David H. Townsend Library is open to the public. Residents of Otero County may request a library card at the circulation desk. This includes local middle and high school students with written parental consent, visiting scholars with a letter of introduction from their home institution, and NMSU Alumni with proof of current NMSU Alumni Association membership.  

Library cards are $5.00 per borrower and valid for one semester only. Patrons will complete an application form provided at the circulation desk. Picture ID and proof of residency is required. Patrons under the age of 12 will not be permitted to receive a Townsend library card. Please see the Child Policy (insert hyperlink here) for more information and guidelines. 

Before the library card is created the patron will need to pay the fee in the NMSU-A business office, and funds will need to be added for any printing/photocopying needs at this time. Making payments or updating information in the business office does not automatically update to the library system. Patrons will need to bring their receipt to the circulation desk. Payment for the library card will be recorded during the creation of the account, and any extra funds added will be recorded from the receipt at this time. A semester sticker will be placed on the completed card. 

Each card is only eligible for use during the semester paid for. At the beginning of the new semester library staff will post reminder information throughout the facility to update and renew library cards. Patrons will need let the staff member know if their information has changed in any way, provide a receipt to show the new semester fee has been paid, and a new semester sticker will be applied to the card. 

Computer access will not be permitted to any public patron that does not have a current library card. Wi-fi is available for patrons wishing to use the facility; no library card is needed. Public patrons are not  eligible to use interlibrary loan services.  

Public patrons are limited to five items at any given time. All materials are available for check-out to public patrons with the exception of: 

• Reserves  
• Laptops 
• Archives 
• Any other technology equipment 

Public Access Computers and Printing 

The library currently has four public access computers for use. These computers are available on a first come, first serve basis. Patrons will need to sign-in at the front desk and show proof of their current library card. Library staff will verify there are no outstanding overdue materials, fees needing to be paid, and if there is a usable balance on the account for copies/prints they will notify the patron of the amount available. A library staff member will log-in on the computer for the patron; passwords will not be given to any public patron at any time. Public patrons will not be granted access to the university computers for any reason.  

Public patrons may be asked to sign-off the computers for the following: 

• Not following library computer policy (insert hyperlink here) 
• Excessive disruption to other patrons (ex: loud volume, using cell phone) 
• Faculty/Staff/Student needs are priority if they are having trouble on university access computers 
• Use of the computer has gone past one hour and there is a high volume of patrons needing access 

Printing and making copies is not a free service. Patrons are responsible for payment of ALL prints/copies; to include mistakes or misprints. The fees and charges policy for this service covers paper, ink, toner, and service as needed. Funds will need to be on your account in order to use these services. See the NMSU-A business office to add monies for your printing needs, and bring the receipt of payment to the circulation desk so that it may be properly recorded on the patron account. Fees for print/copy services are posted near the public access computers and above the copier/printer. Patrons will bring all prints/copies to the circulation desk to be counted and the fee deducted from their account. Failure to pay these fees will result in temporary or permanent loss of library computer privileges.  

Private Study Rooms 

Public patrons may make use of the four private study rooms if they are available. Smart screen use/access is not allowed unless special permission is granted by the library director. University credentials are required for the use of this equipment. Reservations are not normally granted for these rooms, but will be considered on a case by case basis by the library director.