Lending Policies – Guests

Library Guests and Campus Visitors

Visitors to the Downs-Jones Library are welcome during the library’s regular operating hours. Huston-Tillotson University is a closed campus – please check in at a Campus Safety kiosk when arriving on campus and be aware of the library’s policies as outlined in the Library Handbook. Visitors using the library’s resources will be asked to fill out a sign-in sheet at the library’s main desk.

HT Alumni

HT graduates and former students are always welcome to visit and enjoy the Downs-Jones Library. If you wish to check out library items and do NOT have a TexShare card (see below), please consult with a librarian so we can create an account for you at no cost.

TexShare

TexShare is a free resource-sharing program among many Texas libraries. Learn more here.

Request a TexShare card from your home library to receive guest access to the Downs-Jones Library’s resources. Visitors must present a valid and current TexShare card AND a valid and current photo ID to check out library items.

TexShare card holders may check out:

• Books: Up to 5 books for 3 weeks at a time. 1 renewal, via email, phone, or in person. All Downs-Jones Library items must be returned to the Downs-Jones Library, NOT to your home library.
• eBooks: Accessible in the library only. Not available remotely.
• Headphones: 1 pair of headphones, no time limit. Headphones MUST stay in the library.
• Online Resources: Accessible in the library only. Not available remotely.
• Reserve Textbooks: 1 textbook for up to 2 hours. Reserve textbooks MUST stay in the library. Access may be limited during periods of high demand from HT students.

TexShare card holders may not check out:

• Chromebooks or Laptops
• Interlibrary Loan Items
• Media Technology

Fines and Fees General Policy

Late Fees:

The Downs-Jones Library does not charge late fees, except for technology during periods of high demand. Patrons will be informed at the time of checkout if late fees for devices are currently in effect.

Lost and Destroyed Item Fees:

Books and DVDs that are never returned – more than 4 months or 1 semester overdue – incur a Lost Item Fine of $45.00. This allows the library to purchase a new copy or otherwise replace the item.

Because of its higher value, technology that is never returned – more than 4 months overdue – incurs a Lost Item Fine of up to $300, depending on the replacement cost. If the device is returned but accessories, such as the charger or memory card, have been lost, this situation will incur a lower fine of $45.00.

If the missing item is returned, the Lost Item Fine will be waived, unless the Downs-Jones Library has already paid to replace it.

Books or media technology returned so damaged that they can no longer be checked out to new patrons are considered lost.

Examples of fatal damage to a book:

• Water damage
• Torn cover or pages
• Missing pages
• Cracked spine
• Coloring, underlining, highlighting, writing, or other marking on pages
• Food stains
• Missing cover or dust jacket

Examples of fatal damage to a device:

• Missing pieces
• Broken hinges
• Broken casing
• Ruined screen
• Corruption by virus or other malware
• Food or liquid damage

For more about fines, fees, and payment, please see the Library Handbook.