M. Louis Salmon Library Policies

M. Louis Salmon Library: Library Volunteer Policy

2025-09-26T13:12:55-05:00

Salmon Library Volunteer Policy

Purpose

The M. Louis Salmon Library values volunteers and their contributions to the Library’s mission, which states, “In support of the University’s mission and shared values, the Salmon Library contributes to and supports the discovery, creation and communication of knowledge in an innovative environment, and to support self-sufficient learners who can discover, access and use information effectively for academic success.” This policy establishes clear guidelines for the recruitment, training, and supervision of Library volunteers.

Definition of a Volunteer

Volunteers are faculty, staff, students, or members of the general public who have an interest in supporting the mission of the Salmon Library and serve in an unpaid role. Student volunteers differ from interns in that they are not awarded academic credit for their service.

Roles and Activities

Volunteer projects include, but are not limited to:

Assisting with special events, programs, and exhibits;
Participating in digitization, oral history, or archival processing projects;
Supporting community outreach and Library promotional activities.

Recruitment and Selection

Volunteers should contact the appropriate Unit Head, who will determine whether the interests of the University and those of the volunteer are a suitable match.

Volunteers must complete a volunteer application form and a background check. Background checks will meet the scope and frequency requirements of relevant university policies.

Orientation and Training

All volunteers will receive orientation covering the Library’s policies and procedures. The volunteer’s direct supervisor will provide specific training for their role.

Supervision and Accountability

The Unit Head is responsible for the supervision of all volunteers working in a Library unit. The Library Director has oversight of all Library volunteers.

Volunteers are expected to adhere to all Library policies and procedures as well as the UA System Office Code of Conduct.

Library volunteers who use UAH information technology (IT) resources are required to comply with all applicable university policies governing IT use. Volunteers must use IT resources responsibly, safeguard their login credentials, report suspicious activity, and refrain from any unauthorized or excessive use.

Volunteers should adhere to the agreed-upon schedule and notify their direct supervisor in the event of absences or changes in availability.

Library volunteers are expected to avoid situations where personal, financial, or other interests could improperly influence—or appear to influence—their volunteer service. Volunteers must not use their role in the Library for personal gain or to benefit outside organizations. They should promptly disclose to Library administration any potential conflicts of interest or commitment that may arise in the course of their service.

Supervisors will monitor volunteers’ performance to ensure that their work continues to align with the Library's goals and the volunteers' objectives.

Termination of Volunteer Service

A volunteer’s service may be ended by either the volunteer or the Library at any time, with or without cause. Grounds for immediate termination include:

Violation of the UA System Office Code of Conduct outlined in Board Rule 106.2;
Failure to follow policies and procedures outlined by the Library or the volunteer’s direct supervisor.

Updated September 04, 2025

M. Louis Salmon Library: User Services Policy

2025-09-26T13:07:42-05:00

User Services

The User Services department is responsible for patron access to services and materials as well as for general building operation. This includes addressing security concerns, requesting facility maintenance, and enforcing other building policies.

User Privileges

Access to services and materials in the Library, fees and fines are based on a patron's privilege type. Unless otherwise specified, fines will be levied for all materials returned late and for lost/non-returned items.

Currently-registered �� students or current UAH employees will need to show their UAH Charger Card / university ID card (either the physical card or the university issued digital card) to check out materials at User Services or for other Library services (MultiMaker Lab checkouts, etc.)
Other user types will need to show their library guest card for Library services.
Alternatively, any user can also present a valid photo ID to access privileges.

Privilege Types

The Library offers access and services to two categories of users: �� campus users and community users.

Campus users include UAH faculty and staff; part-time, visiting, and temporary faculty and staff; emeritus faculty; and currently-enrolled undergraduate and graduate students.
Community users include retired UAH faculty and staff; UAH alumni; Osher Lifelong Learning Institute members; community college students; high school students; local educational employees and students; and Book Checkout/PC Use and PC Use Only accounts.
Access to books, computers, online resources, reserve materials (including study rooms, laptops, iPads, etc.), Interlibrary Loan, and other services will vary for different user types.

Fines and Payment

Fines and fees are charged to ensure prompt return of materials and to cover the replacement of lost or damaged materials.

Payment is handled according to University guidelines and audit recommendations. Library patrons may incur fees, fines or other pecuniary assessments that must be paid in full at the time they are billed.
This debt to the Library will be held indefinitely until it is paid or until it is deemed uncollectible.
Unpaid fines may result in a hold on the patron’s account, affecting the ability to check out materials, access resources remotely, and register for classes.
Periodically, the Library Director may establish a designated fine and fee amnesty time period, during which Library staff will accept from cardholders overdue items loaned from the library with no fines assessed. This excludes charges for interlibrary loan services and materials; charges for lost or damaged items; or other Library-related non-overdue charges.

