The INFOPASS system allows participating SEMLOL libraries, through the issuance of one of two types of INFOPASS, to expand their users' access to library resources in participating southeastern Michigan libraries once local resources have been exhausted. The two types of INFOPASSes are:
1. A user wishing to borrow materials must have a signed standard INFOPASS form obtained from his/her home library, on which is specified the nature of the question or need, the steps already taken at the home library and a specific request on the INFOPASS form for inclusion of borrowing privileges. Before the home library issues an INFOPASS, it will exhaust all of its resources in an attempt to satisfy the needs of its user.
2. INFOPASSes are usable one time only, and must be surrendered to the host library at the point of use.
3. Users of host libraries who arrive without an INFOPASS and must be referred back to their home library will be reminded that they must first exhaust the home library's resources before the home library will issue an INFOPASS.
4. In order to sign out materials from a host library, the borrower must present valid identification from his/her home institution, as well as the INFOPASS, and must present the INFOPASS for use within ten (10) calendar days of its issuance in order for it to be honored in the host library.
5. Loan periods and renewal policies shall be set by the host library, and may or may not be the same as those used for the host library's own users. Loan periods and other policies established for the purposes of this agreement should, however, be the same for all categories of the home (referring) library's users. This will facilitate record keeping in the home and host libraries.
6. Restrictions on the lending of reference books, reserve books, media and other special materials will be determined by the local policies of the host library.
7. Restrictions on the number or amount of materials which may be borrowed under this agreement shall be set by the host library, and may or may not be the same as the restrictions set for its own users.
8. The home (referring) library may place additional restrictions on borrowing by its users at the host library (e.g. on type of item to be borrowed, number of items to be borrowed, etc.), but must specify those additional restrictions clearly on the INFOPASS form.
9. Overdue fines, service fees, replacement costs and other charges will be determined by the local policies of the host library. Users from other institutions who borrow under this agreement will be notified directly in cases of overdue notices, recall notices, etc.
10. The home (referring) library, as well as the INFOPASS user, will be notified at the same time as the user when the user is sent overdue notices or incurs uncollected fines, service fees, replacement costs or other charges.
11. Any uncollected fines, service fees, replacement costs or other charges become the responsibility of the home (referring) library after normal notification periods employed by the host library have elapsed, and after the host library has determined that the fees and other charges are uncollectable. Any decision within participating academic institutions about placement of 'registration holds' are entirely at the discretion of the home library.
12. Materials borrowed under this agreement will be returned by the user to the host library only.
13. This agreement, approved by a majority of SEMLOL member institutions, is available to individual SEMLOL institutions for adoption on a voluntary basis. Each signatory institution agrees to extend this agreement to all other signatory institutions on a reciprocal basis. This agreement does not supersede any existing arrangements between individual institutions or groups of institutions. Member institutions adopting this agreement pledge to provide all other signatory institutions with timely notification of any changes in local policy which may affect the operation of this agreement.
14. Participating SEMLOL libraries agree to keep the information on their policies, restrictions, etc. up-to-date with the appropriate SEMLOL committee, so that it may be readily updated in the SEMLOL Directory.
15. Participating SEMLOL libraries, for evaluation purposes, agree to maintain accounting records, including copies of all INFOPASSes issued and received.
This page last updated on 21 Sept. 2000.