David H. Townsend Library at NMSU-A is a place to enrich learning and provide an environment where resources and our students, faculty, and staff can come together for engagement and increase knowledge. Policies and procedures are put into place for the protection of our library users and the preservation of our materials, equipment and facility. This policy applies to the public areas of the building. 

 

Animals 

No animals are allowed in the library. Exceptions as defined in the NMSU Administrative Rules and Procedures Rule 3.06, include: 

• Service animals 
• Law Enforcement animals 
• Therapy animals 

 

Disruption and Destruction 

Library staff will periodically walk through to monitor noise levels and any other violations to policy. All patrons are encouraged to report concerns about disruptions to the library circulation desk. Anyone that does not comply with this policy will be asked to modify their behavior or leave the facility if the behavior persists. 

 

Destruction of library materials, equipment, and other property will not be tolerated. This is unlawful and will be reported to NMSU-A security officials. 

 

Food and Drinks 

Food and beverages are allowed in the facility. The coffee bar is open to all patrons. Townsend library requests that patrons: 

• Use Spill-proof containers; use a lid on any coffee bar cups 
• Only 2 k-cups/tea bags allowed per patron at the coffee bar, per visit 
• Clean up any messes before leaving the facility 
• Utilize the waste receptacles throughout the facility 
• Report any incidents to the library staff 
• Refrain from taking food/drink into the aisles of library materials 
• Be mindful of their items if working on an NMSU-A computer 

 

 

Personal Property 

David H. Townsend Library is not responsible for patron personal property. Do not leave personal items unattended. Our patrons are responsible for the security of their own property they have brought into the facility.  

 

 

Building hours 

David H. Townsend Library maintains established building hours. Hours are posted on the library website, posted signage inside and outside the facility, and on social media pages. Regular hours are subject to change due to interim sessions, spring break, exam weeks, and University holidays. All essential changes to business hours are subject to administrative review and approval. Early closure may occur in response to emergencies, inclement weather, or other unanticipated situations. Early closures are required to have approval by the University Administration, Security, or Fire Department.  

 

 

Lost and Found 

Townsend library is in compliance with NMSU-A Security procedures on handling lost and found items. The proper and timely disposal of property includes the return of property to its rightful owner and the destruction of items as prescribed by law as indicated by N.M. Stat. Ann. § 29-1-14 (2017). 

 

Any lost and found items within the facility will be turned in to the circulation desk. Items will not be kept longer than 7 days. They will be deposited with NMSU-A security. Patrons will need to describe the item(s) to library staff or NMSU-A security personnel and provide a valid ID. Items with security should be claimed within 90 days. 

 

Copier/Scan/Fax 

The library has an all-in-one machine for patron use to make copies, fax, scan or print. Anyone using the machine for copies/prints are subject to fees. Patrons must bring all copies/prints to the front desk for counting and payment to be rendered to their account accordingly. There is no charge for using the scan feature or the fax feature. The fax is only for campus to campus, local, or within New Mexico numbers.  

 

A separate printer is available for the student computers in the facility. Students will have $5.00 on their account at the beginning of each semester. If the account balance is at zero, monies will need to be added in order for the print feature to work.  

 

Neither of our machines within the facility has the capability for remote printing from personal devices.  

 

Cell Phone Use 

This facility is a shared space. All patrons and library employees must keep their cell phone on silent mode. Phone calls must be taken out of the main area. Utilization of more appropriate locations is requested, such as the front lobby or just outside the main doors. This includes the use of hands-free devices while in the common areas.  

 

Safety Policy 

The library has an emergency action plan for the facility. First aid kits are available from a library employee.  

 

In the event of a medical emergency of a patron (to include NMSU-A faculty/staff) University security will be contacted. The VP of Student Services, the POC for Human Resources, and local authorities may also be contacted dependent on the incident and person(s) involved. 

 

In the event of fire, power outage, electrical storms, etc. library staff will guide patrons within the facility in the proper steps to maintain safety to include evacuation if necessary. If evacuation is required, staff will guide patrons outside the facility to the flagpole for accountability.  

 

Fees & Charges 

The library applies fees and charges to a number of services in an effort to recover direct costs and reasonable indirect costs. Library fees and charges are subject to change. These are generally applied to, but not limited to: 

• Prints/photocopies 
• Lost or damaged items 
• Library cards (public patrons only) 

Payment is accepted in the business office of the university. This includes adding monies to student and public accounts for printing. The library does not accept any form of payment. Fees for returned checks will be determined by the business office. Receipts will need to be provided to the library circulation desk so that payment can be recorded accurately in library account records.  

Failure to pay fees and charges will result in the cancellation of patron access to the facility (public patrons), blocked accounts, or restricted library privileges. Any adjustments or refunds relating to library fees and charges are made at the discretion of library management.  

Late fees are not incurred at Townsend Library at this time. However, long overdue items will be charged to the account with the lost item non-refundable fee (per item). 

List of Library Fees and Charges 

• Library card (public patrons); per semester $5.00 
• Lost Item processing fee, Non-Refundable $15.00 
• Item replacement fee, minimum or replacement cost of item, whichever is greater 
• Lost or damaged laptops, minimum $500.00 
• Self-Service Copies/Computer Prints 
  • Black/White 8.5” X 11” $0.10 
  • Black/White 11” X 17” $0.50 
  • Color 8.5” X 11” $0.25 
  • Color 11” X 17” $1.00 
  • Special Colored paper 8.5” X 11” $0.50 
  • Cardstock $0.75