Library Policies

Borrowing

While McMurry is not a public library, we actively participate in reciprocal borrowing with the Abilene Consortium Libraries: Abilene Christian University (ACU), Hardin-Simmons University (HSU), Howard Payne University (HPU), and the Abilene Public Library (APL). Borrowing privileges vary by patron type as outlined below:

• McMurry Students – Up to 60 items from MCM, APL, ACU, HSU, and HPU. Loan period: 3 weeks with two renewals.
• McMurry Faculty – Up to 60 items for one semester with two renewals at McMurry. Checkouts from consortium partners follow the lending library’s policies.
• Abilene Public Library Patrons – Up to 5 items, loaned for 21 days with two renewals.
• AISD 5th Grade Students at McMurry – Up to 3 items, loaned for 21 days with two renewals.
• McMurry’s Leased Collection (McNaughton) – Non-circulating to ACU, HSU, HPU, APL patrons, and McMurry 5th-grade students.
• TexShare Cardholders – Up to 2 items from the general collection of each consortium library, loaned for 21 days with two renewals.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Important: There is a difference between Consortium Loans and Interlibrary Loans.

• Consortium Loans: Items borrowed from one of the five Consortium Libraries.
• Interlibrary Loans: Items borrowed from libraries outside the Consortium.

Please check the catalog first to see if the item you want is available within the Consortium before requesting an Interlibrary Loan.

While the library is usually considered adequate for most undergraduate needs, even the most extensive library can’t contain all the material needed for more sophisticated programs. The library staff can borrow from libraries outside Abilene through the interlibrary loan system if adequate time is allowed.

Students

You may request up to 5 articles/books unavailable in the Consortium at a time through ILL.

• For most students, materials will be requested from TexShare libraries only.
• Students writing their honors thesis may request items found outside Texas with permission from the Department Head and a guarantee that they will pay any charges.
• There will be no charge unless the lending library requires payment.
• The student will be contacted before the ILL department confirms a request from a library requiring payment.
• The ILL Department follows copyright restrictions when making interlibrary loan requests.

Faculty/Staff

Faculty and staff may request items as needed. Please check first to see if they are available in the Consortium.

• Items will be requested from TexShare libraries first if available.
• There will be no charge unless the lending library requires payment.
• The faculty/staff member will be contacted before the ILL Department confirms a request requiring payment.
• The ILL Department follows copyright restrictions when making interlibrary loan requests.

Things to Remember

ILL may take a week or more.

Methods of request:

• WorldCat and Multi-Search interface
• Written form
• Emails from faculty

If you need help, please come by the library or contact the Reference Librarian.

Library Conduct

The Jay-Rollins Library provides collections and services in support of the instruction, research, and service missions of McMurry University. Users have the right to expect a safe, pleasant, and productive environment for research and study. Users are expected to abide by the rules established by the Jay-Rollins Library and MCM’s Student Code of Conduct found in the MCM Student Handbook. If patrons are asked to change their current behavior and refuse, they may be asked to leave, or the staff member on duty may call Campus Security.

Examples of unacceptable behavior include:

• Creating a disturbance or interfering with regular use of the Library.
• Disruptive use of cell phones or electronic devices.
• Violating policies concerning tobacco products, alcohol, or drugs.
• Failing to follow library circulation policies and procedures.
• Mutilating, defacing, or misusing library materials, equipment, or property.
• Removing library materials or property without proper authorization.
• Concealing or restricting access to materials for exclusive use.
• Possessing a weapon or hazardous substance/item.
• Tampering with emergency mechanisms.
• Being in an unauthorized area or remaining in the building after closing.
• Bringing animals into the building that do not meet ADA guidelines.
• Riding wheeled devices in the Library unless intended for medical use.
• Violating University and Library rules regarding computer use.

Request for Reconsideration of Materials

Shaped by Christian principles, McMurry University challenges students to examine our complex world from multiple perspectives in preparation for lives of leadership, service, and professional success.

Since conversation is essential to intellectual exchange and spiritual formation, inhibiting learning and conversation can be troubling. When community members cannot contribute to important dialogue, we risk impoverishing the search for truth and placing in jeopardy the university’s goal of preparing students to engage with the world.

The library selects material primarily to support McMurry courses, faculty research, and recreational reading interests of the campus community. Selection does not equate to endorsement. Materials are selected according to collection development policies and may reflect a variety of ideas.

Procedures

When the Library receives a written Request for Reconsideration of Materials Form, the Director should:

• Date the form upon receipt.
• Make copies for the Director’s office and the person submitting the request.
• Acknowledge receipt and provide the procedures and timeline.
• Notify the professional library staff.

Within 10 working days:

• The Director organizes a Materials Evaluation Committee.
• The committee includes the Director, professional library staff, a relevant classroom professor, and three other McMurry faculty/staff members.
• The total membership should be an odd number.
• A non-voting recorder is selected.
• The Reference Librarian provides relevant collection policy, course information, reviews, circulation history, and consortium holdings.

Within 20 working days:

• The committee determines whether the resource meets collection development and University criteria.
• The committee reviews general acceptance and available reviews.
• The committee weighs the values and faults of the material as a whole.
• The committee prepares a Materials Evaluation Committee Report.

On or before day 28:

• The Director sends the completed report to the person who filed the request.
• The VPAA is notified.
• Library employees are notified of the decision.
• Copies of the request, committee minutes, decisions, and correspondence are retained.

The decision of the Materials Evaluation Committee is final.

Service/Emotional Support Animals

McMurry University acknowledges and respects the importance of accommodations for students with disabilities. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are permitted on campus. While not required, students are strongly encouraged to report their service animal to the Disability Services Coordinator.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) must be approved through the Disability Services Office and the Office of Residence Life before being brought onto campus. Students with approved ESAs must renew approval at the beginning of each semester to continue housing their animal on campus.

Library Guidelines for Service Animals

• Service animals must remain close to their handler and under their control.
• Service animals must stay on the floor and are not permitted on furniture.
• Service animals must be leashed or harnessed unless doing so interferes with their designated task.
• Service animals must not display disruptive behavior.
• Service animals must be housebroken.
• Handlers are responsible for cleanup and hygiene.
• Individuals with allergies or discomfort should notify library staff for assistance.

Student Handbook ​

Smoking and Tobacco Use

All buildings on the campus of McMurry University are tobacco-free. Tobacco includes tobacco-derived products such as cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, hookah products, pipes, oral tobacco, nasal tobacco, and products intended to mimic tobacco products, contain tobacco flavoring, or deliver nicotine other than for cessation.

Smoking, dipping, or chewing tobacco is not allowed in any campus building. Smoking is not permitted within twenty (20) feet of any building entrance. Designated outdoor smoking areas have been established. Tobacco use at athletic events is prohibited under University and NCAA rules and regulations.

Student Handbook ​

Youth Internet Access

As a member of the Abilene Library Consortium, McMurry University welcomes members of the Abilene community to use our facilities.

• Three stand-alone Internet-only computers are available without log-ins.
• As an academic library, the computers are not filtered.
• Youth under 18 must have a parental permission form on file to access the Internet.

An unaccompanied minor requesting access to the Library’s Internet-only computers must present a valid Abilene Public Library Card. The card will be checked to confirm that signed parental or legal guardian permission is on file.

If the three Internet-only computers are in use and a McMurry patron needs access, the minor will be asked to log off.

If the minor accesses sites of a sexual, violent, or inappropriate nature, they will be asked to log off and leave the Library.