Frequently Asked Questions

The Canizaro Library is open to the general public; visitors who are not currently enrolled at, or employed by, Ave Maria University (AMU) may obtain limited access to the Canizaro Library by registering for a Community Borrower account.

Please note the following:

• Borrowers must live in Southwest Florida.
• If the borrower lives in Ave Maria, he or she must present proof of residency. Accepted forms of identification: driver's license, county property tax receipt, voter's registration card, State of Florida ID card, property deed or mortgage/annual lease agreement, utility bill, or vehicle registration, which includes street address.
• Those who live outside of Ave Maria will need to obtain a library card from their local public library along with a Southwest Florida Library Network (SWFLN) sticker. See the list of participating libraries.
• Borrowers must be at least 18 years old to register for an account.
• Borrowing privileges are not transferable.

Computer Access

All computers in the Canizaro Library are reserved for AMU faculty, staff, and students.

Access to the Library by Minors

All minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while in the Canizaro Library.

High School Visits

Teachers from the Donahue Academy may bring small groups of 10-15 high school students (grades 11 and 12 only) to the Library so that they may check out library books for a specific research project.

Food is not permitted in the library, except in the 24 Hour Reading Room. All drinks must have lids. This policy is intended to protect library materials and the comfort of fellow library users.

The 2nd floor of the Canizaro Library and the 24 Hour Reading Room are intended for quiet study. If you need to work with a group please reserve a study room or use a table on the 1st floor. Other options for group study include the Café located in the Student Union or a classroom in the Academic Building.

What is interlibrary loan?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that allows faculty, students, and staff to borrow books, articles, and other materials from other libraries. Requests should be made through the Canizaro Library staff.

Who is eligible for Interlibrary Loan services?

Faculty, students, and staff of Ave Maria University are all eligible for interlibrary loan privileges. Borrowing privileges from the Canizaro Library will be suspended, however, if a patron fails to return borrowed materials, or fails to pay any invoices in a timely manner.

Interlibrary Loan charges

Interlibrary Loan is a free service.

Late returns of interlibrary loans can hurt the library

When interlibrary loan items are returned late, the University's status in the interlibrary loan system may be downgraded. This could make it harder for us to obtain interlibrary loan items in the future. Libraries are less likely to lend us items if we appear less reliable based on our past record of returning items late. Students will be charged $1 per day for overdue interlibrary loans and will be blocked from requesting interlibrary loans and checking out library items until the overdue interlibrary loan(s) are returned and fines paid.

Interlibrary loan limitations and restrictions

• Interlibrary loan items cannot be placed on Course Reserve.
• Textbooks will not be requested due to the short loan period that is given by lending libraries.
• Items owned by AMU will not be requested.
• AV materials.

Duration of Loans

The loan period, renewals, and conditions of use are determined by the lending library.

If a renewal is necessary, a renewal request should be made one week before the date the item is due. Late items cannot be renewed. There is no guarantee that a lending library will renew an item. Some items may have a "Not Renewable" status. If the renewal is denied by the lending library, or the item is "Not Renewable", a second copy will be requested after the first copy is returned.

Materials generally unavailable through interlibrary loan

• Rare, fragile, or bulky items
• Reference books, theses, dissertations, and materials in special collections
• Audio-visual materials

Check the lending library's policy on lending theses and dissertations, as it is becoming less rare for libraries to lend out these items or digitally send them.

Procedures for submitting requests

When possible, requests should be submitted using the ILL forms online on the Canizaro Library website. Requests may also be submitted in person at the Circulation Desk, over the phone (239-280-2557), or via e-mail to library@avemaria.edu. Each request should contain the following information:

For books:

• Author, title, and specific edition (if any)

For articles:

• Title of periodical, author of article, title of article, volume, issue, date, and page numbers

How long does interlibrary loan take?

Response time can vary for a number of reasons:

• Incomplete or inaccurate citation
• Location of lending library
• Availability of material at time of request
• Processing speed of the lending library

Many interlibrary loan requests are filled within days, but can take 1-3 weeks to arrive. Patrons should arrange to meet their research needs accordingly.

Procedures for picking up interlibrary loans

Patrons will be notified by e-mail when materials arrive. Materials should be picked up at the Circulation Desk. When possible, articles will be sent electronically.

Patrons should pick up their requests as soon as possible, as certain libraries loan materials for only 2 or 3 weeks. If a patron has not requested and been granted a renewal, the patron should return the item on or before the due date.

The University truly appreciates donations for its Library, and we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people. Some of the items we receive, however, are of no use to us. As a result, we are initiating the following policies regarding donations of printed material.

Generally we will accept only hardcover books that are in excellent condition and on subjects that we currently teach. Because of space limitations and other considerations, we normally choose not to accept paperback or magazine donations. Paperbacks that are in "like brand new" condition may be considered, but you should check first with the Director of Library Services.

