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Effective from September 1st 2007
The State Technical Library (hereafter referred to as “STL”) is the central professional library under the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. It provides library and information services to legal and physical persons, especially those in higher education, research and development. The State Technical Library is also a public library dedicated to science and technology, as such it collects and administers state-funded collections of Czech and foreign literature and other information resources and sources pertaining to technology and applied natural and social sciences associated with technology.
This collection is made available to the public through lending, copying, electronic, search, bibliographical, information and publishing services, using the principle of service differentiation towards different user groups.
In accordance with Paragraph 4, Section 5 of Library Act No. 257/2001 Coll. (hereafter referred to as the Library Act), the STL executes the right of citizens to free and equal access to information, thus fulfilling the provisions of Article 17 Paragraph 4 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Basic Freedoms. The principle of equal access to information is emphasized by the fact that selected public library and information services are provided free of charge in order not to limit their accessibility. However, the equal access to information at the same time does not preclude preference of certain user groups in compliance with the orientation and competence of the library. The activities of the STL are furthermore based on Article 17 Paragraph 5 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Basic Freedoms and to Free Access To Information Act No. 106/1999 Coll.
1
Basic Provisions
1.1
The activities of the library conform to the following legal regulations:
1.2
The STL provides its services to individual and collective users as well as to users of electronic services. Fees are charged for some services (see Library Regulations, Part V - Paid services, Appendix I - Price List of STL Services).
1.3
STL services can be used by:
1.4
STL provides its services in a differentiated way and in the range according to Appendix II - Principles of Differentiation of STL Lending Services.
1.5
In accordance with the Principles of Differentiation of STL Lending Services (cf. Appendix II), the STL provides its users with access to various types of documents on traditional and electronic media, i. e. books, serial publications, trade documents, standards, etc. in printed form or on microfiches, diskettes, CD-ROMs, videotapes, etc. (furthermore referred to as “documents” or “publications”).
1.6
The provision of lending services of the STL is subject to user registration executed by the signing of the “Agreement on the Use of STL Services” and the provision of personal data necessary for the maintenance of records in user database and of documents borrowed by users in the automated lending system. Study in STL study rooms is subject to the issue of a “Reader’s Identity Card for Study at the STL” with limited validity. The provision of the Virtual Polytechnic Library (hereafter referred to as “VPL”) electronic services is subject to the signing of a “User Account Agreement on the use of space on an STL protected server and on the use of the Virtual Polytechnic Library cooperation system” (hereafter referred to as “User Account Agreement”).
2
STL Users
2.1
Users registered in the database of STL users are holders of STL User’s Card with a bar code (hereafter referred to as “card”) that serves as a means of identification during all transactions with the library. A valid card is necessary for borrowing of documents from STL collections and allows the cardholder to use the automated ordering system through the STL online catalogue, which is linked to the STL user database. A valid card also enables access to some electronic information resources.
Researchers who want to borrow rare books from STL holdings for study purposes on STL premises must also have a valid card – see Part VI – Rare Books Research Regulations
2.1.1
The validity of the card is limited and it is necessary to renew it in regular periods. After the card expires the user loses his/her right to use the services of the STL; however, its current liabilities to the STL remain untouched. The card is non-transferable and cardholders are responsible for results of its abuse.
2.1.2
The STL will issue the card subject to the signing of the Agreement on the Provision of STL Services to the following physical and legal persons:
2.1.3
Holders of valid STL User’s Card must report to the STL any changes of their name, place of residence, or any other data provided in the application form. Organizations are obliged to inform the STL in writing without unnecessary delay of the change of the person authorized to borrow documents from the STL or his/her personal data as well as of any changes of name, status, or address of the organization.
2.1.4
Should the user not fulfil its obligation to report changes to the STL and should the STL be forced to find this information, the user is obliged to cover incurred costs.
2.1.5
Users are obliged to report the loss of cards without delay to the STL information service, which shall then block the lost card in the STL user database. The user is responsible for any borrowed documents before the loss of card was reported until they are returned to the STL.
2.1.6
Users are obliged to pay a fee for the issue of a replacement card (see Appendix I - Price List of STL Services).
2.1.7
In case of repeated loss of card the STL reserves the right to deprive the user of his/her right to use library services.
2.1.8
User’s data are kept in the STL user database from the moment when the user signs for the first time the agreement on the use of the services provided by the STL until the moment when the user returns the card, settles his debts with the STL and fails to renew his/her card during a period of five years that follow. Details are provided in Appendix III - Protection of Personal Data of STL Users.
2.2
Users interested in the study of documents in the STL study rooms only and not wishing to register in the STL user database can be issued a Reader’s Identity Card for Study at the STL (hereafter referred to as “Reader’s Card”) with a limited validity for one week and the possibility of renewal. This card does not entitle users to borrow documents from the STL collections, to on-site loans of rare books nor to use other STL services.
2.2.1
The STL shall issue a Reader’s Card to any visitor of the library who asks for it and pays the specified fee (see Appendix I - Price List of STL Services).
2.3
Users of electronic services (hereafter referred to as “ES users”) use the services provided by the Virtual Polytechnic Library, the service centre of which is the STL. Users are granted the right to use these services by signing the User Account Agreement, available at http://www.vpk.cz/ or by e-mail or by post (on request). ES users do not have to be holders of a card provided they do not want to use other STL services, which require the ownership of such a card. However, user registration is required for access to electronic information resources and requires access identification based on a card.
