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Library Services for Retirees, Alumni, and Community

Georgia Southern University Libraries support the University’s mission by providing access to resources designed to meet the scholarly needs of the University and the general public and by promoting independent lifelong learning.

Community Borrowers Policy

Who is eligible for community borrower membership?

Any Georgia residents, age 18 and over, who are not academically or professionally affiliated with Georgia Southern University are eligible to become community borrowers.  Active duty members of the armed forces stationed in Georgia are also eligible. To register for borrowing privileges, applicants must provide a government-issued picture ID and proof of residence, like mail with the applicant’s name and current Georgia address visible. Applicants may also be asked for proof of age.  Former students or non-retired former faculty and staff members who want to have borrowing privileges must register as community borrowers.  They cannot use their former Georgia Southern University IDs as a means of access.  All Community Borrower accounts expire on 12/31 each year, with registration occurring again each new year.

 

Access to Materials 

Community borrowers may register and receive a Community Borrower’s library card at the Zach S. Henderson or Lane Library circulation desks. This card, accompanied by a valid picture ID, can be used when checking out library materials. Community borrowers are allowed to check out books, DVD’s and headphones.  All materials checked out have a designated loan time limit that borrowers must observe.  

Community borrowers may borrow a maximum of five (5) items at a time from the general collections, with some exclusions. If any fines are incurred for materials kept beyond the due date, borrowing and renewing privileges will be suspended until the overdue items are returned and the fines are settled.  If any items are lost or damaged, the borrower will be charged for replacement costs and, if applicable, processing fees.  All fees and charges must be paid in order to regain borrowing privileges.  

Community borrowers are allowed to use designated computers located in Henderson and Lane Libraries on a first-come, first-served basis. The computers are not located in quiet study areas of the library. Library and university policies on acceptable behavior and use of library resources apply to all library users, including community patrons. 

Please be aware of the Georgia Southern University policy regarding Non-Student Minors on Campus Policy

 

Library Community Computer Use Policy 

The Information Technology Appropriate Use Policy is authorized by the Board of Regents, Appropriate Use Policy (2009-014) which charges each University System of Georgia institution to develop policy that, at minimum, includes the Board policy guidelines. These guidelines establish that the institution and its users have an obligation to abide by the following standards of appropriate and ethical use:  

  • Use only IT resources for which you have authorization.

  • Use IT resources only for their intended purpose. 

  • Protect the access and integrity of IT resources.

  • Abide by policies and laws regarding copyright and intellectual property. 

  • Respect the personal rights and privacy of others. 

  • User ID is only for the person who signed up for the account. It is for temporary use and will expire on the 2nd Tuesday morning of the month following initial distribution.  

 

Access to Computers

To access designated library computers, community members must be 18 years of age or older and must provide a current, valid picture ID. After signing the Community Computers Users agreement, each patron will be given a computer User ID. This User ID is for temporary use and will expire on the 2nd Tuesday morning, of the month following initial distribution. 

 

Password Guidelines: All passwords are to be treated as sensitive, confidential Georgia Southern University information. Do not share login passwords by any means nor under any conditions. Patrons are responsible for all computer use under their account login.