LibGuides: About: Policies

Access Policies

Access Computer Workstations
Alumni Access

Computer workstations are provided for library research and information seeking purposes
Library staff can offer assistance, guidance, and instruction on using the internet as a research resource
Library staff does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed on the workstations in the library facility.
All uses of computing and networking resources must be legal and conform to the LAFS IT Computer Usage Policy
Any disruptive or harassing users may be removed by Campus Security officials and to revocation of computer and/or library access privileges.

Access

Alumni have continued access to educational materials and resources on-campus and online.

In-Person Resources

Alumni are welcome to visit and use the library facility, computers, study tables, and request personal assistance from the librarian.
Alumni are not eligible to check-out materials from the library
Alumni are welcome to read materials inside the library

Online E-Resources

Alumni are eligible for off-campus access to online resources. Please sign in with your LAFS ID number,

Copying & Printing

Alumni are eligible to print in the library. Please log onto print.lafilm.com with your LAFS username and password to print.

Circulation Policies

A current LAFS ID will serve as the LAFS library card
No one else may borrow books or other library materials on your LAFS ID card. This is to protect your account from liability for fines and unauthorized use of your identity.
Lost or stolen LAFS ID/Library Cards should be reported to Campus Security immediately.

All active LAFS students, faculty, and staff may borrow circulating materials from the LAFS Library.
Borrowers are responsible for all materials charged to their account until they have been physically returned and checked in by library staff.
It is the borrowers' responsibility to:
- Know when materials are due by checking the Due Date stickers on the item or reviewing transaction email receipt of the due date
- Return materials promptly
- Contact the library to update cell phone or email address changes;
- Care in handling all library materials
- Call the library to renew items if they cannot be returned on time

Students and Staff may borrower up to a total of 5 items at one time. Faculty members may borrower up to a total of 10 library items and have more loan flexibility if they need more time for class instruction.

Material Type	Students	Faculty	Staff	Alumni
Books	2 max 14 days loan (2 max renewals)	14 days loan (2 max renewals)	14 days loan (2 max renewals)	Lib Use Only
DVDs/Blu-rays	2 max 3 days loan (1 max renewals)	7 days loan (2 max renewals)	5 days loan (2 max renewals)	Lib Use Only
Scripts (Plays & Treatments)	2 max 14 days loan (2 max renewals)	14 days loan (2 max renewals)	14 days loan (2 max renewals)	Lib Use Only
Magazines	3 max 7 days loan (2 max renewals)	14 days loan (2 max renewals)	7 days loan (2 max renewals)	Lib Use Only
CDs	3 max 7 days loan (2 max renewals)	7 days loan (2 max renewals)	7 days loan (2 max renewals)	Lib Use Only
Games	2 max 7 days loan (2 max renewals)	7 days loan (2 max renewals)	7 days loan (2 max renewals)	Lib Use Only
Course Reserves	2 max 3 days loan (2 max renewals)	N/A	N/A	N/A

*Students: total checkouts amount cannot exceed 5 items.

Books and other items checked out should be returned to the Circulation Desk during library operating hours, and to book return when the library is closed. There is a drop slot located near the library entrance (to the left of the door).
Items that are "Library Use Only" may not be removed from the library, and must be returned to the Circulation Desk.

Student Rate for Overdue Materials

Format	Loan Period	No. of Renewals*	Overdue Charge
Book	14 Days	2	$0.50 /day
DVD/Blu-ray	3 Days	3	$0.50 /day
CD	7 Days	3	$0.50 /day
Game	7 Days	2	$0.50 /day
Course Reserves	3 days	2	$0.50/ day
Magazine	7 Days	2	$0.50 /day
Accessories	Close of Library	0	Replacement Cost
Reference	Close of Library	0	Replacement Cost

* No renewals on New Films (New Films = newly released films up to 3 months)

Student Rate for processing fee

Format	Barcode	Due Date Sticker	Case
Book	$0.50	$0.50	N/A
DVD/Blu-ray	$0.50	$0.50	$2.00
CD	$0.50	$0.50	$1.00
Games	$0.50	$0.50	$2.00
Magazine	$0.50	$0.50	$2.00
Accessories	$0.50	N/A	N/A
Reference	$0.50	$0.50	N/A

Loan periods determine the length of time an item can be checked out.
All items will be marked with a due date, depending on the item
If items are not returned by the due date they will accrue a late fee.
Library will send 3 overdue notices through email and by phone call; After 7 days the item will be marked Lost.
If items are not returned within 30 days, the borrower will be billed a processing fee in addition to the late fee.
If items are Recalled (requested by another borrower), they need to be returned to the library by the due date, and cannot be renewed

It is the borrower’s responsibility to care for items borrowed from the library. If an item is lost or damaged, a replacement fee will be charged.
Notices of bills are prepared on a weekly basis. Notices are a courtesy and failure to receive one does not constitute the waiving of any incurred fines. All fees are collected either in person at the cashier's office or online.