2.3.1
The STL offers document delivery services to ES users; users must have a user account with the STL in order to be able to use these services.
2.3.2
Requirements for the creation of a user account and information and instructions on the use of ES are provided in Part III, Article 3 and in the VPL Library Regulations.
2.4
The Interlibrary Lending Service and the International Interlibrary Service (furthermore referred to as “ILS” and “IIS” respectively) ILS and IIS services are provided to individual registered STL users and collective users without registration as well. The ILS and IIS services are provided in accordance with Act 257/2001 Coll., the Library Act and Decree No. 88/2002 Coll.
3
Lending Regulations
3.1
Lending of Documents
The STL decides on the possibilities of lending of documents in accordance with its mission, taking into account the requirements for the protection of library collections (cf. Article 3.1.2 of the Library Regulations).
3.1.1
The extent of lending services conforms to the Principles of Differentiation of STL Lending Services (cf. Appendix II). Documents from STL collections borrowed by users with permanent residence in Prague are not sent by post. Category I users are entitled to borrow a maximum of 30 documents at a time and Category II users only 15 documents of the same exemplar of the title at a time.
3.1.2
The following documents cannot be taken outside the building of the STL:
3.1.3
The library reserves the right to qualify the lending of a document with a refundable deposit paid in cash (in CZK, with a receipt provided)
3.1.4
Documents can be searched for and ordered directly in the public access catalogue personally in the STL, at https://old.stk.cz/, by phone or by e-mail at informace@stk.cz. If a document is not listed in the electronic catalogue, users can look it up in the card catalogue and place their orders using the “Borrowing Order” form.
3.1.5
When receiving the borrowed documents, the user is required to examine them and announce any obvious defects to an employee of the library, who in turn will record them on the lending receipt. If these defects are not reported, the user is responsible for any defects discovered on the document upon its return and is obliged to cover any costs necessary to repair the document to its original state.
3.1.6
Ordered documents not collected by individuals within three days and by organizations within a week, including the day of ordering, are returned to depository.
3.1.7
Individual users are required to present a valid card and sign a lending receipt. Employees of the STL are also entitled to require the users to present their ID or other means of identification.
3.1.8
Organizations borrowing documents must show their User’s Card and must stamp (provided it is used) the lending receipt and the representative of organization must also sign it. The representative is also required to show citizen’s ID or other identification certificate should an employee of the STL ask for identification.
3.1.9
Collective users not able to visit the library on regular basis are entitled to lendings through interlibrary services according to regulations for such library services. (Decree No. 88/2001 Coll. and Principles of Interlibrary Lending Services published by the Central Library Council on March 15th 1999 - available at http://www.nkp.cz/pages/page.php3?page=sluz_legms.htm). Collective users residing in Prague and borrowing documents through interlibrary services are required to collect their loans or copies personally.
3.1.10
If the requested document is already on lending, the user has the right to reserve the document. Electronic reservation can be made for a maximum of five documents, other reservations can be made only personally at the library. Up to three reservations can be made for a particular document, their order is specified according to reservation request date and in accordance with the Principles of the Differentiation of STL Lending Services (see Appendix II). A standard fee is charged for sending the notice of reservation by mail (see Library Regulations, Appendix I - Price List of STL Services).
3.1.11
When returning borrowed documents, the user receives part of the lending receipt with his/her signature or other confirmation of return provided he/she has not paid sanction fees charged on the basis of exceeded lending period. When returning documents that had been on lending based on a deposit payment, STL returns the deposit in full after the user provides the receipt of deposit.
3.1.12
If the desired document is not in the STL collections, the registered user can request its borrowing through the Interlibrary Lending Service of the STL.
3.1.13
If the document proves not to be available in any library in the Czech Republic (proven through the KZP database - Union catalogue of foreign periodicals, or, the SKK - Union catalogue of books in the National Library of the Czech Republic), the user can request the STL to mediate the borrowing of the document or its reproduction from a foreign library. These requests are made via the forms - Request of documents through the international interlibrary service either personally, by mail, by e-mail to mms@stk.cz or through the web form found at http://df.stk.cz/cgi-bin/formular_mms or in the user account. Requests sent by mail must include a pre-paid coupon bought in the Interlibrary Lending Services department of the STL. If the user sends requests by e-mail or directly from the web form, his/her prepaid coupons must be deposited in the Department of Interlibrary Lending Services. Ordering of documents from foreign libraries and institutions is subject to regulations for the field of International Interlibrary Services. The STL IIS department procures documents concerning the subject of technology and applied sciences related to technology.
These services are provided for a fee (see Part V - Paid Services, Section 2 and Appendix I - Price List of STL Services).