The needs of a university research library are both varied and specific. Be aware that they exclude some of the items people often wish to donate. However valuable they may be, standard editions of classic works are likely to duplicate our collections. They would be better use to a public library or charitable organization. Textbooks quickly become outdated as new editions are published. Many items, although theoretically valuable, may be printed on paper too brittle to make them usable. Rare books, scholarly works, or works on out-of-the-way or little-known topics are often a good fit for the library. We are also glad to have new books, and replacements for items missing from our shelves.

Donors must have the donated books delivered to: Canizaro Library, Ave Maria University, 5251 Donahue Street, Ave Maria, FL 34142. Normally the University cannot provide or pay for transporting donations to the Library.

If you have particularly valuable materials (appraised at over $500 per item), we may be willing to pay for transportation.

You should check with us first to ascertain our interest by calling 239-280-2557 and asking for the Director of Library Services.

Tips and guidelines for donations of books

• The initial person to contact to donate books is the Director of the Library at telephone number 239-348-4710.
• The Director will determine whether or not to accept the potential donation.
• The Ave Maria University Library cannot provide appraisal services for donations. If an appraisal is desired, the donor must seek the services of a professional appraiser.
• If requested, we can acknowledge receipt of gift materials with a form letter indicating the quantity and type of materials donated. Please include this request with the list of books.
• Except for very valuable donations, the University does not provide transportation services. The donor is responsible for delivery of the donation to the Library if the collection is accepted.
• If a donation is accepted, we reserve the right to dispose of books to our best advantage. Such disposition may include: retention, transfer to another institution, sale, or discard.
• All gifts are final. Unless stated to the contrary in a written agreement, by the act of donation, the donor permanently relinquishes all rights to ownership and dispensation.
• Please note: once your gift enters our processing workflow, we can no longer accommodate an appraiser; therefore, if you are considering a tax deduction and wish to have your collection appraised, you should do so prior to making the donation.
• 'Gift of' or 'In Memory of' bookplates can be added to any book donation. These will be added at the donor's request and should be requested at the time of the donation before the books enter the processing workflow.
• All gifts of materials to the University Library are considered noncash charitable donations.

Tax issues

All material gifts to Ave Maria University Library are considered noncash charitable donations. Persons thinking of donating books to the library often wish to know about the tax status of their gift and are frequently interested in having their gift appraised for tax deduction purposes. According to the IRS, any tax deduction over $5,000 will require a professional appraisal, for which the donor will be responsible. Because the Internal Revenue Service regards us as an interested party, the library is itself unable to provide appraisals. Donors should consult their tax advisor in all cases, as the tax code regarding charitable donations is revised frequently. You may also want to take a look at the Internal Revenue Service's website.

Currently, a taxpayer must file Form 8283, "Noncash Charitable Contributions," (Section A) if the fair market value of the donation exceeds $500. If a deduction of more than $5,000 is claimed for an item or group of similar items donated, the taxpayer must also complete section B of the form.

Further information on appraisals and IRS guidelines for tax deductions can be found on the IRS website.

Monetary gifts

The Library also welcomes monetary gifts to support its collections, programs and facilities. Your monetary donation may be directed to a specific program or need in the Library (i.e. a specific subject area) or your gift may be unrestricted, thus enabling the Library to use the funds in the areas of greatest need.

Monetary donations may be made for immediate use or to build the Library's endowment to secure the Library's future. An endowment allows for the expenditure of net earnings on the gift, but never allows for the expenditure of any of the principal (original gift). This way the gift goes on forever.

For further information regarding donations, please contact the Director of Library Services at 239-348-4710.

Who may borrow library materials?

Faculty members and spouses, staff and spouses, students, and community members (with an official photo ID and SWFLN sticker) are all welcome to borrow library materials with certain restrictions. Students of the Ave Maria School of Law may register as community members with an official photo ID and school ID. Students from the Donahue Academy of Ave Maria may check out items only with a notice from their teacher for special projects and by prior arrangement with Canizaro Library staff.

How long may I check out library materials?

• Faculty members may check out books for 120 days.
• Staff may check out books for 60 days.
• Graduate students may check out books for 60 days.
• Undergraduate students, Founders, and community members may check out books for 30 days.
• Audio-Visual materials may be checked out for 1 week (7 days).

Do I need a library card?

No. To set up an account with the library, AMU students need a valid student ID. Community members need an official photo ID and a SWFLN sticker on their library card from their home library (see the list of participating libraries). If a photo ID has an Ave Maria address, a SWFLN sticker is not necessary.

What is the maximum number of books I can have out on my account?

• Undergraduates can have no more than 20 books out at a time. This limit can be waived upon the request of a faculty member for a particular student.
• Graduate students can have no more than 50 books out at a time. This limit can be waived upon the request of a faculty member for a particular student.
• Community members and Founders can have no more than five books out at a time.
• Faculty can have no more than 100 books out at a time. The Head of Public Services, upon request, will consider lifting this limit for items a faculty member needs while engaged in research.
• Staff members may have 50 books out at a time.

What is the maximum number of audio-visual materials I can have out on my account?