Lost Materials

Items not returned to the Library within 30 days after the due date will be considered lost. Borrowers will be billed for the replacement cost of the item, or the average replacement cost for books in the subject area.

Damaged Materials

Items returned to the Library in a damaged condition will be charged a fee. Price will be determined at time item being returned and will be based on what is required to repair the item. Examples: item needs to be rebound, bindery fee will be charged; barcode or spine label missing, $5.00 processing fee will be charged. If it is determined that item cannot be repaired, charge will be the same as for a lost item.

Holds on Students’ Records

When a student accrues over $15.00 of charges (overdue fines and/or lost material) a hold will be placed on the student’s college record, preventing the student from transcripts, etc. The hold from the student’s record will be removed when the library materials are returned and/or fines are paid.

Under California law, library patron records and circulation records are confidential. The Library will not disclose any information concerning user library registration or circulation activity to non-library staff, except under legal constraint.

Student Policies

Circulation

CIRCULATION SERVICES

Circulation Services provides friendly and courteous service to The Los Angeles Film School community in lending library materials to students. Additionally, Library Staff members at the circulation desk are responsible for answering directional questions from patrons, checking in and out materials, maintaining the front desk and facility, and overall helping with patron needs.

Borrowing Library Items

Materials may be checked out with a current LAFS issued ID. Students with an “Active” status account are able to check out Library materials. Students who have a status of “Alumni,” “Leave of Absence,” “Withdrawn,” and “Canceled” or are enrolled as an Online student may not check out items. However, Alumni, Online students, and Visitors are welcome to view and utilize some of the Library computers and/or services. Staff and Faculty may also borrow Library materials, but they have separate circulation rules and guidelines.

All borrowers must fill out and sign “The Los Angeles Film School Library Application Form” once before checking out anything for the first time. Active Students will be able to check out materials with their school-issued ID.

If Faculty appoints a student to pick-up any of their library materials, they may do so but that Faculty will still be held responsible if something happens to the borrowed material. Library Staff will have to confirm with the Faculty member before lending it out to the student in their name.

Patrons are responsible for all materials charged to their account until they have been physically returned and checked-in by Library Staff. It is the borrower’s responsibility to:

Contact the library directly to update cell phone, email or other contact changes
Know when materials are due by checking the Due Date stickers on the item or reviewing the transaction email receipt of the date due for each item
Return materials promptly
Care in handling all library materials
Contacting Library to renew items if they cannot return it on time

Accessing Electronic Resources

Access to electronic databases, electronic journals, eBooks, and other websites is for the exclusive use of all current students, (both on-ground and online), Alumni, Faculty, and Staff. Electronic resources are governed by license agreements and the terms of use are set by the publishers and vendors that the Library is subscribed to. Misuse of any resources may result in the withdrawal of a license for the entire campus, as well as possible penalties for the individual.

Holding/Reserving Library Items

Holding library materials can be done by phone, email, or online through the Library’s digital catalog. Items will be placed on hold for the patron for up to 48 hours. When an item is placed on hold, the patron will receive an email or phone call informing them that their item is ready for pickup. If the item is on hold for more than 48 hours, the item will be put back on the shelves for circulation.

Recalls

Any loan may be recalled at any time if another borrower places a hold/reserve on the item. Any loan may be recalled immediately if the Faculty member has requested to place the item on reserve for a class.

Renewing Library Items

Renewals of library materials are allowed as long as there has been no request for that material by another patron. Materials that are not overdue can be renewed by phone, SMS text, in-person, email, or via the catalog system. If max renewals are reached, the patron must present the item to a Library Staff member in order to check it in and then re-check it out to them.

Renewing materials that are overdue may be renewed, but are not encouraged. The patron will need to either renew through the catalog system or communicate to Library Staff explaining their reasons why they need to extend the loan. Late fees will still be applicable to the patron that has any overdue items on their account. (Details on max renewals for each item are listed in the table below.)