3.2
Lending periods
3.2.1
Lending periods are specified in accordance with the Principles of Differentiation of STL Lending Services (see Appendix II) and according to publication type (lending periods are displayed for every document in the electronic catalogue) as follows:
Lending period
| Document type | Loans collected personally | Loans sent by mail | |
| 3.2.1.1 | books, bound annuals and micrographic media (non-periodical) | 14/28 days | 35 days |
| for Category I users | 28/56 days | ||
| 3.2.1.2 | periodicals - individual issues of unbound annuals | not for lending | not for lending |
| for Category I users | 3 days | 7 days | |
| individual issues of appendices of unbound journals on CD ROM/DVD | 5 day | not for lending | |
| 3.2.1.3 | micrograph media periodicals | 28 days | 35 days |
| 3.2.1.4 | CD-ROMs, DVDs, videotapes | 14/28 days | 21 days |
| 3.2.1.5 | trade documents | 28 days | 35 days |
| 3.2.1.6 | rare books | not for lending | not for lending |
3.2.2
The user can extend the lending period by a personal request in the STL, by written or telephone request or by electronic means, provided the request is made before the end of the lending period and that another user does request the document. The STL can extend the lending period twice, always extending for the length of the original lending period. After this prolonged period has expired, the user must return the document and can request another lending by a new lending request.
3.2.3
If a document is requested by another user the STL may shorten the lending period or, should it be deemed necessary, it can demand immediate return of borrowed documents before the end of the lending period.
3.2.4
Loans from foreign libraries have individual lendings periods that cannot be extended. The user requesting the document is also responsible for observing the lending period.
3.2.5
Rare books loans are on-site only and are subject to Old And Rare Books Research Regulations of the STL (Part IV), off-site loans are bound by individual agreement with the STL only.
3.2.6
Old books may only be borrowed on STL premises and are subject to Old And Rare Books Research Regulations of the STL (Part IV); off-site loans are bound by individual agreement with the STL only.
Part II
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF LIBRARY USERS
1
General Provisions
1.1
Users are required to follow provisions of the Library Regulations of the STL, abide the instructions of employees of the library and follow written instructions placed on visible places in the library. Users are required to conduct themselves in a quiet, orderly, and cleanly fashion while in the library.
1.2
In accordance with Article 12 Par. 2 Act No. 101/2000 Coll., Personal Information Protection Act, every user has the right to request a written copy of the information the library keeps about him/her. The STL is obliged to provide a written copy of this information on the basis of a written request. The STL provides such a copy once a year free of charges, and every other copy costs CZK 25,-.
1.3
Users are required to present their User’s Card to any employee of the STL, as well as their citizen identification card or identification certificate upon request.
1.4
When entering the library every user has to check in at a checkpoint and submit himself/herself to further examination deemed necessary to protect the property of the STL. While leaving the STL via checkpoint, the user must show all documents he/she is carrying, including his/her own documents.
1.5
The user cannot lend borrowed documents to third parties. He/she is responsible for the documents the entire time he/she has them borrowed.
1.6
Any claims or complaints concerning services of the STL, or any suggestions for new additions to the library collections or other suggestions can be passed to any employee of the library, or can be written into the Book of Requests and Complaints located in the library at the inquiry desk, or sent by e-mail to techlib@stk.cz.
1.7
While using the Interlibrary Lending Service, the library or organization that requests a document for its user is responsible for filling all obligations of the user. It is obliged to observe generally binding legal provisions on Interlibrary Lending Services (Decree No. 88/2002 Coll.) and corresponding directives and instructions of the STL. The library or organization that requested the document for its user is also responsible for the payment of any damages that may occur to the STL.
1.8
The user is required to inform the STL immediately in writing of the loss of any borrowed documents and to compensate for the loss in accordance with Library Regulations, Part IV, Article 3 - Fines for lost, damaged or destroyed documents.
1.9
The user is also responsible for damages caused by him/her to other STL property according to valid general Czech laws.
1.10
Photography and filming
1.10.1
When making copies of documents from STL collections with the user`s own equipment the user is obligated to respect copyrights according to Copyright Act No. 216/2006 Coll. and to sign the declaration for making electronic copies of documents.
The form of declaration is available from the librarians in the study rooms, where the user must ask for permission for making copies.
1.10.2
Photographing and filming in the premises of the STL and of rare documents from the collections of the STL is allowed on written approval of the Director of the STL. All such activities are subject to the internal provisions of the STL (see STL Director’s Decision No. 13/98 concerning photography and filming at the STL).
1.11
Users, who could be bothersome to other users for illness, extremely dirty dress, or for other reasons may be excluded from using the services of the STL.
2
Rules for the use of STL computers
2.1
The user is not allowed to use STL computers for purposes other than the use of services of the STL.
2.2
The way of use of each computer station is well marked and defined.
2.3
Before starting to work, the user is required to show his/her card. User’s activities on the computer stations are monitored. The user is allowed to work within the STL network (hereafter referred to as “network”) only under the username given to him/her by the STL.
2.4
The user is not allowed to use any other programs than those that are installed on the computer stations.
2.5
The user is not allowed to copy and distribute parts of the operating system used by the STL and other installed applications and programs.
2.6
Users may copy data obtained through the network or the Internet on formatted diskettes, CD or Flash memory device. Doing so, he/she must observe the provisions of Section 3.1.6.5 of the STL Library Regulations.
2.7
The user is not allowed under any circumstances attempt to gain additional access or a privileged state that he/she is not entitled to. If the user gains privileged state or access rights he/she is not entitled to (including hardware or software malfunction of the system), he/she is required to announce it to the nearest employee immediately.
2.8
The user is not allowed to hinder the work of others on the computer network or to overload the capacity of the network, e. g. by overloading network resources, or to use the network to access other computers, and/or to spread computer viruses and/or to spread spam messages.
