Due to staffing constraints, the Libraries do not currently offer in-person classroom library instruction.  However, the Libraries do offer a robust online library instructional module -- Instruct --and also assist individual students and researchers with specific research questions, either via email or at the library.  Additional campus assistance includes the Center for Global Communication+Design and the Advising & Learning Assistance Center.

The table below summarizes lending and usage policies for the Architecture and Folsom Libraries including the Institute Archives & Special Collections.

*Rensselaer community - Active Rensselaer faculty, staff, and students; visiting researchers; visiting scholars; Alumni; retirees; Friends of Folsom.

Additional information regarding loans, renewals, and billing is available in the sections below.

Renewals

You may renew your loan in one of the following ways:

• With your personal library account, if the item is not overdue.
• In person at the Service Desk
• By email
• By telephone (Folsom Library: (518) 276-8310; Architecture Library: (518) 276-6465)

Renewal loans will be extended provided the following conditions are met:

• The items are not needed for Course Reserves or by another borrower.
• It has been less than ten days since the loan expired.
• The borrower does not have other delinquent loans, unsettled fines, or suspended borrowing privileges.

Recalls and Holds

• All loans are subject to recall by the Libraries at any time for Course Reserve, or three weeks after date of loan when needed by another borrower.
• Replacement costs, plus a processing fee, will be charged for recalled items not returned within the specified time period.
• When a recalled item has been returned, the requester will receive an email notification, and the item will be held at the Service Desk for ten days pending pick-up.

• A borrowed library item becomes overdue ten days after it is due or has been recalled.  Borrowers may be billed for the full replacement cost, plus a $20.00 processing fee for each unreturned item.
• Borrowers will be billed for the repair or replacements costs of any library materials that are returned damaged.

Payment and Billing

• Unsettled Rensselaer student library fines are considered delinquent 30 days after issue.  These fines will be billed to the student’s Bursar account, and may be paid at the Bursar’s Office.
• Bills to all other borrowers must be paid by check. Make checks payable to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. This may be done at the Libraries' Service Desks or by mail: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Folsom Library, 110 8th St, Troy, NY 12180; bills may also be charged to a departmental account.
• Ownership of billed library material resides with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Payment of replacement costs and/or other charges does not transfer ownership.
• Borrowing privileges may remain suspended until billed materials are returned to the Library, regardless of the payment status of bills.
• Billing inquiries should be directed to the Folsom Service Desk Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, or to the Architecture Service Desk Monday through Friday between 8:30 PM and 4:00 PM.
• Any borrowers who believe a billing or record-keeping error has occurred may appeal loss of borrowing privileges and/or bills by writing to Tracy Allen, Manager of Public Services.

 Loss of Borrowing Privileges

• General borrowing privileges will be suspended for individuals who owe fines or who have overdue ConnectNY or Interlibrary loan books.
• Borrowing privileges may remain suspended until billed materials are returned to the Libraries, regardless of any bills’ payment status.

• Access Course Reserves directly or from the Rensselaer Libraries homepage.
• Keep in mind that the use of some Course Reserves resources is restricted to Rensselaer faculty, staff and students in order to comply with copyright law and various licensing agreements.
• Search the Reserves by instructor’s last name, course name, or department.
• Remember that Architecture Course Reserves materials are only available at the Architecture Library.
• Request Course Reserves items kept behind the Service Desk by specifying the course name and item number, as displayed in the Course Reserves database. Library-owned materials must be requested by call number.
• Note that some listed Course Reserves items may only be available electronically.
• Be prepared to deposit a required acceptable, positive form of identification – such as a Rensselaer or other college ID card, a Rensselaer Libraries' Courtesy Card, or current driver's license – to collect Course Reserves materials.
• Remember that loan periods and the number of items one person may use at one time vary depending on the type of material and current demand. Usage is usually limited to three (3) items. However, loan periods for class-assigned materials are determined by Library staff in consultation with faculty.
• Be sure to collect any Course Reserves materials at least 15 minutes before the Service Desk closes.
• Keep in mind that some Course Reserves materials cannot be removed from the Libraries, and are restricted to building use only.

Public Access
Both the Folsom and Architecture Libraries are open to the general public.  However, a Rensselaer ID card is required to open the front doors of Folsom Library, so those without an ID card may request entry to the Library by pressing the intercom button located immediately outside the front doors.  These individuals may be asked to show a picture ID upon entry.

