Library Policies

Library FAQ

The IDC Library provides the following services and resources onsite and online to its member users. Borrowing: Borrowing, renewing, holding, and returning library materials. Ask a Librarian: Email or call or visit a reference desk to chat with a librarian. Interlibrary Loan Service Study Spaces and Reading Areas: The library is designed for study in groups or individually. Computer Lab: There are six computers, as well as wireless network access for laptop usage. Instruction and Research Support: Research tips and tutorials, workshops, library orientations for library members and visitors. Self-Service Copiers and Scanners

Library Code of Conduct

Animals Animals — with the exception of service animals — are not permitted in library. Bags and Packages Email or chat with a librarian – Call or visit a reference desk. Cell Phones and Cameras Cell phones must remain on silent or in vibration mode in the IDC Library. Camera use must be approved in advance. No loud phone conversation is acceptable at the library. Children Children under 10 years old are not allowed at the library. Computers Library computers cannot be used to view pornography, violent images, or other offensive visual materials. Dress Appropriately and modest dress is required at the Library. Food & Drink Water is permitted in sealable containers. Food and other beverages are not permitted. Library Environment Sleeping, disruptive activity, loud or excessive talking, or behavior that distracts or intimidates other patrons and staff is not allowed. Tobacco The IDC Library is a smoke free facility. Furniture Rearranging the library furniture; damaging and misusing library materials and equipment; leaving computer and reading room area dirty are not allowed.

General Guidelines

Only the members of Islamic Dawah Center Library can borrow materials from the library. To borrow library materials individuals need to present the IDC Library Card. Each member may borrow up to 5 materials at a time. Individuals who do not return materials by 21 days AFTER the due date, the borrowing privileges will be revoked until the materials are returned. The borrower must replace or pay the replacement cost of the material if it is damaged or lost. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the revocation of borrowing rights until the book is replaced or its replacement cost paid. Non-member individuals can use the library materials only by registering for daily passes at the library. The individual is responsible for the material condition. All material is subject to Recall.

Library Cards

To qualify for the IDC Library card an applicant must provide an ID with proof of current address. Please note that ID Library and associated rights are non-transferable.

Email Notices

Email notices and reminders are regularly sent to the IDC Library material borrowers. Library notices are sent to the provided email address during to the library registration. The Library uses the most current email address on users` account to contact about due dates, fines, and notices. Library users are responsible to keep their contact information up to date. To update email address, log into your library account https://idclibrary.goalexandria.com. Users can also update their contact information by visiting or calling IDC Library Circulation Desk. Users are still responsible for returning materials on time whether or not they receive such notices, and are responsible for paying any fines or fees that may apply.

Placing on Hold and Recalls

If users wish to borrow an item that is currently out to another user, they may use the request link in the catalogue to request that the item be put on hold for them when it is returned. Placing Holds enter the username (library account number), and the password (user’s last name). A recall is a request by the IDC Library that a material be returned before the actual due date. Recall will shorten the due date. Recalled materials should be returned in 7 days after the Library sends notice to avoid fines or suspension of borrowing privileges, regardless of the original loan period or due date.

Renewing Materials

The Library users may renew regular loan materials IN PERSON at the IDC Library Circulation Desk or by calling 713-223-3311. Interlibrary Loan materials may be renewed only once, for two weeks.

Returning Materials

Loan materials, interlibrary loan materials, and recalled materials should be returned to Islamic Dawah Center Library, Circulation Desk during operating hours. Users may request return receipts for any of their return materials from Circulation Desk. If a user cannot return loan materials in person, IDC Library accept returns via USPS, UPS, and Fed Ex. Please send the materials to 201 Travis Str. Houston, TX 77002. Please remember due dates when choosing a delivery method. Please keep the tracking information and confirmation when mailing library materials or/and replacement copy. Insuring the package is highly recommended since the user is responsible for any material lost or damaged.

For Individual Members

3 books, 14 days, 1 renewal (unless item on hold). Renewals permitted only before an item’s due date. Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery Services: Up to 5 article and/or 2 books requests at a time.

Circulation Periods

The following time periods for circulation apply to most IDC Library users: Audiovisuals: 3 days, Renewal may be requested. Books: 3 weeks, unless recalled. Renewals by telephone (713-223-3311). Reference materials: Library use only. Special Collections: Library use only.

Lost or Damaged Materials

Lost, damaged or misplaced books should be reported immediately to the IDC Library. Library users are responsible for replacement costs and processing fees. Refunds are not available for lost and paid for materials that are found and returned.