2.9
Users are not entitled to change the configuration of the workstations of the network.
2.10
Users are fully responsible for damages inflicted by unqualified manipulation with computers including damages caused by computer viruses spread by him/her or by spam distributed by him/her.
2.11
The operation of the network can be limited or interrupted due to necessary regular technical and software maintenance, or due to other serious reasons.
2.12
Acquired information and data (in any form, on any media) serve exclusively for the personal use of the user and for his/her study. Users are not permitted to diffuse them in any other way, reproduce, copy, lend, share, distribute (not even through a computer network), sell or use in any other way, especially for commercial purposes. Users are obliged to respect data copyright (see Act. No. 216/2006 Coll., Copyright and Rights Concerning Copyrights and Changes of Some Laws (Copyright Act), as amended) and other Provisions. Information acquired from licensed sources is subject to the conditions of signed licence agreements - see Article 3.1.6.5.
3
Instructions for Users of Electronic Services (hereafter referred to as “ES Users”)
3.0
VPL Service Centre
The Virtual Polytechnic Library (VPL) is a community of libraries founded with the aim to provide joint services based on their joint journals collections. The STL serves as the Service Centre of the VPL (VPL SC) and has been authorized to sign agreements with VPL users. In this Chapter (II/3) of Library Regulations, “STL” should be understood as “STL as the Service Centre of the VPL”.
3.1
User Account
3.1.1
The user account is a password-protected space (directory) on the web server of the STL, created under agreement signed between the STL and the user (among others, in order to protect document copyright and the user after granting access to the results). This directory is accessible only after a user password has been entered. The main page of the user account contains list of services provided, information on account balance, and a link to the updated balance sheet.
3.1.2
Parties interested in the provision of electronic services can request the creation of a user account (in person, by e-mail, via a web form, by mail). After the account has been created, the user deposits in his/her user account an amount in CZK, from which a fee for the creation of the account is deducted (see Library Regulations, Appendix I - Price List of STL Services). Other nationals can deposit an amount in foreign currency. Subsequently, the user gets access to the services (both free-of-charge services and paid services) provided via user accounts.
3.1.3
The STL will create the user account after receiving 2 copies of the signed User Account Agreement. The agreement form is available at the library Inquiry Service desk, and on the Internet at http://www.vpk.cz/. After the STL creates the user account, the user receives one copy of the agreement signed by the authorized representative of the STL as well as his/her account ID, username, password and a copy of the VPL Library Regulations. If the user applies for the account by mail, this information is sent to him/her by registered mail.
3.1.4
Solely the ES user for whom it was created can use the user account. A single ES user is allowed to own a single user account only.
3.1.5
Money can be remitted to the account:
3.1.6
Services offered via user account are usually ordered through a web application and are paid for through financial resources on the user account.
3.1.6.1
Copies transmitted by electronic means
ES users can use web forms accessible from his/her user account to order copies of documents from VPL collections or of documents acquired from other libraries and institutions by means of ILS or IIS.
3.1.6.2
Current contents
ES users can use web forms available in their user accounts to order copies of table of content (TOC) for each issue of any periodical the STL receives. Copies are transmitted in the standard PDF format.
3.1.6.3
Photocopies
ES users can use web forms available in their user accounts to order photocopies of documents from the Virtual Polytechnic Library collections.
3.1.6.4
Loans and copies from abroad
ES users can order loans or copies of documents from foreign libraries and institutions through ILL service via web form which is available in their user account.
3.1.6.5
Access to licensed online information resources
ES users - physical persons, who are citizens of the Czech Republic and simultaneously registered users of the STL, are provided remote access to licensed Electronic Information Resources (hereafter referred to as “EIR”) from their own computer using an STL server (where applicable). This access is enabled only after entering a username and password. When using licensed EIR, ES users are obliged to use all data obtained in this way in a manner defined in the appropriate licence agreement. They are obliged to abide by the following rules:
3.1.6.6
ES users can use all data acquired in this way for their own needs only and in accordance with the Copyright Act No. 216/2006 Coll., as amended.
3.1.7
After the service is provided, the fee will be automatically deducted from the user account (see Library Regulations, Appendix I - Price List of STL Services). Information about the cost of the service provided can be found on the main page of the user account. Should the user account run out of financial resources, the provision of all paid services is automatically terminated.
3.2
Rights and Obligations of the STL
3.2.1
The STL will exert the reasonable effort to assure the service will be provided in regular time limits. If the STL or partner libraries are not able to provide the service in regular time limits, the ES user is informed about the delay on the main page of his/her user account including cause of the delay. The ES user is asked whether he/she still requests the document and for how long this request is pending.
3.2.2
If the STL suspects the user account is misused or if the ES user reports suspicious misuse, the STL will exert a reasonable effort to ensure no further misuse can occur.
3.2.3
If ES user does not adhere to conditions of User Account Agreement, STL is not responsible for any financial losses the ES user incurs as a result and can withheld all services for that ES user without any indemnification until he/she adheres to the regulations. The STL can also require financial reimbursement for any costs incurred (i.e. administrative costs of user account cancellation) and in serious cases it reserves the right to decline request for re-creation of user account.
