As a visitor who wishes to know more about using our Libraries or as a newly registered guest user of our Libraries, it is important for you to know about important changes in access to the Libraries’ computer resources.
Beginning Tuesday, January 18, 2005, the first day of the spring 2005 semester, access to the Internet and the World Wide Web for our guest users will be in the form of access to the databases and websites that serve as the Libraries’ primary resources for academic research. General Web use and email access will no longer be available through computers provided by the UNLV Libraries.
This University-approved change in service to guest users of the Libraries is driven by two factors. First factor - a 17% increase in student headcount and a 24% increase in full-time equivalent enrollments since the Lied Library opened in 2001 have created increasing demands for computer workstations by students enrolled at UNLV. The second factor relates to the recent replacement and upgrade of computer workstations in the UNLV Libraries. All public computer workstations in the Libraries are now financed entirely through student technology fees. No tax dollars were used to purchase these computer workstations.
A related change also being implemented on January 18 is an increase in the cost of computer printouts for guest users. Guest users will be charged $0.10 per page for black and white computer printing, and $0.50 per page for color computer printing. (At present the charge is $0.02 for b/w and $0.25 for color.) Like the workstations, computer printing is also subsidized by student technology fees. This change enables the Libraries to pass on to guest users the actual cost of their use of the Libraries' computer printing resources.
A final change occurring on January 18 relates to the number of items that may be borrowed from the library by a registered guest borrower. On that date, the total number of books that can be checked out will increase from three to five. The expansion of the Libraries' physical collections over the past several years makes the increase possible, and we are pleased to provide this increased access to our guest users.
In summary, registered borrowers will retain borrowing privileges and be able to borrow more items and all guest users will still be able to access the Libraries' electronic resources (i.e., online journals, databases, and reference websites). We remain at your service to answer reference questions, or assist you in your academic research efforts.
Please let us know if you are currently affiliated with UNLV and have been registered incorrectly as a guest user. Should you have questions or comments regarding this change, please contact me at the address or phone number below, or Gail Munde, Interim Dean of Libraries, at the Library Administration Office - 702-895-2286.
Sincerely,
Wendy Starkweather,
Director, Public Services
University Libraries E-mail: wendy.starkweather@unlv.edu
University of Nevada , Las Vegas Phone: 702-895-2131
4505 Maryland Parkway Fax: 702-895-2284
Las Vegas , NV 89154-7033
FAQ's About Guest Privileges in the UNLV Libraries
Who are guest users?
Guest users are local Nevada residents and other visitors who are not affiliated with UNLV, but who are given limited access to University Libraries facilities, resources and services as a courtesy. Individuals registered as public borrowers or computer card users, and library visitors using guest log-ins, are all considered guest users.
Why can't guest users have the same privileges as faculty and students?
The UNLV Libraries' essential mission is to serve the faculty, students and staff of the University in their teaching, learning and research obligations. We welcome guest users, but cannot extend to them all of the resources provided to us by the University from the tuition and state funds it receives to meet the curricular and research needs of the university community.
What if I bring my own laptop to the Libraries? Can I have internet and web access from my laptop?
No, at this time we are not offering this service. The laptop authentication process is staff intensive and the active network data drops in the University's Libraries are limited and are in high demand by UNLV users.
Why are you increasing the cost of computer printing for guest users?
To recover the cost of consumable supplies, and to help defray the costs of printers, network service and software used to operate the printing function.
What if my status changes from a guest user to a UNLV-affiliated user?
If you have enrolled as a student or have become an employee, please show your RebelCard ID to staff at the Lied Circulation Department, or staff at any of the branch library service desks. Your patron record and access privileges will be adjusted to reflect your UNLV-affiliated status.
I am a UNLV graduate. Do I have any privileges beyond those of a guest user?
If you are a member of the UNLV Alumni Association, you continue to be affiliated with the University. Please inform a staff member at the Library's Circulation Desk of your Alumni Association status upon registering. Your UNLV Alumni ID card can be used as your Library Card. Your record will reflect that status and you will be extended the appropriate Alumni Association Library privileges.
Don't my taxes support the University Libraries?
UNLV is partially subsidized by state tax dollars for the purpose of providing higher education, but the University and, by extension the University Libraries, is not supported by local tax dollars. The mill levy on your property taxes supports your local public library system (Las Vegas/Clark County Library District, North Las Vegas Library District, Henderson Public Library District or the Boulder City Library).
What if I just need to look one thing up at a website not accessible to guest users?
If you need to check a website briefly for research purposes, you may check with staff at the Research and Information Desk on the second floor of Lied Library or at the main service desk of any UNLV branch library.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
We look forward to assisting with your research needs.
