Services and Policies

Interlibrary Loan

Library Instruction

Acquisitions Service

The Neumann University Library makes a concerted effort to develop a balanced and substantial collection that reflects the Catholic Franciscan mission and identity of the University, supports the curriculum, and represents best current practices.  The collection is developed to meet the academic information and research needs of Neumann University students, faculty and staff, with the primary focus on students’ information and research needs as a foundation for lifelong learning.  The Library Collection Development Policy can be viewed in its entirety in the Academic Administration Policy and Procedure Manual, number LB 1.00 under the subheading “Library.”

As part of maintaining a vital collection, the library welcomes title recommendations from Faculty, Administration, and Staff.  Title recommendations can be made using our electronic form (Faculty, Administration, and Staff use only): click HERE.

The Library accepts and appreciates donations of good condition (bindings intact, no underlining or highlighting) materials related to the University's history or curriculum, as identified by Library staff in accordance with the Library Collection Development Policy.  Donated items become the property of the Library and may be used or disposed of, as deemed appropriate by Library staff. 

The Neumann University Library does not evaluate gifts for tax purposes in accordance with Internal Revenue Service regulations.  Donors seeking to have books of great monetary value or collections recorded as formal gifts to the University will be referred to the Office of Institutional Advancement and University Relations and to all relevant policies and procedures.

Archives

The University Archives are housed in the Rocco A. Abessinio Building.  Call the Archivist at 610-361-5206 for more information.

For genealogists, Delaware County's Tax Assessment Dockets from 1791 to 1903 are housed in the Archives.

Circulation

Loan Periods and Fines
Patrons must have a current Neumann ID card or library card to check out items. Books from the General Circulating collection are loaned for 28 days and Popular Reading books for 14 days.  Films circulate for 7 days. Compact discs circulate 3 days. Items may be renewed twice (in person, via email library@neumann.edu, or by telephone, ext. 5545).

There are no overdue fines associated with library materials; however, the library reserves the right to put an Academic Hold on student records if they have outstanding materials. Patrons are notified of outstanding materials by email.   After four notices have been sent, an Academic Hold is placed.  Academic Holds are removed once the materials are returned and the patron makes a direct request to a member of the library staff.  Call the Circulation Desk at 610-558-5545 for more information.

Note: All items circulate to faculty members until the end of the current semester.

ILL Late Fees and Lost Book Charges
Interlibrary Loan books may have overdue fines associated with them.  See ILL policy for further information.  Any lost items are assessed at their replacement value.  Patrons who have lost materials should contact library staff about the best method for replacing the lost material: 610-558-5543.  Patrons who have lost materials will have an Academic Hold put on their account until a new copy of the material or its replacement cost have been collected.

Library Privileges for Alumni and Visitors
Community members and Neumann University alumni can obtain borrowing privileges by presenting current ID, such as a valid driver's license, and providing some personal contact information at the Circulation Desk. Call the Circulation Desk at 610-558-5545 for more information.

Computers

There are 26 computers available in the Reference area for Neumann University students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Computers provide access to the internet, online databases, and Microsoft Office, and are not subject to timed-use restrictions. Computing support provided by Information Technology & Resources.

All users of Library computers are expected to comply with the University's Declaration of Computing and Information Rights and Responsibilities.

Art Exhibits

The Office of Cultural Programming hosts exhibits by emerging artists from the surrounding area that take place in the Library Gallery. The exhibits typically run for one month and are in congruence with the mission of Neumann University. For a schedule of upcoming art exhibits or for information regarding exhibit proposals, please contact the Office of Cultural Programming: 610-558-5626, dimarinn@neumann.edu.

Interlibrary Loan

Books and journal articles that are not part of the Neumann University Library holdings are available to Neumann University students, faculty, and staff through the Interlibrary Loan service, named ILLiad.  Only items that are not part of the library collection or openly available on the web are eligible, so please check Francis (the Library catalog) and the web for your item before making a request.   To set up your ILLiad account or to make a request, click HERE.  

Library Instruction

Members of the Library instructional staff have deep understandings of diverse learning styles and pedagogical best practices that they apply when teaching students the critical methods and strategies necessary to conduct meaningful research. Known as Information Literacy, learning outcomes relating to critical thinking and research are embedded into the Core, and library instructional staff aid in their instruction and assessment. Faculty may contact the Coordinator of Information Literacy to schedule librarian-led classes based on Core outcomes, or to collaborate on other specific assignments. Faculty may also take advantage of a myriad of information literacy related assignments and activities developed by librarians for Faculty use in the classroom. These activities and more can be found in the Information Literacy Toolbox for Faculty.

For more information, contact the Coordinator of Information Literacy at
(610) 558-5541, williamm@neumann.edu

Reference & Information Desk

Librarians are available to assist students, faculty, and visitors to the library with any research and information needs. Visit the Reference & Information Desk staff in person, over the phone, or by email when you need assistance finding, using, citing, and presenting research and information. Stop by or make an appointment; skilled, friendly librarians are usually available any time the library is open. Set up an appointment or ask a question today at (610) 558-5545 or library@neumann.edu. 

Reserves

Faculty may place books and audiovisual materials on reserve in the Library for their current students’ use. These items may be the instructor’s or the Library's copies, and may be maintained as a Reserve item for the duration of ONE semester. Faculty should review the Faculty Reserves Policy web page for more information.

Call the Reserves Desk at 610-361-5216 for more information.

Student Reserves Policy

Access to reserves materials will be denied to anyone without a valid student ID.

Materials on reserve are for in-Library use only! Materials are placed on Reserve by the faculty in order to provide equal access for ALL students enrolled in their classes.

Failure to return Reserve materials will result in a fine of $3.00 per day per item, an Academic Hold, and/ or replacement cost of the material.

For more information call the Reserves Desk at 610-361-5216.