Returning Library Items

Returns can be done either by dropping off the materials with Library Staff members at the Circulation Desk or through the Book Drop Box located right outside of the Library entrance. Items must be returned on or before the due date.

Patrons who borrowed items from the Library may have other people return it for them, but the Library is not responsible if that person does not return it at all. The patron who checked them out is responsible for any items checked out in their name.

If students are not allowed on campus for whatever reason, they can drop them off at the front desk lobby area or ship the item(s) to the school.

Student Loaning Library Items Table

Students may borrow up to 5 items in total at one time. Loan periods for materials are listed below:

Note: Several Library Accessories/Equipment, Special Collections, and Reference items may not be checked-out. These items are intended for Library Use Only!

FINES & PENALTIES

Overdue Library Items

Any materials returned past the due date will be given a fine of $0.50 per day per item that is overdue (unless stated otherwise). The maximum late fee amount is $10 per item. Patrons can pay online at http://tinyurl.com/lafslibrary, at the Cashier’s Office (Building 2, 4th Floor), or through the Library’s digital catalog site https://librarycatalog.lafilm.edu. The receipt should be brought back to Library Staff, either by email, SMS text, or in-person, to clear the student’s fine amount.

Faculty and Staff are excused from any late fees accumulated, but they are still responsible for returning the item on time and in the same condition. If Library Staff does not receive any kind of communication from the Faculty/Staff member within the 30 days that their item is overdue, they will lose checkout privileges until they do return back the missing item.

Overdue Students → Library will send any overdue notices and contact the borrower over a 4-week period:

After the due date, the borrower will receive an automated email, “First Overdue Notice,” stating that they have an overdue item with accruing fines of $0.50 every day that is late. They will have a chance to renew if there are no holds on the item. The borrower is still responsible to pay any late fees that have already been accrued.
After 2 days late, Library Staff will contact the borrower to return or renew the item if there are no holds. The borrower is still responsible to pay any late fees that have already been accrued.
After 7 days late, an automated email, “Second Overdue Notice,” will be sent to them along with Library Staff contacting the borrower to return or renew the item if there are no holds. If there is no answer, the item will be marked “Long Overdue.” The borrower is still responsible to pay any late fees that have already been accrued.
After 14 days late, Library Staff will contact the borrower to return or renew the item if there are no holds. The borrower is still responsible to pay any late fees that have already been accrued.
After 21 days late, Library Staff will contact the borrower to return or renew the item if there are no holds. The borrower is still responsible to pay any late fees that have already been accrued.
After 30 days, the borrower will receive an automated email, “Final Overdue Notice,” stating that they will be billed and the item will be marked “LOST.” Any late fees accrued on this lost item will be waived and the borrower will only be charged the cost to replace the item. No refunds will be given once it is billed with the Business Office team and the Library already purchased the item using their budget to replace the lost item.

If the Student has a status of Withdrawn, Canceled, or Alumni, the fee will still be charged on their account with the Business Office team. If the student were to re-attend LAFS, they will need to pay any Library fees before they can fully re-enroll into the school.

Damaged Library Items

All items will be examined upon return. Materials that are returned damaged and not salvageable will be given a fine to the patron that borrowed the item. The borrower must either pay a replacement fee at market value or purchase a replacement copy.

Lost Library Items

If the borrower loses a library item, it will be marked “LOST” and will need to be replaced. The library will accept if the borrower chooses to purchase an exact copy of the lost item as payment. If not, the borrower will be billed the replacement cost.

If the borrower has a 30-day overdue item and does not communicate with Library Staff during the 4-week period, it will be marked “LOST.” The replacement cost fee will be billed on their account with the Business Office team. Any late fees accrued on this lost item will be waived and the borrower will only be charged the cost to replace the item.

If the borrower returns the lost item after a replacement copy has been ordered, the replacement cost will not be refunded.

Students → Rates for Overdue Materials

The Library does not count closed days when calculating fines. If Students lose an item, they will be charged with the replacement cost of the item.

Note: The Library does not count closed days when calculating fines. If Students lose an item, they will be charged with the replacement cost of the item.