3.2.4
Upon user’s request, the STL is obliged to provide an updated balance sheet of the ES user account for a certain period for a specified fee. This statement covers the period of one year, the STL is obliged to look up older data in its archives for a specified fee (see Appendix I - Price List of STL Services) upon request.
3.2.5
Within a specified period, but no later than 30 days after receipt of written request by the ES user, the STL is obliged to cancel user account free of charge and to return the unused sum for a specified handling fee.
3.3
Rights and Obligations of ES Users
3.3.1
ES users have the right to use the user account of the Virtual Library under the conditions provided by User Account Agreement. The ES users agree not to provide his/her username and password from their user account to a third party. If the user breaches this regulation, he/she is responsible for any damages incurred as a result.
3.3.2
ES users agree to use data obtained by using STL services in accordance with the Copyright Act. ES users are exclusively responsible for the breaching of Copyright Act and are aware of all possible consequences of such illegal conduct.
3.3.3
ES users are obliged to report immediately any suspicion or any attempt to misuse the account.
3.3.4
ES users have the right to claim compensation for any services, in case remedy is not provided in required quality, extent and specified period. For services under claim, the STL is obliged to return the fee, which has been deducted from the user account.
3.4
Self-service electronic copies
3.4.1
Users are allowed to make electronic copies of printed documents from STL collection with their own scanner or with STL scanner. Users must ask the staff in the study room to gain permission for making electronic copies and sign the copyright declaration.
Making of digitized copies of old and rare books is limited to use of non-contact copying equipment without flash. Making of digitized copies of old books is furthermore allowed on the basis of researcher’s written request granted by Chief Librarian (see Part IV – Old and Rare Books Research Regulations of the STL).
3.4.2
User may save the results of his/her work into his/her work directory; the directory will be deleted once he/she terminates the work.
3.4.3
Acquired copies serve exclusively for the personal use of the user. Users are obliged to respect copyrights according to Copyright Act No. 216/2006 Coll., as amended.
Part III
STUDY ROOMS REGULATIONSGeneral Provisions
Smoking is prohibited in any part of the library.
Study rooms users must check their garments and all briefcases, handbags, etc. in the cloakroom or cloakroom lockers on the ground floor or on the first floor.
Eating or drinking in the study rooms is forbidden. The import of firearms and explosives to the study rooms is forbidden as well.
Study rooms serve to studying purposes; the users are therefore required to behave in a quiet and orderly manner in the study rooms.
Only one seat can be assigned to each user. If all seats are occupied it is not permitted to stand in the study room and wait till the seat is vacated.
1
General Study Room, Reference Centre, and Old and Rare Books Study Room Regulations
1.1
The General Study Room, the Reference Centre and the Old and Rare Books Study Room serve primarily for the purposes of the study at the library of:
1.1.1
Documents from freely accessible library collections (reference library, new additions exhibits and periodicals from the current and previous year, abstract journals and bibliographical periodicals, trade directory and handbooks, etc.),
1.1.2
Documents ordered on appropriate forms directly to the study room,
1.1.3
Documents that cannot be borrowed outside the library,
1.1.4
Prints from 19th Century, whose study is subject to special regulations, as given in Old and Rare Books Research Regulations of the STL (Part IV),
1.1.5
Resources on CD-ROMs, DVDs and diskettes from STL collection that are individual publications or appendix of individual publication and journal,
1.1.6
On-line resources accessible on the basis of licence agreements on Internet,
1.1.7
Microfilms and microfiches,
1.1.8
Loans from foreign libraries.
1.2
Original diskettes from the STL collection may only be loaned on-site.
1.3
Rare Books Study Room serves for the purposes of the study of manuscripts and old books under the conditions given in Old and Rare Books Research Regulations of the STL (Part IV),
1.4
Off-site loans of CD ROM and DVD that do not contain secondary information or reference data are allowed.
1.5
Admission to the General Study Room is by a valid card, admission to the Reference Centre is unrestricted with the exception of researchers wishing to study rare books, who must display valid card. Non-registered users can obtain a one-time Reader’s Card for study in the premises of the STL for a specified fee (see Appendix I – Price List of STL Services).
1.6
Users are obliged to prevent any damage to lent documents; writing into the documents or any other damage to the documents is forbidden. The users are responsible for any damage incurred to documents while on lending in the study room. It is not permitted to leave the premises with documents lent for study in the premises of the STL only (with the exception of handling documents to the copy centre). When leaving the study room, users are required to show all documents they are taking with them including their own personal study materials.
1.7
Users have the option to obtain copies from periodicals and books available in the study room, as well as make printouts, diskette or CD outputs of CDs for fee (see Library Regulations, Appendix I - Price List of STL Services). Copying of books and periodicals published before 1913 using contact copying device is not permitted due to document preservation. STL Copy Services Dept. will make paper or electronic copies using non-contact copying equipment. Information obtained from licensed sources is subject to the conditions of signed licence agreements - see Article 3.1.6.5.
2
Internet Access in the STL
2.1
Selected workstations in Service Hall, General Study Room and Reference Centre serve serves to centralized use of the following electronic informational resources for personal study use of STL users:
2.1.1
CD-ROM databases available through the STL network,
2.1.2
Resources available on the Internet and licensed electronic information resources,
2.1.3
CD-ROMs, DVDs and diskettes from the STL collections labelled as detachable publication or a supplement of publications or periodicals.
