Preservation Department
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Preservation Department |
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FAQs for Library Patrons
What is the food and drink policy at the UAlbany Libraries?
The consumption of non-alcoholic beverages in covered containers is permitted in the University at Albany Libraries except in areas where “No Beverages Allowed” signs are posted. The consumption of snack-size food is permitted only in designated areas. Full meals, food deliveries, food parties and group meals are prohibited.
What should I do if I spill something on my library book?
Most of the time we can successfully salvage and repair wet books if they are brought immediately to the attention of library staff. If you spill something on the book besides water, such as soda or chicken soup, we may not do as well. However, sometimes just rebinding and trimming the book, at a minimum cost, is all that's required. Please return your book as quickly as possible so we can keep damage to a minimum.
I dropped my library book in a puddle and it's now wet. What should I do?
Quick! Quick! Get that book back to the Library! Circulation staff know to bring these to the Preservation Department right away so they can be safely dried and reshaped. We want to prevent the book from getting moldy. Wet books can usually be salvaged, but if they develop mold there's nothing we can do to save them, and you will be responsible for the cost of replacement. If it's raining when you leave the Library (or you have way too much to carry home) just ask for a plastic bag at the Circ Desk -- thanks!
Will I be held responsible if library materials become damaged while I have them checked out?
If the damage is severe (like, maybe your puppy chewed it up!) then you will be charged for the cost of replacing the book. If the damage is minimal and only a simple repair or rebinding is necessary then you probably will not be charged. Simple suggestions for preventing damage include protecting library materials from inclement weather, not eating or drinking over books and journals, and using bookmarks instead of folding over corners to mark your place.
Is it okay to use a highlighter to mark the important sections of the library book that I've borrowed for next week's test?
No! The book belongs to the Libraries and will have multiple users. Please take notes on photocopies, separate sheets of paper, or use your laptop. Please don't underline text or scribble in the margins, either.
I took a book off the shelf and it is missing pages. What should I do?
Please bring it to the attention of Circulation staff. If you decide the borrow the book you want to avoid being held responsible for the damage. When you return it please remind us of the problem and the University Libraries and we'll see if we can replace the lost information.
If I accidentally tear a page in a library book, should I attempt to fix it with tape?
Please don't attempt to repair materials in our collection -- that's what Preservation staff is here for! Never use tape or glue to hold pages
or the covers together. Even Post-it Notes™ can leave a residue that over time may cause pages to stick
together. If left in the book undetected for several years these Notes may become permanently attached.
I have searched for a book and the catalog says it is in Damaged Books. What does that mean?
It probably means that the book is on its way to the Preservation Department for evaluation and possible treatment, so it is temporarily unavailable. This would also be the case for items that are in the Book Conservation Unit, the Bindery Unit, Irreparable Books, or In Bibliographic Review. Please use the "Not on Shelf" form and staff will investigate the status of the item you need access to. They'll let you know if it can be checked out, and if not, you will be directed to other options, such as using ILL services.
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If you bring beverages into the Libraries, bottles should have a screw top lid, and coffee must be in a sturdy plastic or metal travel-style mug with a secure top.
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