Library Policies

The Iona University Libraries’ primary mission is to provide information resources and study/collaborative space for students, faculty, and staff. Use of the libraries' facilities may be denied if activities interfere with this mission or the goals of the libraries. Library facilities should not be used for unauthorized commercial activities or personal profit.

Library Privileges:

Community Members: Library privileges are extended to all members of the Iona University community, including current full and part-time students, faculty, faculty emeriti, administrators, and staff. These members may borrow materials and request Document Delivery Services.
Alumni: Alumni may borrow materials from the Iona University Libraries. Alumni can request an Alumni Library Card.
Electronic Resources: Access to electronic resources is limited to currently registered students, employees, and faculty emeriti.
Visitors: Visitors can access the print collection and study spaces. Iona patrons have priority over visitors in the use of Group Study Rooms. Upon entrance, visitors must register and show photo identification at the Main Desk. Minors not affiliated with the university must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Visitor access may be restricted during exams and other campus events.

Borrowing Materials:

All library patrons must show a valid Iona ID card to borrow books, audiovisual materials, and reserve items.
Patrons are responsible for the care of all materials checked out using their Iona ID cards.
Lost or stolen Iona ID cards should be reported immediately to the Security Office.
Students must return all library materials and pay outstanding fines prior to graduation.
Iona University employees must return all library materials and pay outstanding fines prior to separation from the university.

Conduct in the Library:

Please be considerate of others. Phone or video conversations should not be conducted in study areas.
Earbuds or headphones are required for listening to audio on devices, including in Group Study Rooms.

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.

Priority is given to groups of 2 or more people. Individuals should vacate if a group needs a study space.
Please keep noise at a level that is courteous to others.
Closed Beverages Only – Food is prohibited. Food is allowed in the Romita lobby or Castle Wing.
Please remove trash. As a courtesy to others, please leave the room in a clean and orderly condition.
You are responsible for personal property. Belongings should not be left unattended in 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 collection development and management of Iona University Libraries. It is the mission of the libraries to serve Iona University's curricular needs and to facilitate access to information resources 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 archival and special collections

COMMUNITY SERVED

The collections primarily serve the research needs of the students of Iona University. The libraries acquire or provide access to the materials needed to support the curricula of the University and develop collections that support faculty syllabi and teaching. The libraries extend on-site print use privileges to the graduates of Iona University and other visitors.

FUNDS FOR COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

Distribution of funds for collection development are based on such factors as the numbers and variety of courses, enrollment and the usage patterns of existing resources and interlibrary loan, and costs of materials in the field. Flexibility is necessary to address new courses or emphasis on existing programs.

THE SELECTION OF LIBRARY RESOURCES

The collection is developed 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

THE LIBRARIES' SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND ARCHIVES

The special collections and archives of the Iona University libraries serve the research needs of the Iona University community or serve to preserve Iona's history.

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. Potential gifts are accepted only if they have significant relevance to the curriculum and mission of the libraries. The libraries assume no responsibility for the appraisal of gift items.

MAINTENANCE OF THE COLLECTION

The libraries strive to maintain a collection that is useful, relevant, and in good condition. To achieve this, it regularly evaluates the collection and repairs 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. 2541; US 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 least 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 Fall term, Fall 2025, all courses created prior to Fall 2023 will be deleted on November 29, 2025. Instructors will be notified on November 1 and then again, two weeks later, on November 15.

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:

On the content page, select the 3 dots on the course content heading (next to magnifying glass icon).
From the pop-up, select Export Course Package.
From the right-hand menu, select the icon to the right of the Course Export Packages heading.
Select NO to exclude student data from the .zip file.
After selecting No, the export will begin. You will receive an email once the export has been completed. Allow Blackboard about a minute or so for the file to load after receiving the email.
Once the file has loaded, select the title to download to your local device. Will appear in your computer’s downloads.
Upload the .zip file from your downloads to your Iona OneDrive.