Academic Reserves

Instructors may ask that the Library pull items from the collection and place them on reserve for students in a particular class. These items will have shorter loan periods and in some cases may be restricted for use only within the Library building.

Updated June 12, 2025

M. Louis Salmon Library: Reference and Information Services Policy

2025-05-14T01:00:00-05:00

Reference and Information Services

The purpose of the Reference and Information Services department is to provide information, reference assistance, and research assistance in a timely manner to support the academic programs and research of the students, faculty, researchers, staff, and guests of UAH.

Reference Transactions

The primary transaction of the Research Help Desk will be questions related to UAH – about the Library collection, coursework, the campus itself, the history of the region, or any other topic as needed. Answers will be as honest and thorough as possible, regardless of the question or of the person asking, as long as this does not violate any other rule.

The reference librarian may determine that a question is beyond the purview of the reference department or is taking up too much time. Due to the vast variety of reference questions, there is no one fixed set of criteria on what is or is not in the purview; see also the section for “Questions not answerable."

Questions Not Answerable

Questions that equate to the librarian doing school assignments for the student (including assignments not related to UAH).
Questions of medical advice.
Questions of legal advice.
Questions that violate any law or contract, including, but not limited to, questions that would violate privacy, trademark, copyright, or license between the library and a vendor.
Questions asked in an abusive or harassing manner.

Questions deemed to violate these rules may be referred to the Department Chair and Library Director as appropriate. (Repeat or severe violations may be referred to appropriate authorities - e.g. Charger360 - based on this escalation at the discretion of the Chair/Director.)

Contact the Research Help Desk

The Research Help Desk can be contacted in-person, by phone, and by various methods of electronic communication (email, chat, etc.).

Contacting subject specialists directly at their office extension or by their campus email is allowed and recommended for lengthier queries.

Maintaining Patron Privacy

The privacy of the patron will be maintained in regard to his or her reference questions.

Records of reference transactions may be used for internal training needs within the Library.

For certain types of transactions, some information about the patron will be seen in the Library's systems (such as the patron's email address or phone number).

In some situations, a reference question may need to be transferred to a third party for assistance. The patron will be notified before their question is transferred. Only information necessary to answer the question will be passed on.

If a patron wishes to have their transaction removed from the system, an attempt will be made to remove any distinguishing information from the transaction.

Reference Statistics

Information about reference transactions (by type, location, method received, sources used, etc.) will be analyzed to determine collection development, instructional design, budget allocation, appropriate service hours, and staffing, following the guidelines of the Reference and User Services Association (a division of the American Library Association),

Special Considerations for Electronic Resources

Electronic resources (i.e., digital resources, databases, etc.) have special agreements between the Library and the vendor which in general state that these resources may only be used by UAH affiliates and authorized guests.

Some electronic resources may have a contractual stipulation that access is only from the UAH Library or otherwise on-campus.

Any attempt to retrieve a document by a non-UAH affiliate should come through interlibrary loan requests from the guest's host institution's library.

Any special vendor restrictions, such as Harvard Business Review's exception to deep-linking, will be upheld by the department librarians. Librarians will not violate any other institution's agreements by attempting to access their electronic files except through official channels, such as interlibrary loan.

Updated May 14, 2025

M. Louis Salmon Library: Sensory Space

2025-05-14T00:00:00-05:00

Sensory Space

This space enhances Library support for UAH by providing a quiet and semi-private environment for sensory regulation, relaxation, meditation, stretching, and other calming activities for the �� community to take a break from studying, research, and other stress. The following policies ensure that the space best meets the sensory and relaxation needs of students, faculty, and researchers at UAH.

