My Iona

Library Policies

Library privileges are extended to all members of the Iona University community. Current full and part-time students, faculty, administrators, and staff members may borrow from the Iona University Libraries, and request Document Delivery Services.

Alumni may borrow from the Iona University Libraries. Electronic resources are generally unavailable to Alumni because of licensing restrictions.  Faculty Emeriti, as determined by the Faculty Handbook, may borrow from the Iona University Libraries and may have access electronic resources.

The Iona University Library facilities and network resources are primarily for the use of Iona students, faculty, administrators, and staff. Visitors are welcome to access the print collection and study spaces provided that, upon entrance, they register and show photo identification at the Main Desk. Visitor access to library spaces may be restricted during exams and other campus events.

All library patrons must show a valid Iona ID card with a bar-code in order to borrow books, audio visual, and reserve materials. Patrons are responsible for the care of all materials checked out on their ID cards.

It is important to report lost or stolen ID cards immediately to the Library, as well as to the Security Office. Students must clear their library accounts in order to register for classes, graduate, or have official transcripts released. Iona University employees must clear their library accounts before leaving employment with the University.

Please be considerate of others. Use cell phones in main entrance and on landings only.

Off-Campus Access to Electronic Resources

Our databases and electronic resources automatically authenticate access for on-campus users, however, off-campus users must login to obtain e-resources.

When accessing a database from home, if users are not already signed to Iona's Single Sign On application, they will be taken to the Iona SSO page to log in with their Iona credentials. 

Online Library Catalog

Iona University Libraries' online catalog system contains records for all books, periodicals, and audiovisual materials cataloged in Ryan Library, and the Helen Arrigoni Library/Technology Center.

Borrowing Books and Other Items

Borrowers must present a valid Iona ID card each time they wish to check out library materials. Students, faculty and staff may obtain bar-coded, picture ID cards at the Security Office located in the LaPenta Student Union. 

Alumni may obtain a bar-coded library card using the Alumni Library Card Request Form or at the Ryan Help Desk, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Interested Alumni must provide valid identification, including name and address, such as a driver's license or passport. The latest edition of the Iona University Alumni Directory will be consulted, as will the computerized patron file (for recent graduates) for verification of alumni status. The provided library card allows alumni to borrow up to five books at one time. Please note the Alumni Library Card does not grant access to the Iona University network, computing facilities or subscription online resources.

Loan Periods

Reference books, periodicals, videos, and most items on Reserve may not leave the library.

All circulating items must be returned on or before the due date. The borrowing period is approximately 28 days for items in the regular collection. Curriculum Collection (CC) items may be checked out for 7 days, Leisure Reading Collection books for 21 days. You can check your account online to see when items are due.

The total number of items borrowed at one time may not exceed 35. The total number of books borrowed on one subject, (beginning with the same Dewey Classification numbers) may not exceed 10.

The late fine for the regular collection is $.05 per day, per item.  The charge for any lost or damaged item is the replacement cost.  If the replacement cost cannot be determined, the charge will be a minimum of $50 plus overdue fines accrued.

Locating Items

View resource locations and call numbers for Ryan and Arrigoni using the Library Location Tables »

The catalog is publicly accessible via the library's homepage.

Electronic catalog records show an item's Call Number, Library Location (Ryan, Arrigoni, Irish, Reference, etc.), and Status (i.e. whether or not an item is AVAILABLE or CHECKED OUT).

Missing Items

If an item whose circulation status in the catalog is "AVAILABLE" cannot be found on the shelf, patrons may fill out a yellow Search Request Card at the Help Desk. The library staff will search for the item and notify the requester of the result, usually within a few days. If the item is found, it will held for up to one week at the Help Desk.

Please note, Interlibrary Loan requests for items held by the Libraries will only be processed if items have been determined missing.

Renewing Items

You can renew books online, by phone, or in person as long as the item is not being requested by another patron. To renew online, log into Your Library Account (upper right corner, click Sign-In) to view those items. More information on accessing your Library Account is available here. You can also call or visit the Help Desk for assistance with your account and renewing books.

