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About

FACULTY & STAFF POLICIES

Mission

PURPOSE

To support the academic pursuits of its students, the LAFS Library provides comprehensive resources and services for learning, teaching, and research needs, with the aim of making resources easily accessible so that students and staff can take advantage of them.

MISSION

The LAFS Library plays a vital role in supporting the educational and professional development of its students, staff, and alumni by providing current and relevant books, media, and digital resources. The Library supports its patrons in locating and retrieving information from a wide range of sources and facilitating the learning resource system for the LAFS community.

Strategies & Principles

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Develop services and technologies to improve engagement with the library’s users Advance the library’s role in supporting research programs, scholarly and creative activities Analyze the library’s physical and digital space to plan for future users and collection needs Continue to assess and improve library services, facilities, and personnel

PRINCIPLES

  • Institutional Effectiveness: Libraries define, develop, and measure outcomes that contribute to institutional effectiveness and apply findings for purposes of continuous improvement.
  • Professional Values: Libraries advance professional values of intellectual freedom, intellectual property rights and values, user privacy and confidentiality, collaboration, and user-centered service.
  • Educational Role: Libraries partner in the educational mission of the institution to develop and support information-literate learners who can discover, access, and use information effectively for academic success, research, and lifelong learning.
  • Discovery: Libraries enable users to discover information in all formats through the effective use of technology and the organization of knowledge.
  • Collections: Libraries provide access to collections sufficient in quality, depth, diversity, format, and currency to support the research and teaching missions of the institution.
  • Space: Libraries are the intellectual commons where users interact with ideas in both physical and virtual environments to expand learning and facilitate the creation of new knowledge.
  • Management/Administration/Leadership: Library leaders engage in internal and campus decision-making to inform resource allocation to meet the library’s mission effectively and efficiently.
  • Personnel: Libraries provide a sufficient number and quality of personnel to ensure excellence and to function successfully in an environment of continuous change.
  • External Relations: Libraries engage the campus and broader community through multiple strategies in order to advocate, educate, and promote their value.


http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/standardslibraries
Cite:
"Standards for Libraries in Higher Education", American Library Association, August 29, 2006.
http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/standardslibraries
Document ID: e169adbd-8407-4434-31c5-c14771a447b2

General Overiew

CODE OF CONDUCT

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 rights 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.     

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 are 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. 

*Policies are subject to change at any time. 

Circulation Services

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 student-issued ID. Students with an “Active” status account (both on-campus and online) are able to check out Library materials. Students who have a status of “Alumni,” “Leave of Absence,” “Withdrawn,” and “Canceled” are not able to check out items. However, Alumni and visitors, with a school-issued guest pass, may only view and use the materials in the facility.

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

Students will need to pay for any late, lost, or damaged fees. If the overdue item has not been returned for more than 30 days, it will be marked “LOST” and the student will have a hold on their LAFS account. All borrowed materials must be returned and/or lost fees paid before graduation.

Staff & Faculty may also borrow library materials, but may not follow the same rules as students do. Faculty may have a total of 5 items and Staff may have a total of 5 items at a time.  

If a Faculty member chooses to send a student to pick up any library materials, they may do so but that Faculty member 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. 

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

  • Update cell phone, email, or other contact info 

  • Know when materials are due by checking the Due Date stickers on the item, or review the transaction email receipt of the date due for each item, or viewing their account information in Koha

  • Return materials promptly

  • Care in handling all library materials

  • Renew items if they cannot return them on time 

Patrons can do the above by contacting the Library or through the Library’s digital catalog, Koha.

 

ACCESSING ELECTRONIC RESOURCES THROUGH KOHA / LIBGUIDES

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 members. 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. Some resources are available as Open Access, in the Public Domain, and other free websites, which do not need a LAFS login.    

 

HOLDING / RESERVING LIBRARY ITEMS

Holding library materials can be done by phone, email, or online through the library catalog Koha. 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, for instance, if a Faculty member has requested to place the item on reserve for a class or if a Student needs an item for a vital assignment.

 

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, in-person, email, or via the library catalog Koha. 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 for a valid reason, 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 an overdue item on their account. (Details on max renewals for each item are listed in the Loaning Library Items 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 or at the B1 Lobby. Items must be returned on or before the due date. 

Patrons who borrowed items from the Library may have other people return them, but the Library is not responsible if that person does not return them 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 Book Drop Box at B1 Lobby.

 

LOANING LIBRARY ITEMS TABLE

 

 FACULTY may borrow 5 items in total at one time, though if needed for a class/assignment, this may be waived. Loan periods for items are below:

 

STAFF may borrow 5 items in total at one time. Loan periods for items are below:

 


FINES & PENALTIES

 

OVERDUE LIBRARY ITEMS

Items will need to be returned back to the Library promptly. If Patrons do not return back library items on the assigned due dates for each item, they may acquire late fees or other consequences that will ban them from checkout privileges. 

Students will not graduate if they have any “Holds” to their name, meaning they owe an item that is 60 days overdue. They will need to return the overdue item, replace it, or pay the replacement cost. 