Using the Space

This is a quiet space to relax, recharge, and regulate. In order to make the space as accessible as possible, maintain a calming environment, and keep the space clean, the Library has implemented the following policies for using the space:

All current �� students, faculty, and staff may use the room. Access for others outside of these groups may be requested in special circumstances.
A maximum of eight people may use the room at a time. Patrons must take a pass from the door before entering and return the pass upon leaving; if no passes are available, patrons should wait until one is available.
Patrons should limit visits to 1 hour to allow others a turn. If at least 2 passes are available, patrons may extend their visit by 1 hour. Patrons may continue to extend their visits by 1 hour increments as long as at least 2 passes are available.
Noise associated with the normal use of room items, such as fidget toys, rocking furniture, or air purifier, is allowed and expected.
Voices should be kept low, phones should be silenced, and electronic use should be limited. Music and other audio is allowed only with headphones.
A noise machine is available, and patrons should use provided headphones if others are present.
Patrons should respect others’ space and needs. Disruptive behavior may result in being asked to leave. Behavior considered disruptive includes but is not limited to the following: loud talking, monopolizing the space, intentionally damaging or breaking items in the room, playing music or other audio without headphones, rearranging the room, moving large furniture around the room, removing any Sensory Space items from the room, using scented items, burning any materials, and all prohibited conduct as outlined in the UAH Student Code of Conduct.
No food is allowed. Drinks must have lids.
Patrons should wipe down items used before leaving.
Furnishings and supplies must stay in the room.
No candles, incense, scented oils, or burning materials may be used in the room.
No flyers or advertisements may be posted in the room.
All personal items must be taken with patrons when leaving.
The room is open daily during library hours, including interim and summer hours. The room will close 1 hour before the library closes.
Patrons may report any issues in the Sensory Space to library staff in-person or by phone anytime during library hours or through online chat Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Updated May 13, 2025

M. Louis Salmon Library: MultiMaker Lab Policy

2025-05-08T00:00:00-05:00

MultiMaker Lab

This lab enhances Library support for UAH by providing the opportunity for the exploration, design and creation of new technologies, concepts, and objects. This includes 3D printing services that are available for use by all current UAH faculty, staff, and students. The following policies ensure that the lab best meets the educational needs and promotes the success of the students, faculty, and researchers at UAH.

3D Printing Restrictions

Any files submitted for 3D printing must be approved by lab personnel prior to the files being printed. Patrons may print any object to be used for research and education purposes with the following exceptions:

No weapons, weapon accessories, or weapon components;
No objects that resemble weapons or weapon accessories;
No illegal objects;
No copyrighted objects or any other objects that violate patents and trademarks;
No items involving the UAH logo and other identity graphics printed without written approval of the UAH Office of Marketing and Communications;
No items printed for commercial purposes;
No items violating the UAH Code of Student Conduct.

Copyright, Patent, and Intellectual Property

Items created in the Library MultiMaker Lab and the user's individual rights extended to those items may be subject to the University Copyright Policy, the University Patent Policy, and/or the University Intellectual property Policy. These policies may be found on the University's policy page.

It is the responsibility of the patron to check the copyright status of any item or piece of content not created by them that they use or print in the MultiMaker Lab and/or in any projects they create in the lab, and to verify that they use any such item in compliance with federal, state, and other related copyright laws. It is not the responsibility of personnel in the MultiMaker Lab or any other Library personnel.

Fees, fines, and payment

Fines and fees are charged to cover the material costs for 3D / Poster printing, to ensure prompt return of equipment, and to cover the replacement of lost or damaged equipment.

Fees are collected at the time of 3D / Poster print job approval.

Fees apply to all print jobs and all patrons; there are no educational or academic waivers or discounts.

MultiMaker Lab items that are checked out and then returned in the wrong location (User Services Desk, exterior book drop, etc.) may also cause a fine to be generated.

Payments can be made at the User Services Desk using any accepted forms of payment (FLEX account, credit card, etc.).

In the event of a failed print job due either to equipment failure or to MultiMaker Lab staff error, the Lab may be able to offer either a reprint (at no additional cost) or an account credit (that can be used towards a future print job).

Failed print jobs caused by file errors or design flaws will not be eligible for this consideration.
Refunds are not available.

Damage to Equipment or Supplies

If the printer, equipment, or any component of the MultiMaker Lab is damaged during use, the patron will be held liable for damages due to improper use. If the patron is a student, necessary action may be taken according to the procedures outlined in the UAH Student Handbook at the discretion of the MultiMaker Lab personnel.

If a malfunction occurs, patrons should contact MultiMaker Lab personnel promptly.

Patrons will not be held accountable for routine errors such as printer jams or breakdowns caused by expected wear and tear or equipment malfunction. However, if a patron pushes past an error that results in more extensive damage, such as forcibly removing a piece of equipment or material and causing greater damage, the patron will be held liable for damages. If the patron is a student, necessary action may be taken according to the procedures outlined in the UAH Student Handbook at the discretion of the MultiMaker Lab personnel.