2.2
A valid card must be presentedbefore access to workstations. One-time Reader’s Card does not give right to use the Internet.
2.3
The STL staff member on duty assigns user to a workstation and his/her activity is monitored. The user is required to follow all provisions of the Rules for the Use of Computers (see Part II, Chapter 2). If user breaches these rules, his/her work may be cancelled prematurely.
2.5
Internet Use
2.5.1
Internet use is limited to themes (topics) related to the mission of the STL i.e. technology and applied sciences. It is not permitted to use information from other areas of interest (i.e. entertainment, sports, erotica, etc.)
2.5.2
Users acknowledge that their searches on the Internet may be checked by the STL staff member on duty who may use his official computer to monitor screens of all user computers.
2.5.3
If the STL staff member on duty finds that user is not using the Internet for a purpose related to the mission of the STL, he will inform the delinquent user that he is breaching STL rules and that his session will be immediately terminated in case of a repeated breach of rules.
2.5.4
The STL staff member on duty must protect the users’ privacy to a maximum degree and may not inform anybody about what pages the users visit during their Internet sessions.
2.5.5
In case of a repeated breach of STL Library Regulations, the attendant shall make a report of the incident identifying only the user, date and time of the incident.
2.5.6
Depending on the number of seats taken, the STL staff member on duty may set a time limit for each user’s session. Users may reserve a session on a workstation for a specific time personally, or by means of an on-line form, phone or email. If the user fails to turn up, his booking will be void after a 10-minute grace period.
Personal reservations and reservations by an on-line form or phone shall have time precedence over email reservations.
2.5.7
Users may store the results of their work in their directors from which they may print the results or download them on a floppy disk or a CD for a fee (see Appendix I – Price List of STL Services). At the end of the session, the content of the directory will be erased. Users of the Internet must observe all copyright and other regulations governing access to individual addresses/files. Users must obey producers’ instructions given for individual files. Users may search only free addresses/files, whose search, or results of it, are strictly free-of-charge for the user. Users shall be liable and shall compensate the STL for any costs incurred by the STL as a result of their improper or unauthorized access to Internet sources.
2.5.8
Downloading content of licensed on-line sources is subject to terms and conditions of valid licence agreements (see Part II, Article 3.1.6.5).
2.5.9
In accordance with Article 1 Part VI, library privileges may be withdrawn from any user who over a period of time repeatedly breaches the Internet use regulations set down in the STL Library Regulations.
2.5.10
Registered users may use WiFi connection to the Internet in the General Study Room. The STL does not provide users of this service with any equipment or technical support.
The use of WiFi services must comply with rules for the use of STL computers (see Part II, Article 2) and of the Internet (see Part III, Article 2.7).
For information on technical specifications of the service, please contact the attendant in the General Study Room or visit STL web pages.
Part IV
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF LIBRARY REGULATIONS
1
Fines for Late Returns
1.1
The STL is not obliged to remind its users to return borrowed document, but may remind its users about late loans by sending reminders. The fine for late returns is calculated from the end date of the original lending period until the borrowed document is returned. The liability to pay a fine commences on the first day following the end date of the original lending period. If the last day of the lending period falls on a day that the library is closed, it is moved to the first day the library is opened after the last day of the lending period. If the user fails to return the borrowed documents in time, he/she must pay the fine regardless if he/she received a reminder or not. Starting on the day when a reminder is issued, the user will be obliged to pay fine for overdue return as well as charges for each of the items on the reminder (see Appendix I – Price List of STL Services).
1.2
The fine is paid for each day of delay and for each document borrowed or for every individual issue (for unbound periodicals and periodicals on micrographic media).
1.3
Fines for late returns are collected at the workplace where the documents were originally borrowed. If a user cannot pay the fine in cash, he/she will be sent an invoice and a money order increased by an administrative fee.
1.4
If a user fails to pay a fine, he/she loses the right to use the STL lending services.
2
Exaction of Unreturned Loans
2.1
If the user does not return the lending within a regular lending period, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reminder and a Director’s reminder are sent successively; the user is obliged to pay all administrative fees and postage upon return of the lending (see Appendix I - Price List of STL Services).
2.2
If the lending is not returned within one month of the Director’s reminder, the STL turns the case to its legal representative to regain possession of the document by prosecution. In this case, the user is responsible for the payment of all legal fees. This is based on the fact that the STL collections are national property and thus are under special legal protection. The right of ownership of documents from collections of the STL is undeniable and unprescriptive and cannot be acquired by tenancy.
2.3
Any damage or theft of documents from the collections of the STL can be prosecuted by valid laws without the STL losing the right for recovery of costs and the payment of fines incurred on unreturned documents.
3
Replacement of Lost, Damaged or Destroyed Documents
3.1
The user must immediately report any case of loss, damage, or destruction of a document to the STL and within a specified period to pay the damages and to pay the administrative fee (see Appendix I - Price List of STL Services).
3.2
The administrative fee covers the costs of finding and procuring a replacement or repairing any damages caused on the document.
3.3
Under the agreement with user, the STL may as a replacement accept from user either a new copy of the same edition, a newer edition of the same title provided with binding, a reproduction of the title, or a different title that the STL deems to be of equal value as the lost or destroyed publication, or the financial value of the document. The informational and financial value of the document must be retained. If the document was bound on the STL expenses, the user must also cover the current costs of the re-binding. The costs are non-refundable.
