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Indiana University Northwest Indiana University Northwest IU Northwest


Community Patron Guide

This guide is intended to clearly lay out policies and provide resources as relevant to community patrons.

What is a Community Patron?

Within the Indiana University Northwest library, community patron is defined as a person who is not enrolled or working at Indiana University, but is an Indiana resident OR an Ivy Tech student.

Library Policies

This box on the guide is a tabbed content box. You would click on the other tabs to see the information in them.

Use of library computers requires accepting the below usage policy. Declining the policy when logging into a computer will automatically log you out and use one of your two allotted daily sessions.

  • To use computers, you must provide library staff with a valid Indiana state ID or driver’s license, or a current Ivy Tech ID.
  • You must be 18 and over to use these computers. IUN does not implement content blocking software of any material found on the Internet.
  • Your usage of these computers is split into 2 sessions per day, at 2 hours per session.
  • Ending a session early forfeits the remaining time for that session.
  • The library may log you out of your session if you are away from the computer for an extended period.
  • Access ends 15 minutes before library building closure. Plan your time accordingly.
  • No food is allowed at the computers. Only covered beverages allowed, such as water bottles or cups with lids.
  • Community Patrons have access to Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Office. This does not include IU Northwest email, cloud storage, John W. Anderson Library database subscriptions, and other academic software paid for by the University.
  • Assistance by library staff is limited to basic technical issues related to computer and printer access. It does not include help in creating or logging into E-mail, submitting applications, how to use Microsoft Office, or any similar services. An issue may be referred to a supervisor if too difficult or time-consuming.
  • Talking and other sounds must be kept to a reasonable volume.
  • Library patrons must use computers legally and ethically. Community patrons are expected to refrain from:
    • Violating Indiana University Northwest and Indiana University’s policies
    • Violating Indiana state and US federal law
    • Engaging in conduct or viewing images of a sexual nature to have the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or academic environment and may be interpreted to constitute sexual harassment.
  • Library staff reserve the right to amend any of these policies at any time.

Violations of any of the policy statements above may result in a 6 month ban and repeat violations may result of a permanent ban in the library and the IU Northwest campus enforced by IU Police.

Last updated: 2/29/24

The below borrower responsibilities apply to use of physical library materials checked out to the patron, such as books and headphones.

  • The patron is responsible for all materials charged to his/her card.
  • The patron is responsible for notifying the campus and library immediately if their Crimson card is lost or stolen.
  • The patron is responsible for notifying the library immediately if there are any changes in name, address, or phone number.
  • Community patrons are responsible for notifying the library immediately if their Crimson card is lost or stolen.  There is a $5.00 charge for replacing borrower’s cards.
  • Overdue notices are sent as a courtesy.  Failing to receive an overdue notice does not absolve a borrower from responsibility should they receive a bill or fine
  • When materials are not returned within 30 (thirty) days of the due date, a bill for the replacement cost, plus additional fees (see above), are sent to the Library patron.
  • The patron remains liable for any overdue fines, even if all overdue materials are subsequently returned.

Fines

Standard Fines

  1. Overdue fines are $0.25 (Twenty-five cents) per day per book with a maximum of up to 25 dollars per item.
  2. There is no "grace period." The book is due on the date specified at checkout.
  3. There is a 10 day return period for recalled materials. If the item is not returned, there is a flat $25.00 recall fine.

Lost Materials

  • Overdue fine ($25 maximum)
    • Fines accumulate $0.25 per day up to a maximum of $25.00 per day.
  • $15.00 lost item charge
  • $10.50 processing fee
  • $30.00 replacement fee (or higher for expensive titles)

Standard Replacement Fee Summary

  • $30.00 replacement fee
  • $10.50 processing fee
  • $15.00 lost item charge
  • $5.00 overdue item charge
    • Total: $60.50 per item

Fines and other fees may be paid at the Public Service Desk.  Cash, money orders, cashier's checks or personal checks (payable to:  Indiana University Northwest) are accepted, and a receipt will be provided. 

Fines and fees may also be paid by mail to:

Attn:  Debbie Annette Curtis, Head of Circulation and Reserves
Indiana University Anderson Library
3400 Broadway, Gary, IN  46408