In exchange for use of the printer, equipment, and MultiMaker Lab, patron agrees to pay for any damage or loss of items or equipment and will accept the MultiMaker Lab personnel and/or Library staff’s assessment of fair restitution for damage, delinquency, and/or loss of items in part or total. The exact amount of restitution may vary depending on the extent of the damage.

Lab Computer Use

All computers in the lab are available to current �� students, faculty, and staff and are subject to the Library and/or University computer use policies. These policies may be found on the University's policy page and on the Salmon Library policy page. Additionally, each piece of software on the computer may be subject to additional terms and conditions by the software’s creator.

Recording & Presentation Practice Room

The Library also provides this resource as a place to collaborate, create, learn, practice, and explore. It has the equipment, software, and space for �� students, faculty, and researchers to create, record, or practice presentations, videos, audio, and much more. The space has been professionally treated with both fixed and movable sound-absorption equipment to ensure high-quality audio recordings. More information about this resource, including a link to reserve the room in advance, can be found at https://libguides.uah.edu/recordingpresentationroom.

Interested users may check out the key for this room at the User Services desk. Note that, if not returned by the due time, a late fee may be added to the patron’s account.

If any of the equipment in the room is damaged during use, the patron will be held liable for damages if his or her negligence or intentional action caused the damage. If the patron is a student, necessary action may be taken according to the procedures outlined in the UAH Student Handbook at the discretion of Library personnel.

If a malfunction occurs with the equipment in the room, patrons should contact the User Services personnel promptly.

The computer and equipment in the room is available to current �� students, faculty, and staff and are subject to the Library and/or University computer use policies. These policies may be found on the University's policy page. Additionally, each piece of software on the computer may be subject to additional terms and conditions by the software’s creator.

Self-Service 3D Printing

If the Library has sufficient 3D Printers available for use, they may designate certain older units as available for self-service 3D printing.

Self-service 3D printing is not monitored by Lab personnel. Printers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and patrons are asked to only use one printer at a time. Patrons are responsible for starting, monitoring, and removing their prints.

Filament is not provided for self-service 3D printing; the patron must supply their own supplies. The only acceptable types of filament are PLA, PETG, TPU, and PVA. No other types of filament may be used.

It is the responsibility of the patron:

To confirm that their design does not violate the 3D Printing Restrictions given above,
To check the copyright status of any item or piece of content not created by them that they use or print and/or in any projects they create, and
To verify that they use any such item in compliance with federal, state, and other related copyright laws.
These are not the responsibility of personnel in the MultiMaker Lab or any other Library personnel.

Adjustments

MultiMaker Lab personnel will routinely evaluate practices, costs, and capabilities. This evaluation process will be used to adjust prices and policies to reflect actual use and costs of materials and equipment and to identify future services and equipment for the MultiMaker Lab.

At any point when costs are revised, any outstanding services (e.g., print jobs already submitted, media equipment already checked out, etc.) will be subject to the costs in effect at the time when those services were initiated.

Administration and Compliance

Violations of the use of the MultiMaker Lab that constitute a breach of the Student Code of Conduct, the Faculty Handbook, the Staff Handbook, or University policies will be referred to appropriate University authorities.

Updated May 7, 2025

M. Louis Salmon Library: Professional Development and Travel Policy

2025-02-18T11:14:30-06:00

Professional Development and Travel Policy for Library Faculty, Professional Staff, and Administrative (Exempt) Staff

Scope

This policy outlines travel guidance for faculty, professional staff, and administrative (exempt) staff of the M. Louis Salmon Library. Exceptions are addressed below. All travelers are responsible to be aware of and to follow the University’s guidelines for travel.

Types of travel

Professional travel supports librarians and other exempt staff in fostering professional growth and development and in maintaining appropriate levels of professional engagement. Costs are reimbursed up to an annual maximum as outlined below. Trips to meetings and conferences of library organizations (e.g., ALA, ALLA, LOEX, MLA and ACRL) are typical examples of professional travel. Professional travel requires supervisor approval. Paid release time is given.

Training and development travel: Employee travel required by a supervisor to acquire new skills directly related to the performance of the employee’s job and to the strategic goals of the Library. Required training typically includes instruction provided in workshops, institutes, seminars, or classes rather than at association meetings or conferences, although there may be exceptions. Travel for these reasons would be considered mandatory and requires the approval of the employee’s supervisor and the appropriate senior administrator.

Discretionary travel: Travel undertaken in pursuit of a professional or personal interest not directly related to the employee’s primary responsibilities. No financial support is available for such travel. In some cases, however, paid release time may be granted by the employee’s supervisor if the activity has some potential for benefiting Library operations in a meaningful fashion. If no leave is granted, employees must use vacation time for this type of travel.

