Controlled Access Policy and Procedures

Why control access to the library?

The purpose of card-controlled access to the library is to:

provide LMU students, faculty, and staff with fuller access to the services, collections, and space they have a right to expect;
reduce use of the library by off-campus individuals who do not contribute funds toward paying for the operation of the library;
increase security for people and materials by having a record of who is in the building;
provide better compliance with the library’s electronic databases and journals licensing agreements which stipulate that their use be limited to the campus community only.

How does it work?

After walking into the library’s lobby, the patron will “swipe” his/her LMU OneCard, LMU photo ID guest card, or LMU visitor card (without photo) through the card reader which sits atop the turnstile. The card system then verifies the status of the card and the turnstile releases. A person without a card will stop at the Information Station near the turnstile where a library staff member will have the person register prior to entry. Most of our patrons will receive free access to the library; a few will pay a fee to enter the library.

Who has free access and free full privileges to the library?

The following categories of patrons are eligible for free access to the library and full library privileges. Any patron receiving borrowing privileges must obtain an LMU OneCard or an LMU photo ID guest card to enter the library and receive privileges. To obtain a card, complete a Von der Ahe Library Patron Registration form available at the Circulation Desk. Your photo will be taken in the OneCard Office, St. Roberts 106.

LMU faculty
Regularly-enrolled LMU students
LMU staff
LMU religious community
Loyola Law School faculty, students, and staff

Who has free access to the library and some limited free borrowing privileges?

Following are the most frequent patron categories with free access and free level 1 basic borrowing privileges:

Continuing Education students and staff
Immediate family members of LMU employees
Faculty and librarians from SCELC institutions
Graduate students from SCATLA institutions
Local and visiting clergy
Retired LMU faculty and staff

Continuing Education students and staff must get a letter of permission from the Continuing Education Office if they wish to borrow materials. Local and visiting clergy must get a letter of permission from the Academic Vice President’s Office. Any patron receiving borrowing privileges must obtain an LMU OneCard or an LMU photo ID guest card to enter the library and receive privileges. To obtain the card, complete a Von der Ahe Library Guest Card Application form available at the Circulation Desk. Your photo will be taken in the OneCard Office, St. Roberts 106.

Who must pay for both access and borrowing privileges?

Any corporation or institution may, through written agreement, pay annually for privileges for members of their organization. The cost of corporate cards varies depending on the type of privileges and numbers of guest cards requested. Also, any individuals who do not have free access to the library, but who wish access and limited borrowing privileges may purchase an LMU photo ID guest card. The individual must be 18 years of age. The individual guest card is purchased on an annual basis. The card offers three levels of limited borrowing privileges:

Level 1 - $200 Basic Annual Fee Card: Along with one year of access from the date of purchase, the card also includes borrowing privileges of three (3) items checked out at any one time and one (1) renewal per item. Placing holds on checked-out items is not included. In addition to the annual fee, a refundable $100 deposit is also required.

Level 2 - $300 Enhanced Annual Fee Card: Along with one year of access from the date of purchase, the card also includes borrowing privileges of six (6) items checked out at any one time and two (2) renewals per item. Placing holds on checked-out items is allowed.

Level 3 - $450 Premium Annual Fee Card: Along with one year of access from the date of purchase, the card also includes borrowing privileges of ten (10) items checked out at any one time and five (5) renewals per item. Placing holds on checked-out items is allowed.

Complete a Von der Ahe Library Guest Card Application form at the Circulation Desk.

How does the annual LMU photo ID guest card work?

Annual photo ID guest cards are valid for one calendar year from the date of purchase. The person may come and go freely during that time using the card to go through the turnstile. The cardholder may also use reference services and view library videos in the library. Videos may not be checked out. Rush cataloging, course reserves, remote online access, and interlibrary loan services are not available to annual visitor cardholders.

To purchase an annual LMU photo ID guest card, present a valid California driver’s license or current student I.D. from an accredited education institution at the Circulation Desk. A refundable deposit of $100 must also be included with payment. Deposits are refundable; annual fees are not.

Annual LMU photo ID guest cards are not transferable.

Corporate entities may purchase annual guest cards by prior written agreement. The annual fee is for a maximum of four specified individuals from the company. These individuals will each receive an LMU photo ID guest card and will have borrowing privileges according to the privilege level paid by the company.

Each annual corporate fee is valid for four persons (i.e., four guest cards) in the company.

What if I don’t want to purchase borrowing privileges, just access to the library?

Patrons not eligible for free access may purchase a daily visitor card (without photo) for $5 per day.