3.4
If the payment of damages is not provided in accordance with 3.2, i.e. the document is not returned to its original condition- as constituted by Article 442 of the Civil Law Act - the STL can charge the user the costs of obtaining the copy of the document and its binding.
3.5
The STL also reserves the right to claim damages for an entire set of volumes in the case of loss or destruction of one volume of a multi-volume set provided that the entire set’s value is deteriorated by the loss or destruction of the one volume.
3.6
In the case of partial damage of a publication, the STL reserves the right to limit the cost of a reproduction of the publication to only a part of the cost of the whole reproduction including re-binding, provided that the document value will not deteriorate during the repair.
3.7
In case of loss of a CD-ROM or DVD that is a supplement to a primary document, the user is obliged to pay fee and costs incurred to STL while obtaining a replacement CD-ROM/DVD. If lost CD-ROM/DVD is a primary document itself, then the user covers the price of the document and any costs incurred by the STL while obtaining replacement CD-ROM/DVD.
3.8
Apart from fees for loss, damage, or destruction, the user is also obliged to pay any other applicable fees such as late return fines, postal and administrative costs for reminders, an administrative fee for the loss and any and all costs incurred by the STL.
3.9
The STL exacts the repayment of damages through the system of reminders until the case is handed over for legal action; the user is responsible for payment of all legal costs incurred.
3.10
The form and amount of the payment will be decided in all cases by the management of the STL following an investigation carried out by an authorized employee of the STL
3.11
The Civil Law code provisions concerning the borrowing of property, responsibility and payment of damages apply to the borrowing of documents of the STL.
Part V
PAID SERVICES
1
Copy services
Copying of documents from the collections of the STL and documents the STL procured (those only for personal use as in accordance with Act No. 121/2000 Coll., Copyright Act) is available. When ordering copy exceeding 50 pages in length in person, the user is required to deposit of 50 % of the total cost of the reproduction to copy centre.
Fees for photocopies received from collections of other domestic libraries are covered by users.
Copies of the Czech Standards (CSN) are provided on the basis of the Agreement concluded between the State Technical Library and Czech Standardization Institute (CNI).
Copies of old and rare books are allowed only within the limitations given in the Old and Rare Books Research Regulations (see Part VI). Prices of digital copies and payment methods are governed by Price List of the STL Services.
2
ILL - International Interlibrary Lending service
This service procures publications and copies of articles that are not available in the Czech Republic, from foreign libraries or institutions. The service fee is paid through pre- paid coupons or from the VPL user account.
3
Search services
The Reference Centre performs manual searches from primary and secondary STL collections and automated searches from databases on CD-ROMs, from databases available in the STL network, Internet databases, and other available sources. The service is provided on demand of individual users who for whatever reason personally do not have access to the Reference Centre.
4
The price list of these services is integral appendix of the Library Regulations.
4.1
When sending ordered documents by mail, shipping and handling costs according to current postal tariff are added (see Appendix I - Price List of STL Services).
Part VI
OLD AND RARE BOOKS RESEARCH REGULATIONS
1
General provisions
1.1
Old books are publications printed between 1501 and 1800. As rare books, i. e. books printed between 1801-1920, documents from the library of the so-called Engineering School of the Estates and other items added later to the collections, contained in the collections of the State Technical Library (“STL”), are denoted.
1.2
This Research Regulations specifies books and bound journals from STL old and rare books collection available to researchers. Historical maps in the collection are not available to the users.
1.3
The preservation and protection of old and rare books is the basic precondition for their use by researchers.
1.4
The conditions for the access to, and the use of, old and rare books are set down in Acts No. 257/2001 Coll. and No. 219/2000 Coll. as amended, in STL Library Regulations and this Research Regulations.
1.5
Researchers are registered users of the STL who exploit old and rare books primarily for research by reading, making excerpts or notes, and, eventually, making copies of them.
2
Accessing Old And Rare Books
2.1
Old books from the STL collections are available to any person over 18 years of age under the conditions set down in this Research Regulations.
2.2
Old books from the STL collection shall be made available to researchers only on site in the Old and Rare Books Study Room.
2.3
Rare books from the STL collection are available to researchers only on site in STL General Study Room.
2.4
Researchers must register in advance in compliance with STL Library Regulations (see Part I, Article 1.6).
2.5
The Old and Rare Books Study Room staffs are entitled to request researchers for documents verifying their identity.
2.6
Researchers are not allowed to enter old books storage premises.
2.7
Digitized old and rare books can only be accessed in the digitized form. Original items may exceptionally be made available to a researcher whose written request for the permission was granted in writing by the STL Director. To be granted the privilege, the researcher must give satisfactory reasons for his request.
2.8
On-site loans may be ordered using the order form, or electronically. The exact date, when rare books are to be made available for study, has to be arranged with the collection administrator in advance. One researcher may study or have a reservation or order for a maximum of 5 volumes at any given time. The maximum loan period is 7 days from the date when the item was made available.
3
Researchers’ Obligations Prior To Study Session
3.1
Before they can study rare books researchers must fill in research form available in Old and Rare Books Study Room. The form is available on STL web pages as well. A new research form must be filled in the case of any change in the use or theme of study, and at the beginning of each new calendar year.