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 the missing item. 

 

LATE FEES

Faculty and Staff with Late Fees will not be allowed to check out anything. If Faculty or Staff do not return the back the borrowed items, they will lose checkout privileges.  

 

OVERDUE LATE ITEM NOTIFICATIONS→ Library will send any overdue notices and contact the borrower over a 60-day period:

  • After 1 day late, the borrower will receive an automated email/text, “First Overdue Notice,” stating that they have an overdue item and may start to accrue fines every day that the item is late. They will have a chance to renew with Library Staff if they need more time and there are no holds on the item.  

  • After 7 days late, Library Staff will contact the borrower by phone to return or renew the item if there are no holds. 

  • After 14 days late, an automated “Second Overdue Notice” email/text will be sent to the borrower along with Library Staff contacting the borrower to return the item by phone.   

  • After 21 days late, Library Staff will contact the borrower to return or renew the item if there are no holds. 

  • After 28 days late, an automated “Final Overdue Notice” email/text will be sent to the borrower along with Library Staff contacting the borrower to return the item by phone.  

  • After 30 days, Library Staff will mark the overdue item “LOST” in the Library System, Koha. The borrower will lose any future checkout privileges until they return the item back.  

  • Between 30-60 days, In the event that a Faculty or Staff returns back the 30-60 days overdue item, the Lost Item will need to be returned in good/same condition as when it was checked out. Library Staff will then make note in Koha regarding the borrower and will be put on "probation." The borrower might have limitations to future Library Item checkouts until Library Staff see that the patron returns items back on time. 

  • After 60 days, the borrower will be held accountable for not returning and/or communicating with Library Staff. 

* Please note that if any Patron repeats bringing in items late on an occurring basis, they may be subject to be banned from checkout privileges. They will be given 2 verbal/email warnings before being prohibited from checking out library items. 

 

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. It will be encouraged for the borrower to pay a replacement fee at market value or purchase a replacement copy, but it is not mandatory.

 

LOST LIBRARY ITEMS

If the borrower loses a library item, it will be marked “LOST” and will need to be replaced. It will be encouraged for the borrower to purchase a replacement copy, but it is not mandatory.  
 

Computer Workstations

6 iMac Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff to utilize. Guests may also use these computers, but priority is reserved for Students. 

2 MacBook Pro Laptops are available by the window sill for Printing or Quick Browse purposes. Limited to15 minutes of usage.  

All Library computers are in a public area and patrons may be involuntarily exposed to what others are viewing and searching online. Users should remain sensitive to the fact that they are working in a public environment shared by people of all ages. Patrons must respect others' privacy by not attempting to observe or comment on what others are viewing. 

Patrons must use headphones when listening to audio content, and keep the volume low to not disturb others.

Patrons should not misuse computer equipment or software. Misuse includes but is not limited to the following: 

  • Viewing material that violates federal, state, or local laws or regulations, including those regarding accessing, viewing, printing, and distributing obscenity or child pornography

  • Hacking into the library computer system or any other computer system

  • Mishandling, damaging, or attempting to damage computer equipment or software; tampering with computer settings; stealing computer’s mouse pads or cables

  • Interfering with system operations, integrity, or security

  • Attempting to gain or gain access to another person's files or authorization code

  • Displaying or printing materials that violate The Los Angeles Film School's policy on sexual harassment.

  • Engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment

  • Telnetting to outside locations on a Library Resource Computer

  • Violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements or the policies of the individual websites that you view

  • Failing to pay for printing

  • Refusing or ignoring a staff person's request to give up a computer

  • Failing to comply with time limits

Printer, Copier & Scanner

All LAFS members may use the Printer/Copier/Scanner at the Library. There is a charge for printing 

Click here to learn how to use the Printer → https://lafilm.libguides.com/printscancopy 

Printing

All LAFS members may print at the Library (or other specified locations around campus where PaperCut System is installed). Students and Alumni are responsible to add money to their Printing Accounts either through the Cashier's Office or Online at https://papercut.lafilm.edu

Scanning

All LAFS members may scan for FREE using their lafilm.edu account.

Copying

All LAFS members may make copies at the Library (or other specified locations around campus where PaperCut System is installed). Students and Alumni are responsible to add money to their Printing Accounts either through the Cashier's Office or Online at https://papercut.lafilm.edu

Adding Credit to your Printing Account

There are 2 ways to add credit for printing:

1. Log in to https://papercut.lafilm.edu and add "credit" (or funds) to your Print Account. You may pay using your PayPal account or Pay by Guest using your Credit/Debit Card. 

2. Visit the Cashier’s Office (B 2, 4th Floor) on campus to add Credit to your Print Account. You may pay in Cash or Credit/Debit Card. 

Headphones, Chargers, and other Library Equipment

LAFS Library supplies and equipment are available on a first-come, first-served basis for Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff to utilize. 