Iona University Computer Use Policy

Please refer to the Computer Use Policy for the policy governing the use of all electronic devices on Iona University's campus. All students, faculty, staff and administrators must read and electronically sign acknowledging agreement to adhere to Iona University’s Computer Use Policy.

Ryan Library is pleased to provide group study rooms!

In order for these rooms to remain a respectful learning environment for all users, please review and follow the policies below.

Ryan Library Group Study Room

Group Study Rooms are located on the first floor of Ryan Library.

  • Group Study Rooms are intended for a minimum of two users and are restricted to members of the Iona University Community. A minimum of 8 users must be present for the use of combined rooms.
  • Technology located in the Group Study Rooms is for educational and research purposes only.
  • Group Study Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be "held" by one person.
  • Group Study Rooms are intended for collaborative work and should not be used for extra-curricular activities.
  • Study Rooms should not be used by any single group for more than three hours if another group is waiting.
  • NO FOOD IS PERMITTED in the Group Study Rooms at any time. Closed beverages only. Users observed with food will be asked to move.
  • Cell phone use is not allowed in the Group Study Rooms.
  • Group Study Rooms should be left clean; trash should be thrown away in trash cans.
  • Belongings should not be left unattended in the Group Study Rooms. The library is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage of personal property. If a room is discovered unoccupied all belongings will be removed and placed in the library's lost and found and the room will be made available to other patrons.
  • Furniture should be left neatly arranged upon departure and furniture should not be moved in or out of Group Study Rooms.

Update: Limited printing is available in Ryan Library. Please contact the Help Desk for more information. 

Copy machines are available in the libraries. All copying must conform to the Copyright Law of the United States, as set forth in Title 17 of the United States Code.

In Ryan Library, there are copy machines on the first floor in the Reference Room. Cost is $.10 per page. Machines accept coins, dollar bills and $5 bills. Ryan Library has a free microform (fiche and film) reader-printer machine. Ask at Help Desk about using this machine.

In the Arrigoni Library, the copy machine is located in the Reference area and the free microform reader/printer machine is located near the microfiche cabinets.

Printing is free, but please take part in Iona's Paper Conservation Campaign »

Please contact the Help Desk with questions and issues regarding copiers and printers.

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

PURPOSE

This policy is a guide for the faculty, the librarians and other library staff for collection management activities. The libraries of Iona University serve an institution comprising the School of Arts and Science and the School of Business which together offer baccalaureate and master degrees in more than 40 disciplines to a student body numbering approximately 4,000 FTE.

It is the mission of the libraries to facilitate access to information sources in support of the learning, teaching, and research activities of the Iona Community. Specifically, the libraries make available through acquisition or access or both:

  • Materials supporting the curriculum of Iona University
  • Materials for research by Iona University faculty, staff, and administration
  • Materials to develop and enhance library special collections

COMMUNITY SERVED

Students: The collections primarily serve the research needs of the students of Iona University enrolled in traditional, hybrid, and distance learning courses. The libraries acquire or provide access through electronic means to the materials needed to support the undergraduate and basic graduate curricula of the University, supplementing where necessary with document delivery.

Faculty: It is the intent of the libraries to offer collections that support faculty syllabi and teaching both in the classroom and online. This is done with full faculty participation in the selection process. In addition, through close collaboration with faculty, librarians endeavor to meet faculty research needs by acquisition, by electronic access, by document delivery, and by making special arrangements for the use of other libraries’ collections.

Staff and administrators: The libraries acquire and provide electronic access to reference materials in support of the work of campus administrative offices and, in addition, develop and maintain a higher education administration collection. Additional materials needed for the performance of administrative activities are accessed as needed.

Alumni and other visiting scholars: The libraries extend on-site print, video and audio collection use privileges to the graduates of Iona University and other visiting scholars. Additionally, Iona Alumni may borrow books from the libraries.

THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

The budget allocation is reviewed annually. The Director of Libraries, in consultation with the librarians, is responsible for allocating resources for collection development.

Funds available for collection development and maintenance are allocated across the range of subject areas according to projected need. In determining these allocations consideration is given to such factors as the numbers and variety of courses and numbers of students taught, the circulation patterns of the existing collection and interlibrary loan volume in related subjects, and the relative cost of materials in the field. Flexibility is necessary to address changes such as new courses or new emphases on existing programs.

THE SELECTION OF LIBRARY RESOURCES

Under the general guidance of the Director of Libraries, the Coordinator of Technical Services has overall responsibility for the selection process, working with the librarians who select materials for the libraries' collections. In collaboration with faculty, the librarians develop the collections in accordance with general and specific selection criteria such as:

  • Relevancy for the curriculum and appropriateness of the level of treatment.
  • Need for developing or balancing the subject area.
  • Quality, including scope, accuracy and currency or permanent value of the content.
  • Authority of the author or issuing body.
  • Suitability of format to content and compatibility of technology.

While the collections represent holdings in most subject areas at a level extensive enough for general inquiry, collection intensity is greatest in those disciplines taught in the undergraduate and graduate curricula. The collections may support advanced graduate-level and faculty research in some areas, however, the libraries recognize the need to use interlibrary borrowing to support most in-depth research.

THE LIBRARIES' SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

The special collections of the Iona University libraries serve special information needs and interests of the libraries user community or serve to preserve Iona's history. Inclusion of materials in special collections is at the discretion of the Director of Libraries and the Assistant Director of Libraries.

The Reference Collection: The libraries acquire and provide access to standard reference publications for academic libraries, making available in greater depth print and online reference works in the disciplines studied at the University. 

The Reserve Collection is comprised of materials in the circulating and reference collections that are in high demand and/or assigned for use in current courses. Personal copies of works owned by faculty may be placed in this collection temporarily, provided they comply with current copyright regulations.

The Faculty Publications Collection is housed in Ryan Library.

The Curriculum Collection: The libraries purchase items for this Collection for the teacher education programs. Covering all subject areas in PreK-12 education, it includes student texts, teacher editions, teacher manuals, answer keys, children's encyclopedias, children's literature, and indexes and reference books.

The Leisure Reading Collection contains popular fiction and non-fiction titles. Updated monthly, this collection is intended to serve the recreational reading interests of the Iona Community.

The Irish History and Literature Collection is housed in Ryan Library.

Ryan Library also houses a collection of materials related to the history of Iona University, the Congregation of Christian Brothers, and their founder, Blessed Edmund Rice.

GIFTS TO IONA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Gift items are accepted with the understanding that they may be added to the collection or disposed of solely at the discretion of the library. Due to the cost of accession and in consideration of limited library shelf space, potential gifts are accepted only if they are highly relevant to the library's needs. The libraries assume no responsibility for the appraisal of gift items, nor can the libraries accept items with restrictions.

When a monetary donation is given, the libraries are willing to adhere to reasonable wishes of the donor, such as the purchase of works within a given subject area meeting the selection criteria of the library.

MAINTENANCE OF THE COLLECTION

The libraries strive to maintain a collection that is useful, relevant, and in good condition. To achieve this, the librarians regularly evaluate the collection and repair damaged materials. Materials that cannot be repaired or that no longer meet collection criteria are withdrawn. Input from faculty is sought whenever necessary.

PUBLIC USE OF ARCHIVE MATERIAL

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC USE OF IONA UNIVERSITY ARCHIVE MATERIAL

Visitors/researchers are welcome to the Iona University Libraries and to utilize our Archives and Special Collections during scheduled hours. Visitors/researchers are requested to contact the Libraries in advance to schedule an appointment.

When visiting to utilize archive materials, all visitors/researchers are required to complete a registration form and provide appropriate photo identification (e.g. driver's license). All researchers are requested to provide purpose of research and description of the materials used.