Computers
Library computers are provided in support of Rensselaer's educational and research missions. Use of this equipment for other purposes is not permitted. All library users are expected to adhere to Rensselaer's policies on Electronic Citizenship . Access to library computers by members of the Rensselaer community takes precedence over access by the general public.

Access Rules

• Individuals may be required to show or deposit an acceptable form of identification, such as an unexpired Rensselaer or other college ID, or an unexpired driver's license
• Minors 16 years of age or under must be accompanied by an adult.
• A quiet study atmosphere is expected in study and meeting rooms, and in all reading and stack areas, at all times.
• The third and fourth floors of the Folsom Library are geared toward individual study. Group study is more appropriate on the first and second floors of the Folsom Library.
• Individuals are expected to leave promptly at closing time, in emergencies, and during evacuation drills.
• With the exception of guide dogs, no animals are permitted inside library facilities.

Emergency Evacuation and Fire Drills
An electronic horn will sound to signal either a fire drill or an actual emergency evacuation.  In both cases, all library users and staff are required to immediately exit library buildings by the nearest designated exit.  Note that periodic fire drills are required by New York State law.

Security Alarms
When the system's alarm sounds, the person who triggered the alarm must return to the Library Service Desk.  If that person has any unauthorized library materials in his or her possession, Library staff will report the incident to the appropriate administrative authority for disciplinary action. Such action may include, but not be limited to, loss of library privileges, disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, expulsion from the Institute, or legal prosecution.

Closing Time Signal
Notice is given 30 minutes before closing over the loudspeaker, signaling the return of group study room keys and class reserve materials. Users have 15 minutes until the Library Service Desk closes to borrow library materials.

Late Night Study Hours
The Library Service Desks are not available during late night study hours, when only building safety monitors are on duty. Public safety staff will make an announcement five minutes prior to closing and direct everyone to exit the building at that time.

Requests for Exceptions to Standard Access to Folsom Library
Access to the Folsom Library is established with the issuance of a valid Rensselaer ID. Visiting scholars, visiting researchers and visiting faculty will be granted access to the library during the hours that the building is open.

For individuals who did not previously have Library access, or who wish to change their level of access, the requestor’s department must send an e-mail to Manager of Public Services for their approval.  All requests must include the individual's name, their RIN, the start date and end date of their library access, and the reason for the request.  Departments requesting library access prior to the building’s normal opening time must provide justifications for the request, as such early access constitutes a security issue and will be approved as deemed appropriate at the discretion of the library.

Library staff will sign any approved access requests and forward them to Public Safety for processing.  Library staff will also notify the requesting department of any access requests which are not approved

Designated individuals who are granted access to Folsom Library prior to the building’s official opening time are not to allow anyone else to enter with them. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the loss of early access to the library.

Two group study rooms located on the third floor of the Folsom Library are available for up to three hours' use each day by any Rensselaer-affiliated group of two or more persons on a first-come, first-assigned basis. The Service Desk is responsible for the assignment and administration of these rooms.

There are also small group study rooms located on the first, third and fourth floors of Folsom Library that are left unlocked for both individuals and groups to use on a first-come, first-use basis. Near the end of the spring and fall semesters, student groups may reserve some of these rooms in advance to finish their class projects. 

How to Reserve Study Rooms

Reservations are made by contacting the Library's Service Desk in person or by telephone, 518-276-8310, during regular Institute business hours or by submitting the Rensselaer Libraries: Folsom Room Reservation Request form.

In all cases, Library staff may request that the names of all study room occupants be identified on the Group Study Reservation slip.

Claiming and Extending Reservations
Room reservations that are not claimed within the first ten minutes of a scheduled reservation period will be reassigned.
Users may not request a time extension until the end of the initial reservation period. Such extensions are limited to one-hour increments, and will be granted only when demand for the study rooms is low.

Group Study Room Keys
All group study room keys are issued five minutes before the start of the reservation period, and all room registrants must present a completed Group Study Reservation slip with two current Rensselaer IDs.