Equipment

The following LAFS Library equipment may be used only at the Library:

  • Sony Headphones

  • Apple and Android Phone Chargers

  • Apple USB Adapters 

  • External CD/DVD Player

  • Multiple CD Burner

  • Printer and Scanner

Office Supplies

The following office supplies may be used upon request:

  • Pens and Pencils

  • Tape

  • Pencil Sharpener

  • Stapler

  • Paper Clips

  • 3-Hole Puncher

  • Paper Cutting Board

  • Scratch Paper

  • Resume Paper

  • Manila folder

Course Reserve Equipment 

The following items are on reserve for certain patrons: 

  • MIDI Keyboards (reserved for LARS Students)   

  • Tascam Monitor TH-05 Headphones (reserved for LARS Students) 

  • Xbox One Console with 2 Controllers and 4 Games Kit (reserved for Faculty)

  • PS4 Console with 1 Controller and 6 Games Kit (reserved for Faculty)

  • Recording and Microphone Kit (reserved for Faculty)

Game Consoles

At this time, Game Consoles may only be lent out to Faculty as part of their classroom instruction. The Library has a couple of consoles such as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. 

Study Space

All LAFS members may use the Library space for independent study or to pass time. As long as patrons respect others and keep in mind noise levels, patrons may continue to utilize the space until the Library closes. Currently, the Library space is limited and will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. Library hours are posted on the Library site and on the Library entrance door.

Info Desk

INFO DESK

Library Staff can help provide information on other departments and how to access support to all LAFS members and prospective students. 

 

STUDENT SUCCESS

Student Advisors provide support and resources for students to enhance and aid in their school experience. You can visit on campus in B2, 1st Floor. 

ON-CAMPUS STUDENTS ONLINE STUDENTS

CALL 

323.769.7714

CALL 

323.769.2798

EMAIL

advising@lafilm.edu

EMAIL

onlineadvising@lafilm.edu

HELPDESK

IMT provides Students and Staff the support needed to resolve any technical issues throughout the use of our LAFS platforms, sites, and other associated products. You can visit the IMT HelpDesk located B1, 4th Floor for technical issues. 

Check out the HelpDesk site to view the Knowledge Base Articles or Create a HelpDesk Ticket if you are having technical issues -> helpdesk.lafilm.com/front/helpdesk.faq.php? 

CALL ONLINE SUPPORT

844.349.3456

 

DISTRIBUTION CENTER

DC provides learning materials and gears on time necessary for the completion of student courses and/or programs, including TechKits (laptops, software, gear accessories, etc).

CALL

323.769.8769

EMAIL

dchelpdesk@lafilm.edu

BUSINESS OFFICE

The Business Office team provides excellent customer service to students and supports them on payment, outstanding balance, and billing-related questions. In support of students, the department also works with various departments within the School to facilitate coordination and provide clarification to student inquiries related to their ledger balance.

CALL 

323.769.2292

CALL CASHIER'S OFFICE

323.769.2983

EMAIL

businessoffice@lafilm.edu

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Your Career Advisors will provide assistance and resources that will support Students and Alumni as they navigate the challenging path to creating and sustaining a successful career.

CALL 

323.769.2716

EMAIL

careerdevelopment@lafilm.edu

FEDERAL WORK STUDY 

FWS program is a federally funded part-time employment program used to assist students in meeting their financial obligations to LAFS and to encourage community-service involvement.

CALL 

323.769.2739

EMAIL

workstudy@lafilm.edu

EQUIPMENT ROOMS

Both LAFS and LARS Equipment Rooms provide assistance and resources that will support Students and Faculty with whatever needs they have in regards to studio bookings and equipment rentals.

LAFS ER LARS ER

CALL 

323.769.2986

CALL 

323.769.2958

EMAIL

lafser@lafilm.edu

EMAIL

larser@lafilm.edu

 

Filming at the Library

The LAFS Library may be used as a location site to film for Students and Faculty. Providing prior notification, detailed plans, and agreeing to the policies of the Library, Library Staff will be able to help facilitate your next production project!

Please read the Guide (below) regarding the Library Filming Policies prior to sending out an email to the Library Director and filling out the LAFS Film Permit form. 

Lost & Found

Items lost in the LAFS Library may be reclaimed at the Circulation Desk in the Library. 

Items lost valued at more than $50 or items contating personal information, are collected by Campus Security each week. These items include: 

  • Phones
  • Wallets
  • Laptops
  • Passports
  • Driver's Licenses
  • 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, USBs, pens, notebooks, shoes, umbrellas, etc) are removed to campus recycling after 30-days. 

Data & Patron Privacy

The Data and Patron Usage Policy at LAFS Library governs the handling, protection, and usage of patron data and outlines the rights and responsibilities of patrons in utilizing library services.

1. Collection and Use of Patron Data:

  • The library collects minimal personal data necessary for the provision of library services, including but not limited to name, contact information, and borrowing records.
  • Patron data is solely used for library-related purposes, such as managing accounts, providing notifications, and improving services.

2. Confidentiality and Privacy:

  • Patron data and borrowing history are considered confidential and are not disclosed to third parties without explicit consent, except as required by law or in exceptional circumstances.
  • The library staff is committed to safeguarding patron privacy and ensures that access to patron data is restricted to authorized personnel only.