Library Policies

NJIT libraries facilitate the circulation of materials owned by NJIT to students, faculty and staff and authorized alumni, courtesy and guests borrowers.

Who may borrow library materials?

• NJIT students, faculty and staff with a current validated NJIT ID card
• NJII staff members
• NJIT Alumni with a valid ID card
• NJIT Enterprise Development Centers members
• NJIT VIP's with letter from appropriate department
• Students from CHEN member libraries in Newark: Essex County College and Rutgers University (Newark Campus Only)
• VALE reciprocal borrowing institutions and NJIT library VALE borrowing policy
  1. Undergraduate students (participating institutions)
  2. Faculty/staff (participating institutions)
  3. Graduate students (participating institutions)

What materials may be borrowed?

• Circulating collection
• 2-hours, 1 day, and 7 day materials in the reserve collection housed at the Circulation Desk
• Humanities/Social Science videotapes

What materials may not be borrowed?

• Reference books
• Periodicals / serials / journals / magazines
• Non-circulating Humanities/Social Science books. These are intershelved with circulating collection on the lower level
• Use in library materials

How long can I keep the materials I borrowed?

How many items can I borrow?

• Circulating collection: varies by borrowing status
• Reserve collections: 3 items
• Humanities/social science videotapes: 3 items

Is there a limit on how many items in the circulating collection I can borrow simultaneously?

• NJIT undergraduate and graduate students: 25 items
• NJIT faculty and staff: 25 items
• NJIT alumni: 10 items
• Alumni, courtesy & guest borrowers, Rutgers Newark Campus students: 10 items

What is the check-out procedure for circulating materials?

• Borrower must present an ID card, valid for the current semester, to borrow library materials. Only the owner of a library-registered ID is authorized to borrow materials on his or her card. The library is not responsible for unauthorized use of library cards.

What is the check-out procedures for "use in library" materials?

• Borrower must present an ID card, valid for the current semester, or a valid driver's license in order to borrow Use in Library Materials. The ID will be held at the Circulation Desk while the material is being used in the library.

What is the procedure for renewals?

Materials on loan may be renewed twice providing no one has requested them. NJIT graduate students may renew items three times. Renewals may be done in the following ways:

1. on the web (My Account)
2. by presenting the books at the circulation desk
3. via the telephone 973-596-6371 (faculty and staff only)

In the spirit of limiting renewals to two times so that other users have access to material, we also ask that borrowers wait 48 hours before borrowing a book they have just returned. In cases where we know 48 hours have not passed, we will consider such a loan as a renewal for the purpose of this policy.

What are the fines for returning borrowed items late?

* Fines are NOT a mechanism to "rent" a book. Purposefully keeping a book for a longer period of time after it is overdue and then simply paying up the fine does NOT relieve you of your library obligations. Borrowers who are habitually keeping books overdue may may be subject to loss of access and use of library resources and disciplinary action by the university.

How do I place a hold on a borrowed item?

• Holds may be placed on materials that are currently charged out by placing a Hold request using the online catalog system

How do I recall a borrowed item?

• All materials are subject to recall before its original due date when the item is needed by another library borrower.
• The library understands that borrowers need materials for the papers they have to write and exams for which they have to study. However, the library is charged with making sure as many borrowers as possible get access to the materials they need. Sometimes -- when there is great demand and few resources -- that means you get a shorter "turn" with the material.

Is there a recall fine for borrowed materials that are not returned by the recall due date?

• Recall fine is $1.00 per day / per item for materials not returned after 7 days of notice

What are the procedures for lost or damaged materials?

• Patrons are fully responsible for all library materials charged out to them. In the event that an item is lost, the library will charge the cost of the item plus a $10.00 processing fee per item. If a lost item is found and returned within 90 days the cost of the item will be refunded. The processing fee is not refunded.

Does the library send overdue notices for materials that I borrowed?

• Notices are sent at 7, 14, and 21 days after an item is due.
• Notices are emailed to the borrower's official NJIT email addresses. Borrowers are responsible for checking NJIT email account or automatically forwarding email sent there to their off-campus or preferred email account.

The University Libraries welcome NJIT students, faculty, staff and visitors to use our buildings and resources for research and study. The University Libraries are committed to ensuring everyone's safety, to providing quality services and resources, and to maintaining an environment conducive to research, learning and collaboration. Library users are expected to respect the rights and property of others, respectfully use the Library's resources, equipment and facilities, and primarily engage in activities related to the research, learning and collaboration objectives of the University Libraries.

NJIT University Libraries endeavor to provide:

• a library environment that is free of disruptive activities including, but not limited to, rowdiness, noise, and inappropriate behavior
• clean and pleasant surroundings. View the Food and Drink Policy
• access to library materials that are complete and unmarked
• access to equipment and services, including computing, for the purpose of performing research
• privacy and confidentiality in their use of library services and resources.