Access to materials may be restricted by certain conditions of the gift/deposit, by its physical condition, or for other reasons. All packs, briefcases, coats, and other personal items are to be left with staff. Only pencils, paper, and note cards may be used (no pens or markers are permitted.) Tape recorders, laptop computers, and digital cameras may be used with the permission of the librarian on a case-by-case basis.

The library reserves the right to inspect all research materials and personal effects before the visitor/researcher leaves the archives reading room. No food or beverages are allowed in the Archive Reading Room. All archived and special collection items must be consulted in the Archive Reading Room and may not be taken from this area. Those utilizing materials are responsible for the careful handling and safeguarding of all materials made available for use. Users may be asked to wear gloves, which will be provided, before handling certain materials. Alteration, mutilation, destruction or theft of archival material is a felony.

The use of certain materials is restricted by statute, donor or office of origin. The Archives/Special Collection reserve the right to restrict access to materials that are being preserved, processed or are exceptionally fragile or valuable. In some cases, copies may be substituted for originals.

The copyright and related rights status of all items in the Archives and Special Collections not been reviewed and a conclusive determination as to the copyright status may not have been made. After submitting a request for reproduction, you may use items from the collection in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use.

Photocopying and scanning of materials is not permitted. Requests for photocopying or other reproduction of materials, when possible, will be considered. This service may not be available for all materials and may require future fulfillment.

The number of documents or boxes or books given at any time is at the discretion of the Archivist, and all are to be returned in the same order.

The preferred citation and accreditation is:
Iona University Archives, New Rochelle, NY

For items from the Thomas Paine National Historical Association:
The TPNHA Collection, Institute for Thomas Paine Studies at Iona University.


Use and Reproduction Policy

FOR PUBLICATION: The applicant must specify the title of the piece, publisher, intended print run and publication date. The fees and permission are granted for one-time, non-exclusive use. Additional printings such as electronic formats, international editions or book clubs, require a new application for permissions. The permission to publish is not effective until the applicant receives, signs, and returns the request form. Images must display proper accreditation: With the permission of the Iona University Libraries Archives

All use of TPNHA Collection images must display proper accreditation:
With permission of the TPNHA Collection, Institute for Thomas Paine Studies (ITPS) at Iona University.


Fees

Commercial user's fee is $75 per image. Digital image, 300 dpi, additional $25.

Non-profit fee: $0, Digital image, 300 dpi $25.
FOR WEBSITES: Requests for use of images on websites are to be submitted to address below. The same accreditations apply, and fees for commercial sites are $100 per image. For non-profit and scholarly sites there are no fees, but accreditation still applies.

FOR EXHIBITS, EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS and PHOTOS: Release of images of artifacts in the Collection is determined by the item and the use. Certain items may not be photographed and there may be restrictions on the use of flash. If an image is to be used for a commercial reproduction, than the above $75 per image applies. Photos used for non-profit publications, print or electronic, and educational exhibits, are not charged a fee. Accreditation must accompany any use of images.

Reproducing content of unpublished text from the Collection must carry the same permission as the above image permissions. In addition, no digitizing of the entire document is permitted, and use of segments of the text for academic purposes are permitted with due recognition of the proper accreditation. Supplying a photocopy is not an authorization to publish. Photocopies may be provided for scholarship and research purposes only and may not be further reproduced.

Iona University Libraries is required to receive a copy of any publication in which extensive use is made of the materials in the Archives.

The Iona University Archives complies with United States copyright law (US Copyright Act of 1976, 90 Stat. 2541US Code Title 17). It is understood that the Copyright law of the United States governs the making of photocopies and reproductions of copyrighted material. It is therefore understood that the publishing party assumes all responsibility for obtaining permission for use of any material where copyrights, literary property rights, or other forms of ownership of intellectual property may apply, in conformance with the provisions of the United States Copyright law.

To obtain permission to reproduce and use materials from the archive, please email Natalka Sawchuk, Assistant Director of Libraries. 