3.2
Single researcher may order a maximum of 5 physical volumes (not shelf numbers) simultaneously. The items ordered will be made available to the researcher by Old and Rare Books Study Room staff. One physical volume only may be issued to the researcher at any given time and the researcher will sign for it in his research form.
4
Old And Rare Books Research
4.1
During the research/study of old and rare books, researchers shall abide by instructions of staff attendant in the Old and Rare Books Study Room or in General Study Room. Attendant’s duties do not include assistance to researchers in reading the text of rare books, translating it to another language, etc.
4.2
Researchers shall handle old and rare books with utmost care. The books may only be studied while being placed onto a special rest provided for the purpose, and only at places reserved in the Old and Rare Books Study Room or in General Study Room. Researcher is not allowed to write in or otherwise mark or in any way mutilate or deface items borrowed, underline or cross out text in them, use them as a writing pad, trace or perform mechanical re-production of any text or graphics from them, etc.
4.3
Researchers may make excerpts and transcripts of parts of rare book texts and notes relating to them. Researchers may use his notebook during his study.
4.4
When studying and/or ordering copies, researchers may not take the documents outside the premises of the Old and Rare Books Study Room or General Study Room nor may they lend old or rare books for inspection to other persons.
4.5
If researcher wants to leave Old and Rare Books Study Room or General Study Room temporarily, he/she shall leave the books with the staff attendant on duty in Rare Books Study Room or in General Study Room.
4.6
It is the researcher’s responsibility to return the items borrowed complete and in the same condition as they were when he/she received them. Staff attendant on duty in the Old and Rare Books Study Room checks the loan and return of old books and records them in research form. General Study Room staff checks the loan and return of rare books.
4.7
Provisions of generally binding legal regulations (Civic Code) shall be used to determine compensations for any damage caused.
5
Use Of Old Books For Publication Purposes, Making Excerpts And Copies
5.1
Requests for excerpts and copies can only be approved when conditions for the use of old books are fulfilled. The researcher may use his excerpts, copies and data provided to him by the STL only for the purposes stated in the research form or in his written request approved by the STL Director.
5.2
The use of complete or abridged texts of old books in archival material publications or publishing facsimile of rare books is allowed only on the basis of a written agreement approved by STL Director.
5.3
Copies of old books can be made by the STL Copy Services Dept. with the use of digital technology.
5.4
Making photocopies of old books is prohibited due to irreversible degradation caused by cumulative effects of heat and light.
5.5
Making digitized copies of old books for research purposes (either at the STL Copy Service Dept. or by the researcher’s own non-contact copying equipment - see Articles 5.7 and 5.8 below) is allowed only upon a written permission granted by Chief Librarian on the basis of the researcher’s written request. A copy of the document must not exceed one half of extent of the original document.
5.6
Making of copies of old book depends on its condition, the assessment of which is fully at the discretion of staff of the STL Historical Collections Sect. If the condition of the book rules out the possibility of making of digital copies, researchers’ requests shall be declined without any exceptions.
5.7
If digital copies are to be made by the STL Copy Service Dept., the old books are transferred solely by staff of the STL Historical Collections Sect., in case of rare books by staff of the General Study Room, on the basis of order form duly completed by the researcher, and with bookmarks exactly identifying the sections requested. The date when copies are ready will be fixed by STL Copy Service Dept. staff depending on digital technologies used and available capacities of the department. The price of digital copies and method of payment for the service are specified in the Price List of STL Services that is an integral part of STL Library Regulations.
5.8
If digital copies are made by the researcher himself using his own digital non-contact copying equipment, no flash or other light-producing devices detrimental for old and rare books may be used. Making digital copies using one’s own equipment is free of charge. The researcher is bound, however, to deliver a CD with the images to STL within 7 days after making the copies. When making copies, researchers must not disturb other researchers or users of the Old and Rare Books Study Room or General Study Room with noise or in any other way.
5.9
Making of copies of old books on behalf of other institutions or third persons is not permitted.
5.10
If researcher uses information gained during his study of STL collection of old books in his research paper or for any other purposes, he is obliged to:
5.11
It is prohibited to make private documentation of copies of old books in STL collections, including “mirror archives” and copies of complete documents.
6
Final Provisions
6.1
If any researcher fails to observe any of fundamental obligations set down in the Old and Rare Books Research Regulations, his rights to study old books may be withdrawn.
6.2
The use of old books for purposes other than research is subject to an agreement with the STL.
6.3
Solely the Director of the STL may grant exceptions from the Old and Rare Books Research Regulations.
6.4
The Old and Rare Books Library Regulations take effect on June 1st 2007.
Part VII
Final Provisions
1
The loss of rights to use STL services
Users of the STL that do not fulfil their obligations defined by the Library Regulations of the STL to which they gave their written consent by their signature, can be deprived of their rights to use the library and its services, either temporarily or permanently.
2
Exceptions to the Library Regulations of the STL
Solely the Director of the STL may grant exceptions to the Library Regulations of the STL.
3
Effect of the Library Regulations of the STL
The Library Regulations of the STL were approved and came into effect on September 1st 2007.
Simultaneously, they supersede the Library Regulations of the STL effective from June 1st 2007.
Prague, August 31st 2007
Ing. Martin Svoboda
Director, State Technical Library
APPENDICES TO THE STL LIBRARY REGULATIONS