Each library user must comply with the following set of rules and behaviors:

• The University Libraries follow the NJIT Official University Policies that guide behavior on the campus.
• Treat all library users and staff with respect and courtesy. Comply with staff request and directives.
• Consume food and drink only as permitted and in specified locations. See the Food and Drink Policy for restrictions.
• No outside food orders or deliveries to library patrons are permitted in the library.
• Cell phones and other electronic communications devices must be placed on mute or vibrate mode. Cell phone conversations are allowed only in the building lobby, or in a quiet corner where you will not disturb other users. Be considerate when using cell phones.
• Designated "Quiet Spaces" are located on the 2nd floor (Quiet Study Room) and the entire lower level. Remember to respect others with noise levels, conversation, use of space and resources.
• Reservation of seats or group study rooms is not permitted. Two or more students are required to use a group study room.
• Pets or other animals are not allowed, except for a service animal.
• Personal belongings should not be left unattended. The University Libraries will not be responsible for any loss or damage to personal belongings. Books and other materials left unattended may be removed by the library staff and taken to the circulation desk.
• Proper clothing, shoes or other footwear must be worn at all times in the libraries. Proper hygiene must be maintained; those whose bodily hygiene is offensive to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.
• A security system is used to safeguard library materials. If the alarm sounds, return to the circulation desk and a staff will assist you with the materials.
• Check at the Circulation Desk before posting flyers and other print announcements on the designated bulletin board. Those posted elsewhere will be removed.
• Children must be supervised at all times.

The following conduct is not permitted in the University Libraries:

• Smoking, the use of e-cigarettes or other vaping devices, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and weapons.
• Threatening, harassing, lewd/indecent, disruptive or other behavior not related to the research, learning and collaboration objectives of the University Libraries.
• Damage or theft of library materials, property or facilities, or property of other library users.
• Violating the NJIT's "Acceptable Use Policy for Cyber Resources".
• Bathing, shaving or other grooming activities in the restrooms.
• Panhandling.
• Use of skateboards, skates, scooters, or hoverboards.
• Bicycles are not permitted in the libraries, except the Department of Public Safety bicycles.

Users may be asked to show their NJIT or an acceptable ID card to an NJIT library staff member upon entrance, as well as have their personal items, such as backpacks and purses, inspected. Access to the University Libraries may be limited to those with NJIT ID card late-night and on weekends. Library users who violate this policy may be asked to leave and repeat violators could have their library privileges, including admittance to the Universities Libraries, suspended or revoked. Where appropriate, instances of misconduct may be reported to the Dean of Students and Campus Life or the Department of Public Safety.

The University Libraries welcome New Jersey Institute of Technology students, faculty and staff to use our buildings and resources. The primary purpose of University Libraries' computers and computer equipment is to meet the research and study needs of the students, faculty and staff of NJIT. It is the responsibility of each computer user to adhere to the University Libraries Computer Use Policy and follow standards of acceptable behavior as defined in the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy and NJIT's Acceptable Use Policy for Cyber Resources, as well as consistent with the following resources: 

• Students needing computers for course-related learning, information and research needs have priority at all times. The second priority is given to students, faculty and staff needing other types of computer use that either directly or indirectly supports the educational, research and service needs of the university.
• To use a computer in the Information Commons computer lab, students, faculty and faculty staff must log in to the NJITDM environment using their UCID login and password. All users with a password or account problems should direct their concerns to the Lab Consultant or call 973-596-2900 for assistance.
• Users may not hold a computer workstation by leaving their personal belongings. The Library is not responsible for unattended items left at the computer workstation. 
• The computer security lockout will automatically activate after the computer remains idle without user interaction for 30-minutes. Once the lockout is activated, the Lab Consultant will be able to reboot all vacated computers so others may use them.
• Guest patrons may use the computers designated for guest access along the semi-circle counter opposite the Information Commons computer lab. View the Computer Use Policy for Guest Patrons for information. 

Computer users are responsible for ethical and legal use of NJIT’s computing resources and must not use them in such ways that negatively impact the library environment for other students, library patrons and staff. This includes but not limited to:

• Accessing or making any content that may be considered threatening, harassing, intimidating, demeaning, hostile, or offensive.
• Disruptive behaviors, including playing audio from computers/or audible devices that can be heard by others.
• Consuming food or drinks other than those in closed containers. View the Food and Drink Policy. 
• Violation of copyright laws or electronic database licensing restrictions or any other NJIT policy. 
• Altering the setup or configuration of the equipment or software on any computer, including the installation of software or hardware.
• Using the computer to create an unwelcome environment for other library patrons.
• Viewing pornography or other explicit or offensive content.

