When using library materials and spaces, please be respectful of property and other library users. Library materials and spaces include the building(s), computers, printed materials, furniture and desks, and other equipment and resources. If you have questions or need assistance, please consult a circulation desk. For emergencies, please call 911.

Library users will be expected to adhere to all applicable Texas Tech University policies (e.g., Operating Policies and Procedures and the Student Code of Conduct) regarding the use of TTU facilities and property generally, as well as the following:

• Areas in the library may be subject to audio and video monitoring and recording.
• Library users will be expected to respect the property and privacy of other library users.
• Do not leave items unattended; the library will not be responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen personal property.
• Please dispose of any food, beverage, and all other trash items in trash cans.
• Be aware of the noise levels permitted on each floor of the library and be mindful to not interfere with the studying of fellow library users.

Library employees reserve the right to relocate or remove individuals who engage in disruptive conduct, such as:

• Blocking or restricting access to doorways, such as individual or group study areas, with personal or library property.
• Theft, damage, littering or other unauthorized use of library or another person's personal property.
• Disruptive or obstructive conduct or activity, including disruptive conduct or activity directed toward other library users or library employees.
• Use of smoking or other tobacco products, such as vapes, inside of the building.
• Consumption of alcohol and other illicit substances in the building.
• Use of sleeping bags or other camping/occupancy materials, even when the library is open 24 hours during finals week.
• Food preparation in the building without prior university approval.

When displaying or viewing content (including but not limited to internet access, printed materials, and computer software) in the Library, it is the Library user’s responsibility to be respectful of other Library users and to maintain the Library’s scholarly, professional environment. The Library may regulate the time, place, or manner of the viewing of explicit materials. Library users viewing explicit material(s) in direct public view may, as reasonable, be asked to cease activity or to relocate to a different area of the Library where Library users and passersby are not subject to involuntary exposure. If any Library user refuses to cooperate with Library staff in efforts to reasonably relocate the Library user, the Library employees may ask the user to close the relevant content or cease using the resource, or ask the Library user to leave the building.

TTU Undergraduate Students, HSC Student/Staff, Law Adjunct Faculty/Staff

TTU Graduate Students, Honors, Staff, Retired Faculty/Staff, Visiting Professor, Law Students

TTU Faculty, Research Associate, Administrative Employee, Law Faculty, HSC Faculty

Community/LCU/SPC/Visitors

• TTU faculty, staff, and students may check out equipment for 72 hours. Noncirculating equipment may be checked out for 6 hours

• Equipment is checked out on a first come, first served basis.

• Borrowers are responsible for returning equipment in the condition in which they borrowed it. Damages may result in a replacement charge on Student Business Services (SBS) account.

• Lost equipment not returned within 24 hours of the time equipment was due will result in a replacement charge for the full cost of the equipment being billed to SBS account. The lost fee will be waived if the equipment is returned in working order. 

You are responsible for all items checked out on your Texas Tech University Libraries account.

This policy is applicable to all Libraries' items except for items from Document Delivery. Please contact Document Delivery at (806)742-2239 or libraries.docdel@ttu.edu

Overdue Reminders

The Libraries are not responsible for notifying you that materials are overdue. Reminders and overdue notices are sent as a courtesy. Failure to receive reminders or overdue notices does not excuse you from the responsibility of returning or renewing items on time to avoid penalties. Notifications are sent out via email on the following schedule:

• 7 days before due date

• On due date

• 7 days after due date

• 21 days after due date

If an item is 21 days overdue, it will be declared lost.

A replacement charge and non-refundable processing fee of $10 will be billed to your Student Business Services account. See below for details on replacement charges:

• Books, bound periodicals, government documents, CDs/DVDs: $115

• Dynamic Media Services (DMS) equipment: Replacement cost of item

• Laptops: Replacement cost of item

• Reserve items: replacement cost of item

If lost items are returned, the Libraries will issue a credit for the replacement charge to your Student Business Services account within 72 hours. The $10 processing fee is non-refundable. 

A new, or like new copy of the item may be accepted instead of paying the full replacement cost. A $10 non-refundable processing fee will still be charged to your account. 

Items that are returned to the library damaged will be charged your Student Business Services account will be charged for the replacement cost of the item plus a non-refundable $10 processing fee. See below for details on replacement charges:

• Books, bound periodicals, government documents, CDs/DVDs: $115

• Dynamic Media Services (DMS) equipment: Replacement cost of item

• Laptops: Replacement cost of item

• Reserve items: replacement cost of item

A new, or like new copy of the item may be accepted instead of paying the full replacement cost. A $10 non-refundable processing fee will still be charged to your account. 

Texas Tech University, TTU HSC, or TTU Law students: Pay fines through Student Business Services

TexShare, South Plains College, or Lubbock Christian University: Library charges are billed to your home institution. 

If an item appears on your library account that you believe was returned, you can request it be marked "Claimed Returned."

To request that an item be marked as "Claimed Returned" contact Access Services at (806)742-2265 or libraries.circulation@ttu.edu

Once the item is marked as “Claimed Returned” in the Libraries' system, it will be queued for several intensive searches over the course of four weeks. When the claimed returned searches have been completed, you will be notified of the results.

If the item is not located after the claimed returned searches you will be charged for the replacement.

You are responsible for all replacement charges for lost or damaged items that are charged to your Libraries account. You may appeal specific charges on your account in writing within 90 days of the original charge. Written appeals may be submitted in person at the Service Desk or by email to libraries.circulation@ttu.edu. 

Acceptable basis for Libraries' consideration of an appeal:

• Circumstances beyond control of the borrower could the loss or damage of library materials. Substantiating documentation, i.e. police report, must be submitted with written appeal. 

• Library error in processing transaction.

• Payment of charges would cause excessive financial hardship. 

Access Services staff will review appeals with a final decision made by the Department Head or designee. The borrower will be notified of the decision in writing within 14 days of receiving the written appeal. 

Possible outcomes include: denial of appeal, charges reduced to a percentage of original charge, or appeal accepted and the specific charge cleared from account.