Room registrants must return study room keys to the Library Service Desk within five minutes of the room reservation’s expiration. For reservations expiring after 11:30 PM, the key must be returned to the Library Service Desk prior to that time, but occupants may continue to use the room until the building’s scheduled closing time.  In all cases, study room keys cannot be taken from the building,

Users who return study room keys late will receive a $10.00 fine; those who lose the key will receive a $25.00 fine, plus a $10.00 processing fee.

Conditions of Group Study Room Use
The following conditions exist for all groups who reserve study rooms:

• The individual who registers for a group study room assumes full liability for subsequent repair costs arising from any room or equipment damage that occurs during the reservation period.
• The Libraries assume no responsibility for the loss of or damage to personal property that is left in a study room at any time.
• A group that reserves a study room must dispose of any waste properly and leave the room clean and orderly.
• Study groups may not move furniture and equipment into or out of a study room without the permission of the Library Service Desk staff.
• All study groups are expected to keep their conversation level low so as not to disturb other library users.

Individuals or groups who blatantly or repeatedly violate the above conditions of use may lose their study room privileges for the current academic semester.

The Rensselaer Libraries will:

Although the Folsom and Architecture Libraries will accept the offer of gift books and other research materials, the Libraries also reserve the right to evaluate, use, or dispose of any gift items as deemed appropriate.  Also note that, due to IRS regulations, the Libraries cannot appraise any gift items.

If you have any questions regarding potential donations to the Libraries, please contact John Dojka, Director of Collection Development, by email or by phoning (518) 276-8341.

Student Club Collections

The Rensselaer Libraries will attempt to provide space for informal reading collections which are donated by Rensselaer Union-recognized student clubs, in accordance with the guidelines given below.  Student clubs who wish to start or add to a collection of materials should inquire at the Library Service Desk.

Book Guidelines

• The Rensselaer Libraries have sole discretion in determining if they choose to accept any club-offered collections.  Once accepted, the donated materials become property of the Libraries.
• All donated collection materials will be available strictly on an “honor system” basis.  The Libraries are not responsible for replacing any damaged or lost collection items.
• The Libraries determine the location and size of the donated collections.  The current recommended maximum collection size is 100 hardcover, or 250 softcover, books.
• The Libraries will de-accession all items which are to be removed from a collection.
• The club donating the materials must designate a liaison person who will be responsible for working with a Library staff member to maintain the club’s collection. 
• The club must periodically review their materials in order to replace or update items.
• Items to be removed from a collection will be de-accessioned by the libraries.
• All materials will be available strictly on an "honor system."

Please note that the Folsom Library does not accept textbooks for its collections, nor does it accept unsolicited eBooks.  Library patrons may place used textbooks on the Folsom Library's “Second Chance Bookshelf,” located on the first floor of the library, or they may donate them to Better World Books, an organization that will reimburse postage of mailing the books to them, and that also helps fund global literacy initiatives.

Magazine and Newspaper Guidelines

• Clubs must reimburse the library for any incurred subscription costs of newspapers and magazines.
• Student clubs who wish to donate magazines and/or newspapers to the Folsom Library must do so by sending them directly to the Library at the following address:

          Serials Dept.
          Richard G. Folsom Library
          Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
          110 8th St, Troy, NY 180-3590

• Donated magazines and newspapers will be stamped as library property, and will be shelved in a designated area for one year period.
• Issues will not be retained for more than 1 year, and the Libraries are not responsible for replacement of damaged or lost issues of the donated material.

The primary mission of the Rensselaer Libraries is to support Rensselaer’s educational and research endeavors. The following policies have been adopted in order to promote this mission and to foster a vibrant intellectual and social collaborative place on campus. We ask that our patrons self-police these policies.

Quiet

• The first and second (main) floors in the Folsom Library are open, collaborative spaces. The third and fourth floors provide an environment where discussions should be subdued, both in open study areas and study rooms
• Library users whose study is disrupted by noise are asked first to consider approaching those who are noisy to remind them to be more quiet.
• If necessary, individuals may contact library staff at the Library Service Desk for assistance. Individuals or groups who fail to comply with library etiquette regarding disruptive behaviors will be asked to leave the building.

Food and Drink

• Non-messy snack foods and drinks in closed containers are permitted throughout the Folsom Library with the exception of the Fixman Archives.
• Messy foods – such as large sandwiches, pizza, soup, chili, etc –  and open-container drinks should be restricted to the Library Café on the main floor of Folsom Library.
• Please dispose of waste properly.