Computer users may be asked to show their NJIT or an acceptable ID card to an NJIT library staff member.  Access to the University Libraries Information Commons computer lab may be limited to those with NJIT ID. Computer users who violate the University’s Acceptable Use Policy for Cyber Resources may be asked to leave the premises and repeat violators may have their library privileges, including admittance to the Universities Libraries, suspended or revoked. Where appropriate, instances of misconduct may be reported to the Dean of Students and Campus Life or the Department of Public Safety.

For the Fall 2020 Semester No Food or Drink Will Be Allowed in the Van Houten Library

The University Libraries food and drink policy is intended to maintain a clean and pleasant study environment while preserving library materials, equipment, and furnishings. We ask that library patrons take responsibility for themselves and others and use good judgment to ensure that no trace is left behind and no damage is caused by food and drink. This policy is adopted on the condition that the University Libraries remain clean. If problems related to cleanliness, damaged materials, equipment, furniture or other complaints arise, this policy may be revoked without notice. View Code of Conduct Policy for more information.

• Beverages in covered containers and small packaged snacks are permitted in study areas throughout the Van Houten Library.
• No food or snacks are allowed in the Information Commons computer lab or Library Instruction room CAB-1050.
• No meals (includes sandwiches and pizza) are permitted, except in the enclosed designated eating area at the bottom of the stairs, lower level. Individuals found eating meals in other areas of the library will be asked to relocate or leave the library.
• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
• Unattended food and drink may be removed and discarded.
• Food deliveries, food parties, group meals are not allowed except in library-sponsored events.
• Protect library materials, equipment and furniture. Take responsibility for maintaining a sanitary and pleasant environment. Clean up after yourself and others. Properly dispose of trash in the library-provided receptacles or remove it from the building.
• Food or drink spills should be reported to the Circulation Desk immediately so that prompt action can be taken to minimize the damage.
• Library staff reserves the right to ask anyone who disregards the above conditions to leave the library. Individuals who do not comply are in violation of the University Libraries' Food and Drink poliy and may be asked to show ID.
• Students who violate this policy may be reported to the Dean of Students and Campus Life.

Group Study Rooms are available on a limited basis

Reservations for Group Study Rooms can be made up to 7 days in advance by using the online reservation system. 

• At this time group study rooms are only available for two (2) NJIT students, faculty, or staff members
• We require each occupant of the Group Study Room to leave their NJIT ID cards in exchange for the room key.
• Group Study Room usage expires at the end of the reservation time slot.
• If your time period has expired, then you or any member of your group must make another reservation using the online system to occupy another room.
• If at any time we observe that you do not have at least two people in your group study room, you will be asked to vacate the room.
• If an assigned room is discovered unoccupied by the group, all belongings will be confiscated and placed in the library's lost and found bin and the room will be made available to other patrons.
• Never leave the premises with keys to group study rooms.
• Once you have a room key in your possession, you have five minutes to occupy the room or risk losing your vacancy.
• If the room is not vacated and key returned at the end of your allotted time, you will be charged a $5.00 fine.
• Your group is responsible for any unreported damages found after you leave the study room. Please advise us of any conditions in the room which require attention at the time of your occupancy. And unresolved disputes will be forwarded to the Dean of Students Office for resolution.
• You will be requested to leave the library if you are found with food or beverages in the study rooms.
• To respect our users' privacy, the library will not tell users what group study room their friends, roommates, classmates, and so forth are using.

The NJIT library is bound by NJ law to adhere to the following N.J. Statutes with regard to the confidentiality of our user's records. The law states:

18A:73-43.1. "Library," "library record" defined
For the purpose of this act:

1. "Library" means a library maintained by any State or local governmental agency, school, college, or industrial, commercial or other special group, association or agency, whether public or private.
2. "Library record" means any document or record, however maintained, the primary purpose of which is to provide for control of the circulation or other public use of library materials.

L. 1985, c. 172, s. 1, eff. May 31, 1985.

18A:73-43.2. Confidentiality; exceptions
Library records which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of libraries are confidential and shall not be disclosed except in the following circumstances:

1. The records are necessary for the proper operation of the library;
2. Disclosure is requested by the user; or
3. Disclosure is required pursuant to a subpoena issued by a court or court order.

L. 1985, c. 172, s. 2, eff. May 31, 1985.

Examples of incidents which the NJIT library considers necessary for the proper operation of the library under item "a" above, include, but are not limited to:

• Billing a user for a lost, stolen, or damaged book through the Bursar's Office or a collection agency
• Bringing a user before the Academic Integrity Committee on charges of mutilation or theft of library materials
• Assisting another library with resolving an overdue or fine situation with an NJIT user who has borrowed or used materials through reciprocal borrowing arrangements
• Acquiring material for loan or to keep from another institution on behalf of a user through interlibrary loan or document delivery