These policies are subject to revision at any time.

PHOTO OPT OUT POLICY

Iona University (the "University") may, at times, use photographs, photographic images, names, audio recordings, and/or video recordings of employees and students for purposes of general publicity and/or student/employee recruitment in publications, public relations, promotions, publicity and advertising. Should an employee or student (or, if under 18 years of age, his/her parent/guardian) NOT want to be photographed or recorded, or have their name, voice or biographical material used in connection with any such recording, please obtain a copy of the appropriate Opt Out of Photograph Release form by emailing insideiona@iona.edu. Complete it by October 1 and return it to the Office of University Marketing and Communications. 

Unless a fully executed Opt Out of Photograph Release form is on file for you, you, along with fellow students, as well as University employees and all other persons who are present in or around facilities and/or properties owned and/or operated by the University will be subject to having your image and/or likeness captured by still photography, videography or other photographic or electronic means. In addition to use for security purposes, the University reserves the right to use any such image, photograph, video or the like, for any University-related purpose, including but not limited to promoting, publicizing and/or advertising on behalf of the University. Such images, photographs, videos and the like may be used in print publications, on the Internet or in other forms of media such as signage and/or presentations.

Accordingly, unless you complete an appropriate Opt Out of Photograph Release form, your presence in or around University facilities and/or properties, as well as at off-campus University-sponsored events, will constitute your consent to the capturing and/or use of your image and/or voice by the University and will expressly and impliedly waive any claims or rights, whether in law or equity, related thereto.

An employee or student who does NOT want to be photographed or recorded, and who submits an appropriate completed Opt Out of Photograph Release form indicating as such, is responsible for removing themselves from the area in which the photographing/recording is occurring, both on campus and at off-campus functions, or notifying the camera person on site of their opt out status. Failure to do so may result in the employee's and or student's inclusion in a photograph or recording and will be treated as a release, allowing the University to utilize that photograph or recording accordingly.

POLICY APPROVED: DECEMBER 2008

Course sites contained in Iona University's Blackboard learning management system will be retained for 2 years and then deleted. Deletion means permanently removing the course site and its contents from the Blackboard system. Instructors will have an option to retain older courses through the Blackboard archive feature. This policy is effective for all course sites contained in Blackboard. Instructors will be notified by email at lease twice prior to deletion.


Understanding the Blackboard Course Retention Policy

The rationale for the Blackboard Course Retention Policy is that the Iona Blackboard database has become large and filled with files using outdated Blackboard protocols. These files cause numerous problems and system malfunctions.

Course container creation and course deletion are administrative functions, not tasks that instructors can complete in Blackboard. Instructors can copy course materials from one existing course container to another. Course containers are created each term based on PeopleSoft, the database of record.

Example:
The methodology for the deletion of courses is based on the extension of the course in the Blackboard Course Name. For example, in the course name Computers Tech. and Society (CS140A.SS18) the SS 18 represents Spring Semester 2018, WT18 would represent Winter Trimester 2018. Course deletions for a particular semester, trimester, or session will be based on the corresponding extension only.

For this Spring term, Spring 2021, all courses created prior to Spring 2019 will be deleted on June 1, 2021. Instructors will be notified on May 3 and then again, two weeks later, on May 17.

This pattern will continue in subsequent terms.

Assistance:
See instructions for archiving. Faculty Library Services will provide workshops on archiving and individual assistance as requested.

Use of Archive Files:
Blackboard archive files are .zip format, meaning all content is compressed into a single zipped file for storage and later restoration, if necessary, into the Blackboard system. It is essential to note that if you unzip this file, it will be rendered unusable by Blackboard.

The procedure for archiving or saving a course’s complete content is:

  1. Instructor archives course to .zip format.
  2. Instructor saves .zip file on his/her storage solution.
  3. BB Administrator deletes course.
  4. If the instructor wants the course restored when the course is offered again in the future, at the time of restoration, the instructor provides archive.zip file to the Blackboard administrator to restore.