Circulation
Borrowing Privileges
The Bishop Mueller Library extends borrowing privileges to the students, faculty, and staff of Briar Cliff University, as well as members of the general public with a library card from any library in the state of Iowa.
Loan Periods
Different items in the library are loaned for various amounts of time.
Curriculum books - 180 days
Books - 30 days
Movies - 3 days
Equipment and Laptops - 1 day or 3 days
Reserve items - 2 hours, 1 day, 3 days, or 7 days (the item will be clearly marked)
All items must be returned by the end of the semester. Exceptions to this policy may be made by the University Librarian or the Head of Public and Research Services.
Overdue Items
If an item is currently overdue, a patron may mot borrow additional resources. Upon Checkout, a patron receives an email with the due date.
The patron will also receive an automatic email reminder:
1 day prior to the due date
3 days past the due date
10 days past the due date
17 days past the due date
30 days past the due date
If the item is returned after 30 days past due, the charge will be refunded minus a $20 fine.
After 60 days, the item is considered lost and a return will not be accepted. The patron will be charged the replacement cost for the item, plus a $20 processing fee. Patrons can settle fines and replacement costs with the Briar Cliff University Business Office.
Damaged Items
If an item is returned damaged and deemed unusable by the University Librarian or Head of Public and Research Services, the patron will be charged the replacement cost for the item, plus a $20 processing fee.
Conduct in the Library
The library strives to create an atmosphere conducive to academic work by all members of our community. To this end, it is expected that all patrons will respect each other and library employees. This includes a reasonable noise level and reducing unwanted distractions.
Basement
The basement of the library is a designated quiet study space. Voices should be restricted to a hushed tone. The children's literature collection is located in the basement of the library, along with the bound journals, and A-H in the circulating collection.
First Floor and Mezzanine
The first floor and mezzanine in the library are set up to accommodate group work and individual study. Patrons are encouraged to use these spaces as meeting places. Course Mentoring (tutoring) also occurs on these levels. The first floor also houses the bestsellers, curriculum collection, J-Z in the circulating collection, the oversized art book collection, and the new books. DVDs, BluRays, and the New books selected by the BCU Faculty are available in the library lobby. The Digital Media Creative Studio is also located in the main reading room.
Second Floor
The second floor of the library contains the bathrooms and the library computer lab. Patrons are encouraged to utilize these spaces and services.
Food and Drink
The library allows food and drink throughout the building. If a spill occurs, it is the patron's responsibility to notify the library employee at the circulation desk. Patrons are expected to clean up after themselves.
Drugs, Smoking and Alcohol
Drugs, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited within the building.
Student Handbook
Students are expected to adhere to the rules and guidelines outlined in the student handbook at all times, including in the library.
Public Use of the Library
Bishop Mueller Library works to encourage the Briar Cliff Community to collaborate, create, access, and share. As part of the Enrich Iowa Program the library welcomes the public and Iowa residents to simply use their local library card to access resources. Library hours are posted to the website.
Computing Resources
The computers in the building may be used by members of the public, if they are not currently needed by Briar Cliff University students, faculty, or staff. Public patrons may connect to the Guest Wi-Fi network on their personal devices or request to use a desktop computer.
Borrowing of Materials
Public patrons may borrow materials from the library with a public library card from elsewhere in the state of Iowa. The loan terms are subject to our regular policy.
Confidentiality
The Bishop Mueller Library believes in the right of all patrons to access information without stigma, judgment, or prejudice. The library recognizes that libraries have a responsibility to protect the privacy of our users, as stated in the American Library Association's Code of Ethics: "[librarians]" protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted borrowed, acquired, or transmitted." This level of privacy is essential to the free exercise of First Amendment rights and protection of academic freedom.
To this end, information sought or received, materials consulted, borrowed or acquired, database search records, reference interviews, interlibrary loan records, computer use records are considered confidential. They will only be released if requested lawfully by a law enforcement officer, as mandated by the USA Patriot Act. Such requests will be forwarded to the University Librarian and only responded to after conference with counsel. To date, such a request has not been made.
Questions regarding our confidentiality policy should be forwarded to the University Librarian.
Computer Lab Reservation
The Computer Lab may be reserved by faculty and staff of Briar Cliff University for teaching and university business by contacting the members of the library staff. The library requests three days notice to best accommodate possible needs.
Filming & Photography
Any individual or organization wishing to take video or pictures in the library for official usage, must first consult with the University Librarian. Should the request require, the University Librarian will confer with the Marketing Department.
Library instruction at the Bishop Mueller Library empowers students to define information needs, select appropriate information sources, evaluate sources material, and correctly reference sources in papers and presentations. The library follows the Guidelines for Instruction Programs in Academic Libraries, written by the Association of College & Research Libraries. Librarians incorporate the Universal Design for Learning framework as appropriate in library instruction. The full instruction policy has information about library instruction program objectives, procedures, possible instruction topics, online instructional support, faculty workshops, and evaluation.
The Bishop Mueller Library works in collaboration with Briar Cliff University (BCU) community members and the world in accessing, creating, and sharing information. Generally, the Library selects, acquires, processes, organizes, and maintains materials appropriate to the academic and cultural interest in the Siouxland area. Specifically, the Library collections support the degree-granting programs of the University. Library materials include print, visual, and electronic resources.
The Collection Development Policy provides guidelines for the selection, maintenance, and evaluation of Bishop Mueller Library's collections. It also informs users about the principles that direct both the selection and de-selection of materials.
The copyright policy provides general information and guidance about copyright and fair use. This policy does not provide legal advice and if you need more specific legal information, you should contact a lawyer.
The technology device circulation policy provides circulation details for equipment as well as the current replacement cost of devices or equipment that is lost.
For current Briar Cliff University students, Faculty, and Staff
Free-printing allowance: $25 per academic term
Students wishing to print more will have to pay through their student account at the Business Office or at the Security Office. They will then notify the IT Center to add more money to their printing account.
5¢ per sheet for black and white
15¢ per sheet for color
Check your printing credit balance on the top left corner of the Follow Me Printer Screen.
The library strongly encourages patrons to monitor their printing allowance. Patrons should print only for themselves. Excessive printing may result in the library contacting patrons to ensure understanding of the policy.
Printing Policy for other borrowers
Printing is only available to current Briar Cliff University students, faculty, and staff though exceptions may be made by the librarians.
Policy revised: April 28, 2022
The Bishop Mueller Library adheres to the Briar Cliff University privacy policy. Click here to view a copy of the Briar Cliff University website privacy policy.
The Bishop Mueller Library Emergency and Disaster Plan provides guidance on what to do in case of emergency in the library.