Paying Fines

Fines can be paid in person by cash, credit card, or check at the IDC Library Circulation. Checks should be made payable to “Islamic Dawah Center”. To pay by mail, send a check to 201 Travis Str. Houston, TX 77002. When returning an item with a due date, take into account shipping time when selecting a shipping method. When mailing a replacement copy to the library, please include your name and contact information, as well as something that identifies the item as a replacement, so we can process the book correctly and credit your account. To view outstanding fines and fees, log into your library account https://idclibrary.goalexandria.com

Policy Statement

The policy addresses the following: Describes the roles and responsibilities to accept donations made to the IDC Library. The IDC Library aims to provide the latest library technologies and materials. The library is building general and specialized resources on Islamic knowledge to support the information needs of its users, and the broader community. The Library selectively accepts new or used books, journals and audio-visual materials (materials according to its subject profile) that support the mission, goals and objectives.

Policy Reason

The reason for this policy is for followings: the underlining basis for the policy, the responsibilities for involvers, and any legal reasons for policy.

Definitions

Any terms used in the policy, unfamiliar, technical terms, and terms that have specialized meaning. Donation: A voluntary transfer of property or money without the expectation that any benefit will accrue to the donor or anyone designated by the donor. Donor: An individual, organization, or foundation that makes a monetary or contribution to the Library. Gift: A voluntary transfer of real or personal property without any consideration to the Library. Library Materials: Include items in the library’s collections in any format.

Procedures and Process

The library selectively accepts new or used books, journals and audio-visual materials (materials according to its subject profile) that support the mission, goals and objectives of the Islamic Dawah Center Library. The library accepts gifts and donations in the subject area of Islamic knowledge and related fields.

Donations and Gifts to the IDC Library is accepted as followings:

The subject area of Islamic Knowledge and related fields. For International Section: about a country (in English language).

• Geography, history, government, area, population, language, historical places, art, architecture (e.g. mosque), food culture.
• Ethnicity/race, Religion.
• Works of most prominent Muslims and Scholars (on their own language).

Condition of Donation

The IDC Library accepts materials in very good/ good condition for the collection. The following conditions are not acceptable:

• Materials with torn, yellowed, brittle pages
• Damaged bindings
• Dirty, dusty, stained, water damaged items
• Materials with highlighting, notes
• Scratched or worn media
• Duplicate materials are generally rejected
• DVDs and CDs are accepted; VHS is not
• Individual journal and serial issues are rejected

The acceptance of a certain material to the collection is dependent upon the conditions listed below: A list of donations/an inventory –if it exists – is requested from the donor in order to compare the list with the library catalogue. In the absence of an inventory, the donations are seen and reviewed in its own place (depending on the size. If the material is composed of a few boxes, then they are transported to the library directly) If their conditions are good and subjects are suitable to the collection, the donation is accepted. For accepted large donations, a donation contract is signed mutually by the parties and the contracts are kept. The library has to be selective as regards to each type of donation. Once the donation is accepted, the library has the entitlement to make the most convenient decision about it. The materials, which have not been found suitable for the library, are primarily sent to the other libraries and institutes. The accepted material needs to be clean, without notes and drawings in its pages, well-preserved/fixed, related to the education/research needs of users at present and in the future and it needs to comply with the required copyright and license conditions.

Those materials given by the newspapers as promotions can not be accepted if their publications show differences of paper, publication and content qualities. The donations have to comply with license, copyright and other conditions. Since there is electronic access to many periodicals, the library is more selective as regards to the donation of periodicals. Usually, periodicals covering a period of less than 5 years and periodicals with discontinued issues are not preferred. However, the library may review such donations to fill the gaps in its collection and to change the issues in its collection with better-conditioned ones. Donation of periodicals purchased by individual subscriptions is not accepted. The request that the donation be kept in a separate, special space or together in open shelves can be accepted under no circumstances.

Disposition of Donations

The IDC Library has all the rights to accept or discard any donated materials. Donated materials that will not add to the collection can be sold in book fairs sponsored by the IDC Library. Any donations not usable in the above ways will be disposed of in a responsible manner, including paper-recycling efforts.

Acknowledgments

A letter of acknowledgment will be sent to the donor upon request. The letter will acknowledge the number of donated materials only. The donors are responsible for a detailed list if they want it in the letter. Donations and gifts will be identified with appropriate signage, bookplates, and/or in the online catalog.

Donations & Tax Benefits

Librarians/Libraries cannot value donated materials by law. Upon request, a letter acknowledging the donation will be given to the donor. This letter can be used for tax purposes. Guidelines and tax forms can be found at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website. Non-cash Charitable Contributions — IRS Form 8283 Charitable Contributions — Publications 526

How Can I Make A Donation?

You may send your questions about donations to library@islamicdawahcenter.org