AMU faculty, staff, and students may have no more than a total of 5 audio-visual items checked out at a time. Community borrowers may have 2 audio-visual items checked out at a time.

Where can I find materials my professors have placed on Course Reserve?

Reserve materials can be obtained at the main desk. Course Reserve items are checked out for 2 hours, 4 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, or 1 week. Students may check out a maximum of two reserve items at a time. 2-hour and 4-hour reserve materials may be borrowed overnight at the discretion of the Canizaro Library staff. Failure to return the reserve materials on time will result in overdue fines.

Professor-owned Course Reserve items are "In Library Use Only" unless they have a 24-hour or 48-hour loan period.

How do I renew library materials?

Items may be renewed by using the "My Library Account" feature in the Canizaro Library catalog. They may also be renewed by e-mailing the library (library@avemaria.edu), calling the library (239-280-2557), or stopping by the front desk.

• Items may be renewed two times for faculty and staff, and once for students.
• Items cannot be renewed if a hold request has been placed for them.
• Overdue items may not be renewed.

What if the book I want is already checked out? May I place a hold on that item?

Yes. You will be contacted by email when the item becomes available. Holds will not be placed on Course Reserve items.

Can an item be recalled?

Yes. Students and faculty may recall an item checked out to another patron. If an item is recalled, the patron holding the recalled item must return the material within seven days of the original check-out date. If the recalled item is requested after the first seven-day period, the patron must return the material within 48 hours of receipt of the recall notice.

What materials may I check out?

All library materials may be checked out with the following exceptions:

• Items designated "Reference."
• Magazines, journals, newspapers, and other periodicals (but articles may be copied).
• Items designated as "Rare Books" or as "Special Collections" may in some instances be checked out by members of the faculty (with the approval of the Director of Library Services).

How can I access magazines, journals, newspapers and other periodicals?

New periodicals are located on the short stacks of the first floor. Back issues are located in the Bound Periodical room on the second floor. The Bound Periodical room is open to AMU faculty and graduate students with an AMU ID card. Undergraduates must place requests for specific volumes at the front desk, and library staff will notify them when the volume is pulled and available. After patrons are finished with bound periodicals they should bring them to the front desk to be reshelved. Periodicals may not be checked out. A copier is available on the first floor of the library to copy or scan articles.

Overdue Fines

• Overdue fines are $.25 per day per item.
• Course Reserve items are $.25 per hour.
• Overdue fines for Interlibrary Loans are $1 per day.
• Minimum fine: $3 per item
• Maximum fine: $10 per item
• Any overdue fines will result in a stop being placed on university records.
• Faculty and Staff are exempt from overdue fines.

What if I have lost a library item?

Please report the loss of items to the library immediately. Failure to pay for a lost item will result in a loss of library privileges and a block on your university record. Items that are more than 90 days overdue will be charged a replacement charge of $90. If an item that was considered lost is returned, the replacement charge will be waived and a maximum overdue fine of $10 will be assessed.

Where do I pay these overdue fines and charges?

Fines can be paid by cash, check, or credit card at the Cashier's Office located on the third floor of the library.

May I still check out items if I have overdue fees on my account?

Students are not blocked from checking out with overdue fines. Community members and Founders may not check out any new items until their overdue fines are fully resolved.

When will fines be applied to my student account?

Fines will be charged to the student account if incurred, two weeks before Thanksgiving and around the week of April 15th before graduation. Fines will be emailed to the Bursar's office for payment, and the student will be e-mailed with a list of the fines incurred and the total amount due. The accounts of students who graduate will be deleted in the month of June.

Library Access by Community Borrowers

The Canizaro Library is open to the general public. Limited access is granted to Community Borrowers:

• Borrowers must be a resident of Southwest Florida.
• If the borrower lives in Ave Maria, he or she must present proof of residency. Accepted forms of identification include: driver's license, county property tax receipt, voter registration card, State of Florida ID card, property deed or mortgage/annual lease agreement, utility bill, or vehicle registration which includes street address.
• Those who live outside Ave Maria will need to obtain a library card from their local public library with a Southwest Florida Library Network (SWFLN) sticker.
• Borrowers must be at least 18 years old.
• Borrowing privileges are not transferable.

Access to the library by minors

All minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while in the Canizaro Library.

Computer use

All computers in the Canizaro Library are reserved for AMU faculty, staff, and students.

Borrowing Limits

Proxy Borrowers (for faculty only)

The proxy borrower account allows a designated individual to conduct some library transactions for a faculty member. Faculty may authorize a proxy user, such as a research assistant, by submitting the Deputy Borrower Authorization Form and returning it to the Library Circulation Desk. The faculty member is responsible for all materials checked out on this account and any bills incurred through its use.

General Information/Circulation: 239-280-2557

Email: library@avemaria.edu

Catalog: https://avemariauniversity.on.worldcat.org/discovery

Website: https://www.avemaria.edu/library/

Faculty Support: https://www.avemaria.edu/library/faculty-support/