Library. Any user found smoking in the Library will be sent to appropriate University disciplinary bodies.
6. No games are allowed in the Library.
7. Library users are required to sit in the seats provided. Tables and chairs should not be moved from their original positions.
8. Reservation of seats in the Library is not permitted. Items including Library books left unattended on Library desks may be removed by the Library staff.
9. The Library is not responsible for the safe keeping of any belongings left in the Library.
10. Silence must be maintained in the Library. Use of mobile phones or pagers will lead to disciplinary actions.
11. All Library materials must be kept clean and in good condition. Any user found mutilating or defacing Library materials will be sent to appropriate University disciplinary bodies.
12. When doing photocopies in the Library, the users must observe the laws regarding copyright. Users are warned that they are fully responsible for any legal consequences that may arise concerning copyright.
13. When necessary, the Library may make special arrangements concerning the use of particular areas of the Library.

Penalty Against Different Inappropriate Behaviours of Library Users

• All the above inappropriate behaviours will be recorded in the user's Library Account.
• Suspension refers to suspension of all Library privileges, including but not limited to accessing the Library, checking out or renewal (including automatic renewal) of Library materials, use of electronic resources, and access to other Library resources through JULAC Libraries.
• Users may appeal by writing to the Library email address library@ln.edu.hk, while ignorance of Library Regulations would not be a valid nor acceptable excuse for violations.
• Excessive downloading of e-resources is also considered a serious, inappropriate behaviour. User's Library privileges would all be suspended. Reasonable explanations to be accepted by the Librarian or his/her delegates are required for resuming the Library privileges.