Regulations library

The reading rooms of the university library are freely accessible to members of the University of Antwerp (UA) and the Antwerp University Association (AUHA).

Non-members of these institutions who are older than 18 years are permitted to use the reading rooms as long as this does not hinder the normal functioning.

The days and hours of opening of the reading rooms are determined by the authorities of the University of Antwerp.

Efficient functioning of the reading rooms

In the reading rooms, all activities that can disturb the efficient functioning of the library or of other readers are to be avoided. Activities other than those necessary for study and research are not permitted.

• There is to be no loud talking or telephoning
• All buildings of the University of Antwerp are smoke-free, including the reading rooms of the library
• Eating is not permitted, and drinking is permitted only as long as it does not threaten to cause damage to the books or equipment (no unstable cups). For the consultation of expensive and rare material the restrictions can be more stringent
• Bags, coats, etc. are to be stored in the areas designated for them

 Staff reserved activities

The opening and closing of windows, curtains, the regulation of heating, lighting, and air-conditioning, and the moving of furniture and equipment will be performed by the personnel, not by the readers.

Care

The documents are to be handled with care: no stains, dog-ears, folding or writing/underlining, not even in pencil.

Inspection

Upon leaving, the readers are expected to submit to the loan procedure and/or the inspection of the books in their possession. Works may only be removed from the reading rooms after registration of the loan. Readers who unrightfully remove works from the reading room or refuse to cooperate with the inspection will be refused access to the library.

Extra permission

If required legally or by agreement, unpublished writings and archives will only be provided for reading with the written permission of the author or owner.

Book stacks

Readers do not have access to the closed book stacks of the library.

Closing

Closing procedures will commence fifteen minutes before closing time.

Loan entitlement

Members of the University of Antwerp and members of the Antwerp University Association (AUHA) are entitled to loan for free. Others can receive a library card upon payment.

• Registration
• Loan

 Loan categories

(*)Antwerp University Association: Universiteit Antwerpen, Hogere Zeevaartschool, Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen, Karel de Grote-Hogeschool.

Restricted loan items

The following cannot be borrowed:

• journals, bibliographies and dictionaries
• reference works, encyclopaedia and law collections
• loose-leaf works, unpublished dissertations and atlases
• plates, rare items and hand-written works
• archival materials
• titles which the library advisor has requested not to be loaned

Responsibility of the borrower

The borrower remains personally responsible for every work borrowed. Borrowed works may not be given to third parties. Every borrowed book is to be returned by the day of the elapsed loan period at the latest; if it is not, then a fine will automatically be imposed. Loss of or damage to a work must be reimbursed. 

Renewing a loan

Renewing a loan is possible (max. 3 times) as long as no other reader has reserved the work. In the month of September, renewing the loan is only possible if the loaned books are first shown at the front desk.

Discontinuation of the loan

The library can, with valid reason, recall any loaned works.

Works which are not available in the university library can be requested from other libraries, according to national and international agreements. The costs for interlibrary loan are the responsibility of the reader or his/her department.

• Interlibrary loan

Late returns

Returning a book late leads automatically to a fine. The longer the return of the book is delayed, the higher the fine becomes. By non-payment of this fine, the reader loses borrowing privileges.

• To late

PC-areas

Removal from the PC-area with inappropriate use.

Other occurrences

Theft, damage or concealment of works can be sanctioned by an immediate ban from the library for a maximum period of 6 months. The same can occur for other infringements of the library rules. The chief librarian or his/her representative makes the decision following a hearing. Higher appeal can take place with the rector or his/her representative.

The chief librarian or his/her representative is empowered to claim the price plus administrative costs for works which have been damaged, lost, or (after reminding) which have not been returned on time.
 
The academic authorities of the university make decisions on legal claims.

Copyright

The photocopy machines in the reading rooms may only be used for copy work permitted by Belgian copyright laws. The University of Antwerp pays copyright fees to Reprobel. The photocopying of articles and parts of books is therefore allowed. Printing from the databases which are offered by the library is, according to the licence agreement, allowed for non-commercial use.

Care

Readers must use extreme caution while photocopying, so that the works do not become damaged.

• Printing, copying, scanning

PC-areas

The PC-areas in the reading rooms of the library are only for study and research purposes. The technical management of the study areas is administered by the ICT Department, not the library. The members of the ICT Department as well as the library personnel can draw attention to behaviour and use which does not conform to the purposes of the PC-areas. Those who do not comply must leave the PC-area.

Licences

The website of the university library consists of links to electronic information sources. Their use is subject to the limitations of the licenses. As a rule these can be found in the product description on the website of the publisher. These licences consist of copyright limitations which are to be observed by authorised users. Commercial use is not permitted. If in doubt about the implications of the copyright rules, contact the UA library.

Authorised users

• Members of the University of Antwerp:
  Staff and students of the University of Antwerp (UA), present on the campus or locations associated with it (i.e. student housing). Off-campus access to electronic publications occurs via password identification and authentication. Under no circumstances is the user allowed to give his/her password to third parties. Some licences preclude off-campus use.
• Non-UA members:
  Non-members of the UA can, after registration in the library, make use of the electronic information of the UA library. Off-campus access is not possible for non-UA members.

 Off campus access