Faculty & Staff Policies

Circulation

CIRCULATION SERVICES

Borrowing Library Items

Patrons are responsible for all materials charged to their account until they have been physically returned and checked-in by Library Staff. It is the borrower’s responsibility to:

Contact the library directly to update cell phone, email or other contact changes
Know when materials are due by checking the Due Date stickers on the item or reviewing the transaction email receipt of the date due for each item
Return materials promptly
Care in handling all library materials
Contacting Library to renew items if they cannot return it on time

Accessing Electronic Resources

Holding/Reserving Library Items

Recalls

Renewing Library Items

Returning Library Items

If students are not allowed on campus for whatever reason, they can drop them off at the front desk lobby area or ship the item(s) to the school.

Student Loaning Library Items Table

Students may borrow up to 5 items in total at one time. Loan periods for materials are listed below:

Note: Several Library Accessories/Equipment, Special Collections, and Reference items may not be checked-out. These items are intended for Library Use Only!

FINES & PENALTIES

Overdue Library Items

Overdue Students → Library will send any overdue notices and contact the borrower over a 4-week period:

After the due date, the borrower will receive an automated email, “First Overdue Notice,” stating that they have an overdue item with accruing fines of $0.50 every day that is late. They will have a chance to renew if there are no holds on the item. The borrower is still responsible to pay any late fees that have already been accrued.
After 2 days late, Library Staff will contact the borrower to return or renew the item if there are no holds. The borrower is still responsible to pay any late fees that have already been accrued.
After 7 days late, an automated email, “Second Overdue Notice,” will be sent to them along with Library Staff contacting the borrower to return or renew the item if there are no holds. If there is no answer, the item will be marked “Long Overdue.” The borrower is still responsible to pay any late fees that have already been accrued.
After 14 days late, Library Staff will contact the borrower to return or renew the item if there are no holds. The borrower is still responsible to pay any late fees that have already been accrued.
After 21 days late, Library Staff will contact the borrower to return or renew the item if there are no holds. The borrower is still responsible to pay any late fees that have already been accrued.
After 30 days, the borrower will receive an automated email, “Final Overdue Notice,” stating that they will be billed and the item will be marked “LOST.” Any late fees accrued on this lost item will be waived and the borrower will only be charged the cost to replace the item. No refunds will be given once it is billed with the Business Office team and the Library already purchased the item using their budget to replace the lost item.

Damaged Library Items

Lost Library Items

If the borrower returns the lost item after a replacement copy has been ordered, the replacement cost will not be refunded.

Students → Rates for Overdue Materials

The Library does not count closed days when calculating fines. If Students lose an item, they will be charged with the replacement cost of the item.

Note: The Library does not count closed days when calculating fines. If Students lose an item, they will be charged with the replacement cost of the item.

Building Policies

The Library strives to maintain a physical environment that is conducive to academic learning. Library users whose behavior disrupts this environment will be required to leave the facility. In addition, all Library users are required to follow direction given to them by Library employees. Library users are expected to adhere to all Library and School policies.

Sexual harassment is against the law and any patron who is harassing other patrons or library staff will be reported to campus security.

The LAFS Library strives to maintain an environment that is quiet and conducive for research and study for all users. Quiet conversations are permitted. Library users whose behavior disrupts this environment may be asked to leave the building. Examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to, loud talking, using cell phones, playing games and using audio-visual equipment without headphones.

If a user is not observing the noise guidelines, or if another user complains about specific patrons creating noise, the following steps will be taken:

First, a circulation employee or librarian will remind the offending party about the library's noise policy and ask the individual(s) to quiet down. The librarian will support the efforts of circulation desk staff to address the situation. If these efforts have been ignored, the librarian is responsible for following up.
If a second visit is required, the librarian will note that this is the second visit and if the noisy behavior does not stop the patron(s) will be asked to leave.
If a third visit is required, the patron(s) will be asked to leave. If the patron refuses to leave, the librarian will call Security Patrol, who will escort them out.

If it seems appropriate at any point, a library staff member may ask a user to show identification, so the library director can follow up with a conversation. The patron will also be given the library director's business card. If the patron refuses to provide identification, staff will notify Security Patrol, who have authorization to ask for identification from any person on campus. When dealing with a noisy group, staff may single out individuals who have been particularly rowdy and inform them that they must be quiet. Staff may also ask these individuals for their names.

The library director may decide to follow up with Student Services to discuss academic disciplinary actions that may be warranted.

