David H. Townsend Library is open to the public. Members of the surrounding community may request a library card at the circulation desk. This includes local middle and high school students, 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. A valid picture ID is required. The application form includes a section for applicants ages 12–17 that must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian. This signature grants permission for the minor to obtain a library card and accepts responsibility for materials checked out on that card. Patrons under the age of 12 will not be permitted to receive a Townsend Library card. Please see the Child Policy for more information and guidelines.

Students who are currently enrolled in a school program are not required to pay the $5.00 semester fee. Proof of current school enrollment must be provided when applying for the library card.

Before the library card is created, patrons who are required to pay the semester fee will need to pay the fee in the NMSU-A business office. Funds may also be added for printing or photocopying needs at that time. Making payments or updating information in the business office does not automatically update 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 that time. A semester sticker with the year will be placed on the completed card.

Each card is only eligible for use during the semester it was issued 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 to inform the staff member if their information has changed and provide a receipt to show the new semester fee has been paid when applicable. A new semester sticker will then 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 and a library card is not required to access the wireless network or use the library study spaces. 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
• Archives
• Any other technology equipment

Patrons under the age of 18 who are not currently enrolled NMSU-A students must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while in the library facility.

Public Access Computers and Printing

The library currently has four public access computers available for community patrons. These computers are available on a first come, first served basis.

Patrons must sign in at the circulation desk and present their current library card and staff must be able to verify the account in the library system before access is granted. Library staff will verify that there are no outstanding overdue materials or fees on the account and confirm that sufficient funds are available for printing if needed.

A library staff member will log in to the computer for the patron. Passwords will not be provided to public patrons.

Community patrons may only use the designated public access computers located in the library and are not permitted to use NMSU-A student computers.

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

• Not following library computer policies
• Excessive disruption to other patrons (for example loud volume or phone use)
• Faculty, staff, or student access needs priority during high demand
• Computer use has exceeded one hour and other patrons are waiting

Printing and copying services are not free. Patrons are responsible for payment of all prints and copies, including mistakes or misprints.

Funds must be available on the patron account in order to print or make copies. Patrons may add funds at the NMSU-A business office and must bring their receipt to the circulation desk so the payment can be recorded on their library account.

Fees for printing and copying services are posted near the public computers and copier. All prints and copies must be brought to the circulation desk so they can be counted and the appropriate fee deducted from the account.

Private Study Rooms

Private study rooms are available to all patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. Public patrons may make use of the three private study rooms if 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.