Controlled Access Policy
Controlled Access Policy and Procedures
The Charles Von der Ahe Library controls access to off-campus visitors. Please review the information below before visiting the library.
Why control access to the library?
How does it work?
Who has free access and free full privileges to the library?
Who has free access and free level 1 basic borrowing privileges?
Who has free access to the library, but must pay for borrowing privileges?
Who must pay for both access and borrowing privileges?
Do LMU alumni get a discount?
How does the annual card work?
What if I don't want to purchase borrowing privileges, just access to the library?
Why control access to the library?
The purpose of card-controlled access to the library is to:
- provide LMU students, faculty, and staff with fuller access to the services, collections, and space they have a right to expect;
- reduce the use of the library by off-campus individuals who do not contribute funds toward paying for the operation of the library;
- increase security for people and materials by having a record of who is in the building;
- provide better compliance with the library's electronic databases and journals licensing agreements which stipulate that their use be limited to the campus community only.
How does it work?
After walking into the library's lobby, the patron will "swipe" his/her LMU photo ID OneCard or LMU visitor card (without photo) through the card reader which sits atop the turnstile. The card system then verifies the status of the card and the turnstile releases. A person without a card will stop at the Circulation Desk to the left of the turnstiles where the person will register prior to entry. Some of our off-campus patrons will receive free access; a few will pay a fee to enter the library.
Who has free access and free full privileges to the library?
- LMU faculty and staff
- Regularly-enrolled LMU students
- LMU religious community
- Loyola Law School students, faculty and staff
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Who has free access to the library and free level 1 basic borrowing privileges?
- LMU Extension/Continuing Education students and staff
- Immediate family members of LMU employees
- SCELC faculty and librarians
- SCATLA graduate students
- Local and visiting clergy
- Retired LMU employees
LMU Extension/Continuing Education students and staff must get a letter of permission from the LMU Extension/Continuing Education Office if they wish to borrow materials.
Local and visiting clergy must submit a letter on their organization's letter head identifying him/her as affiliated clergy and guaranteeing the payment of unpaid fines incurred by the clergy members. Submit the letter of request to the Dean of Libraries.
Any patron receiving borrowing privileges must obtain an LMU photo ID OneCard or an LMU visitor card (no photo). To obtain the card, complete a Von der Ahe Library Guest Card Application available at the Circulation Desk. If obtaining a OneCard, your photo will be taken in the OneCard Office in St. Roberts Hall.
Who has free access to the library, but must pay for borrowing privileges?
- LMU and Loyola Law School alumni
- Westchester (zip 90045) residents (requires photo ID or utility bill with name and address)
- Parents of regularly-enrolled LMU students
- Students from high schools with whom we have written agreements for privileges
- Catholic university and high school students
The above patrons pay an annual fee for basic level 1 borrowing privileges.
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Who must pay for both access and borrowing privileges?
Any individual without free privileges may purchase borrowing privileges. Individuals must be 18 years of age and show a valid driver's license or photo ID. Complete a Von der Ahe Library Guest Card Application at the Circulation Desk. The guest card offers three levels of limited borrowing privileges:
- Level 1 - $200 Basic Annual Privilege: Along with one year of access from the date of purchase, the card also includes borrowing privileges of three (3) items checked out at any one time and one (1) renewal per item. Placing holds on checked-out items is not included.
- Level 2 - $300 Enhanced Annual Privilege: Along with one year of access from the date of purchase, the card also includes borrowing privileges of six (6) items checked out at any one time and two (2) renewals per item. Placing holds on checked-out items is allowed.
- Level 3 - $450 Premium Annual Privilege: Along with one year of access from the date of purchase, the card also includes borrowing privileges of ten (10) items checked out at any one time and five (5) renewals per item. Placing holds on checked-out items is allowed.
In addition to the above fee, a refundable $100 deposit is also required.
Any corporation or institution may pay annually, through written agreement, for privileges for members of the organization. The cost of corporate cards varies depending on the type of privileges and number of cards requested.
Do LMU alumni get a discount?
Yes, a $100 discount off of the above borrowing privilege fees. Also, LMU alumni do not need to leave a refundable deposit. The borrowing fees for LMU alumni are $100 for level 1, $200 for level 2, and $350 for level 3. Remember, access for LMU alumni is free.
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How does the annual card work?
Annual borrower cards are valid for one calendar year from the date of issue. The patron may come and go freely during that year, "swiping" the card through the lobby turnstiles to gain entry. The cardholder may also use reference services and view library videos in the library. Videos may not be checked out. Rush cataloging, course reserves, remote online access, and interlibrary loan services are not available to visitors.
To purchase borrowing privileges, present at the Circulation Desk a valid driver's license or current student ID from an accredited education institution. A refundable $100 deposit must be included with payment. The deposit will be used for any unpaid fines or books never returned. Deposits are refundable after the annual card expires and if it is not renewed. LMU alumni do not leave a deposit.
Cards are not transferrable.
Corporate entities may purchase annual cards by prior written agreement. These individuals will each receive a card and will have borrowing privileges according to the privilege level paid by the company.
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What if I don't want to purchase borrowing privileges, just access to the library?
Patrons not eligible for free access may pay for access according to the time periods below.
- $5 per day
- $25 per month
- $50 per quarter (3 months)
- $75 per half year (6 months)
- $125 per year
Stop at the Circulation Desk to register and pay. present a valid driver's license or photo ID. For less than one month's access you will not receive a visitor card, but will be allowed to pay each day and come and go freely that day, giving your name at the Information Station. For one month or longer, you will receive the LMU visitor card (no photo). Along with in-house use of books and journals, you may use reference services and view library videos in the library. You may not check out any materials. Rush cataloging, course reserves, remote online access, and interlibrary loan services are not available to visitors.
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