Università della Svizzera italiana Libraries (BiUSI) Regulations
Titolo I: General
Art. 1 - Legal basis
In accordance with art. 20 par. 3 of the Statute of the Università della Svizzera italiana, the present Regulations applies to the services of the Università della Svizzera italiana Libraries (hereafter BiUSI).
Art. 2 - Purposes and objectives
The BiUSI, located in Lugano and Mendrisio, are scientific libraries in charge with the organization of library materials related to the subjects studied at the University (books, journals, e-resources, etc.).
The BiUSI provide instructions for the use of library resources and support the development of Information Literacy, in accordance with University learning objectivess.
The BiUSI collect, record and preserve materials and strive to assist users with the most appropriate means.
The BiUSI are in charge with the institutional digital library and provide assistance to faculty with regards to the f publication and circulation of their research work.
The BiUSI maintain relationships with other similar institutions at a local and international level.
Titolo II: Services and admission
Art. 3 - Admission and membership
Access to BiUSI Libraries is free. Special conditions may apply.
Library services are available to users who own a library card, in relation to a swisscovery account, which requires a Switch edu-ID. Each user must create their own account.
Library membership entails the acceptance of SLSP (Swiss Library Service Platform) regulations. The borrowing of items from SLSP affiliated libraries entails the acceptance of the lending library regulations, regardless of the pick-up location.
The card is issued for free by the Library.
Other Bibliopass library cards, as well as student or staff cards issued by other Universities, may be used as BiUSI cards.
The library card is for personal use only and cannot be used by third parties. The owner is responsible for items on loan and fines.
Art. 4 - Data collection and protection
The following mandatory personal information is collected during the creation of a Switch edu-ID: last name, first name, date of birth, postal address, e-mail address and phone number. Patrons may add other information in order to personalize their profile, such as matriculation number, gender, preferred language, academic affiliations.
Personal information is recorded in the cloud infrastructure managed by the Ex-Libris Alma application, for all libraries that are members of the swisscovery SLSP service. Information is used internally for the provision of services and is not shared with any third parties.
Users can access their personal information at any time through the Switch interface for the Switch edu-ID service.
The BiUSI can access the information related to user library profiles and library transactions at any time.
BiUSI user library profiles and library transactions are not shared with any third parties.
Art. 5 - Change to personal data
Any change to personal information, postal address, e-mail address or phone number should be immediately recorded on the Switch interface for the Switch edu-ID service.
Art. 6 - Services
The BiUSI provide users with a range of services, such as the reference service, book lending – except for non-borrowable items –, the interlibrary loan service etc.
The terms and conditions for the provision of the various services are outlined in an annex to these Regulations.
Art. 7 - Opening hours
Libraries opening hours are available at the libraries and relevant websites. Opening hours are subject to changes.
Titolo III: Duties and obligations
Art. 8 - Assistance
The Library provides assistance to users, both on site and remotely. Users may suggest purchase of books or other materials in writing, as described in the attached forms.
Art. 9 - Borrowing
Only authorized items may leave the premises.
Items must be returned by the due date and in the same conditions as when borrowed.
Late returns are subject to fines and penalties. users with unpaid fines may have their borrowing privileges suspended and may incur in administrative fees (see the University Library Lugano regulations).
Art. 10 - Rules of conduct
Users must not cause disturbance to others in the library. Smoking, consumption of food and beverages and the use of mobile phones are prohibited on the premises.
Users who fail to comply with library rules may be requested to leave the premises.
Art. 11 - Facilities
The use of BiUSI facilities is subject to approval and regularly monitored. Users are liable for any damage caused to facilities due to unauthorized use.
Art. 12 - Exceptions
Under particular circumstances, the BiUSI Managment may grant exceptions to the current regulations.