In an attempt to keep the facility clean, sanitary and computers free from damage, the Library does not allow any food or drink within the facility. Library visitors who violate this policy may be asked to leave the library.

The Library does not allow any transportation devices inside the library facility. These include: bikes, skateboards, scooters, ect.

Distribution tables are available at other sites on campus. Accordingly, soliciting of any kind is not permitted in the Library facility.
Flyers and other notices for School-related events may be posted in designated areas, but must be approved by the library director. The Library reserves the right to limit the quantity of items, their placement, and length of time for their display.
Notices for events not connected with LAFS will generally not be permitted. Commercial advertising (except for the campus bookstore or other campus units) is not accepted.

From time to time library staff prepare and arrange displays or exhibits in the library in the display areas. When the library initiates a display, it provides and prepares the materials.

The LAFS Library permits LAFS campus departments and organizations to plan exhibits for display in the library so long as the material is deemed appropriate by the director of the library. It is up to such groups to supply all materials for a display, including signs, labels, etc. In addition, the library reserves the right to determine a time limit for any display that has been accepted.

Such displays must be academically oriented, must concern an issue of academic or intellectual substance, and should lead students into the resources of LAFS Library or other sources of research. Displays that are merely promotional in nature or that do not meet the other criteria listed above will not be permitted.

The LAFS Library supports student filming projects whenever possible. For filming instructions, please read the Filming in the Library Guidelines.

Items lost in the LAFS Library may be reclaimed at the Circulation Desk in the Library.
Unclaimed items valued at more than $100, or itmes contating personal information, are collected by Campus Secueity each week. These items include:
- Phones
- Wallets
- Laptops
- Passports
- Driver's Licenses
- USBs
- Keys
To inquire about your item, check first a the Circulation Desk (323) 769 - 2705 or email library staff lafslibrary@lafilm.edu, then contact Campus Security.
Other unclaimed items (such as water bottles, notebooks, shoes, umbrellas) are removed to campus recycling weekly.

The Los Angeles Film School Library seeks to provide the LAFS community with the best possible environment for research and study. We ask for your cooperation with the following rules, which apply to all Library users, respecting the use of Library facilities and resources:

Conduct that disturbs Library users or interferes with Library activities is prohibited.

Users shall respect the right of other library patrons and library staff. This includes loud or excessive noise (either generated by audio equipment or an electronic communication device), verbal abuse, harassment, threats of violence, sexual harassment, or other activities that interfere with the activities of Library staff and patrons.

Food and drinks are not allowed on Library premises as it may distract or can damage library equipment. There is a small table right outside the building for patrons to place their food or drinks upon.

Viewing inappropriate material is prohibited at the Library. Inappropriate content includes information or images that may upset anyone or information that might lead or tempt anyone into unlawful or dangerous behavior. This could be: pornographic material; sites that encourage vandalism, crime, terrorism, racism, eating disorders, suicide; pictures, videos or games which show images of violence or cruelty to other people or animals; gambling sites; and unmoderated chat rooms. Content should be appropriate and should not offend or upset anyone at all times.

LAFS is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy learning and living environment for students, faculty, and staff. Students are expected to be good citizens and engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others in the campus community, and contribute positively to students.

Theft and abuse of materials, facilities, and equipment is prohibited.

By entering the Library, patrons are agreeing to pass through a security system at the main entrance, which will then alarm if the patron is taking an item from the library and exiting without checking it out from the library staff.

Destruction of library materials by marking on or removing pages or other destructive activities toward materials or facilities are considered acts of vandalism.

Leaving unattended items for long periods of time is prohibited.

Any belongings left in an unoccupied space at the library for more than 30 minutes will be confiscated and brought to Security’s attention. Security will keep the unoccupied items until the owner claims for them. The LAFS Library and its staff are not responsible for any unattended items left damaged or stolen.

Failure to Comply

Failure to comply with library rules, library signage, or the directives of library staff or security personnel may result in the loss or suspension of library privileges, including but not limited to temporary or permanent removal from the library premises.

Note: Policies are subject to change at any time.

Reporting

Circulation records are maintained by the system and tabulated daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly by Library Staff. The Library keeps track of patron usage of the facility and will solely be collected and used for reporting purposes and to provide personalized/user-centered services.

Patron Confidentiality

Library records pertaining to a patron’s use of the library and its resources are confidential. The Library Staff will not reveal the names of individual borrowers or their borrowing history unless required by law.