Exceptions:

Additional exceptions will be made for the senior administrative leader of the Library.
Travel by non-exempt staff: On rare occasions, a non-exempt staff member may be required to travel on Library business or for training. Such travel will be considered mandatory and the appropriate guidelines for administrative or training and development travel will apply.

Funding for Travel

Professional Travel: After an eligible employee has been employed by the UAH Library for a minimum of 1 year, professional travel may be reimbursed, within limits. The maximum amount eligible for reimbursement within a fiscal year will be set by the Library Director, and may be adjusted to reflect changes to the Library budget allocation. Some exceptions may apply. The allocation may be spread across multiple trips in a fiscal year. Travelers may seek reimbursement for transportation, lodging, conference registration/fees, and meals and incidentals. In accordance with University travel policy, meals and incidentals will be reimbursed according to the current federal per diem guidelines issued by the U.S. government.

Travelers are responsible for making every effort to find reasonable rates for lodging and transportation and to take advantage of discounted registration rates wherever possible.

Because training and development travel are considered mandatory, travel costs are fully funded based on the University out of state and in state travel policies. Travelers remain responsible for finding the best possible rates for lodging and transportation, and the per diem rates for meals will still apply unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

Supplemental funding

To encourage growth and active professional engagement for librarians, librarians who have abstracts of proposals accepted for presentation at major library conferences will be awarded additional travel funds. The amount will be determined by the employee’s supervisor.

Updated September 12, 2024

M. Louis Salmon Library: Interlibrary Loan Policy

2025-02-18T11:10:59-06:00

Interlibrary Loan

The Interlibrary Loan Department, ILL, borrows books, journal articles, conference proceedings, audiovisual materials, or copies of research materials not owned by the Library for use by UAH faculty, students and staff.

Audiovisual materials can be borrowed if available in physical media; streaming titles cannot be borrowed from other institutions.
It is also possible to request a portion of one of these (e.g., a specific chapter from a book, the table of contents from the proceedings of a specific conference).
Persons not affiliated with the university should be referred to their local public library.

Copyright Restrictions. The Library follows the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) when making photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials. The Library will supply a copy on the condition that it is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research". Library personnel reserve the right to refuse a copying order if, in their judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve a violation of copyright law.

Updated September 25, 2024

M. Louis Salmon Library: Library Hours Policy

2025-02-18T11:10:03-06:00

Library Hours

Hours: https://libguides.uah.edu/hours

The M. Louis Salmon Library building will be open at posted hours for access by �� students, faculty, staff, alumni and other guests to the collections, services and resources within the Library. The Library will be closed on days & times of reduced demand.

It will be the Library’s goal to fulfill posted hours except in the case of major exceptions or changes to policy.

Hours will be posted online, in the building, and in a place outside of the building. Hours posted should always be a reflection of the current hours, except in the case of emergencies and campus closures.

All academic & calendar periods - semesters, final exam periods, breaks, holidays, etc. - are determined by University administration and observed by the Library.

Hours are subject to change, based on the Director's discretion.

Updated May 06, 2025

M. Louis Salmon Library: Online Education Policy

2025-02-18T11:03:20-06:00

Online Education

The Library is committed to providing services and resources both to on-campus students and to online students. The Library will provide online students with access to digital collections, research consultations, and interlibrary loan services, subject to licensing and copyright agreements. (Note that certain services or resources may be limited to in-person use: e.g., using physical Academic Reserves materials, attending in-person workshops, access to the Special Collections, etc.)

Library Resources

Online students are subject to the same requirements listed under User Services and for ILL regarding due dates, overdue fines, return shipping, and copyright observance.

UAH online students have the same remote access to online resources that the library provides to students, faculty and researchers on-campus.

Note that some electronic resources may have a contractual stipulation that access is only from the Library or otherwise on-campus.

Reference Services

The UAH Reference librarians will advise researchers on appropriate databases, books, indexes, and other research tools. The Reference department can be contacted by phone or online.

The librarians responsible for Online Education will also be available to talk, chat, advise and set up virtual or phone reference appointments. If the designated online education librarians are not available, the Reference librarians will field their inquiries.

Information Literacy Instruction Services

Online students have a dedicated Library page for online learning, with links to relevant library collections and resources. They can also contact the Online Education librarians with their information literacy questions, or they can schedule a one-on-one research consultation (which can be conducted over the phone or online).

Updated February 04, 2025