Diné College Libraries exist to support the educational goals of Diné College students, faculty, and staff, while also providing resources to the community at large. Thus, the libraries play an important role in the nation-building strategic goals of the College. These policies (standard operating procedures) are designed to ensure that library materials are properly accounted for and are available to all patrons on an equitable basis.
These policies (standard operating procedures) apply to all three libraries in the Diné College library system: Tsaile, Shiprock, and Crownpoint. These policies also apply to the circulation of library materials to students, faculty, and staff at the College’s three other Centers: Chinle, Tuba City, and Window Rock.
Access to collections and services at the Diné College Libraries is a privilege and can be suspended for just cause at any time. Exceptions to these policies may be granted on a case-by-case basis if need is demonstrated.
Borrowing privileges are available to students, faculty, and staff of Diné College, and other individuals possessing a library card. All patrons are responsible for what happens with their library cards. Lost or stolen cards need to be reported in a timely manner. Library cards may only be used and reactivated by those to whom they are issued.
Students registered for the current semester use their Student ID Card as their library card. There may be special circumstances, such as a hardware or software failure, when a student will not be able to obtain an ID card. In such cases, a separate library card may be issued. A student’s semester schedule can be used to prove their standing as a student registered for the current semester.
Faculty and Staff use their Employee ID Card as their library card. There may be special circumstances, such as a hardware or software failure, when a faculty or staff member will not be able to obtain an ID card. In such cases, a separate library card may be issued.
Navajo Nation residents and community patrons 18 years of age and older may receive a library card upon completion of an application and providing proof of identification (driver’s license or other photo ID) in person. A library card is required to access computers.
Children under the age of 18 and at least 7 years old can receive a library card after completing an application and securing the signature of their parent or legal guardian. Children must be present with a parent or legal guardian to apply for a library card. The parent or legal guardian must have photo identification, a library card, and be in good standing (no overdues or outstanding fines). A library card is required to access computers. (See also our policy on Children Visiting the Library.)
Library cards for students are valid only for the current semester. Library cards for community patrons, faculty, and staff are valid for one year. At the end of that year, patrons will be asked to update their contact information before their card will be reactivated for another year.
The first library card is free, as is the second card if the first one is lost or stolen. The third card will cost $5.00, as will each replacement after that. Check with the Circulation Desk at your location for payment options.
All outstanding fines will result in loss of circulation and computer privileges until the fines are paid in full.
Patrons must present their library card, current student ID, or employee ID in order to check out materials.
Books may be checked out for a period of 3 weeks with the opportunity for 1 renewal. Faculty and library staff can check out books for 6 weeks with 1 renewal.
Videos, DVD’s, and CD’s may be checked out by students, faculty, and staff for 7 days, and by community patrons for 5 days. Audio-Visual materials may not be renewed.
Materials on reserve for a class may be used according to the loan period determined by the instructor. Some reserve materials may only be used in the library.
Some electronic devices – such as laptops, headphones, Ipads, etc. – may be available for check- out or in-library use. Check with your local library.
Reference materials, Gorman Collection, Mary Shepardson Collection, Brügge Collection, Moses Donner Indian Collection, the non-circulating portion of the Shiprock Indian collection, periodicals, newspapers, vertical files, and microfilm/microform do not circulate.
Patrons are encouraged to renew their materials online. Renewing items in person requires a library card or photo identification. Items may not be renewed over the phone or by email.
Diné College students, faculty and staff – 18 total, up to 5 audio-visual items may be included in the total.
Community patrons – 10 total, up to 5 audio-visual items per household may be included in the total.
Overdue books. 4 overdue notices will be sent out. After 30 days, a final notice with a replacement fee will be sent. Books will be charged at their actual replacement cost plus a $5.00 processing fee. If the item is returned in a reasonable amount of time and in good condition, the replacement cost may be waived. However, the $5.00 processing fee will stand.
Overdue audio-visual materials. One overdue notice will be sent out. After 10 days a final notice with a replacement fee will be sent. Audio-Visual materials will be charged at their actual replacement cost plus a $5.00 processing fee. If the item is returned in a reasonable amount of time and in good condition, the replacement cost may be waived. However, the $5.00 processing fee will stand.
Lost or damaged materials will be charged at their actual replacement cost plus a $5.00 processing fee. Lost or damaged cases for audio-visual materials will be charged $2.00.
All outstanding fines will result in loss of circulation and computer privileges until the fines are paid in full.
All patrons should check with the Circulation Desk at their location for payment options.
Interlibrary Loan involves the borrowing of books or the obtaining of articles from libraries outside of the Diné College Library System, usually from one of the public universities in Arizona or New Mexico. Diné College students, faculty, and staff have Interlibrary Loan privileges. Community patrons do not. Interlibrary Loan should only be used for serious research purposes. To borrow a book or obtain a copy of an article that is not accessible in our library system, Tsaile and Crownpoint patrons should email the complete citation to Rosi Klee at: rklee@dinecollege.edu. Shiprock patrons should email the complete citation to Annie Lewis at: amlewis@dinecollege.edu. Please also indicate whether or not you would be willing to pay a fee and whether you prefer to be contacted by phone or email.
Diné College Libraries reserve the right to refuse service to patrons who abuse their library privileges by allowing use of their cards by others. Two warnings will be given. After the third offense, all library privileges will be suspended.
All campuses and centers of Diné College are alcohol and drug free areas. A zero tolerance policy is enforced. Patrons under the influence will be asked to leave.
The Diné College Libraries treats all patron information with the utmost confidentiality. Patron records are kept confidential, thus requiring photo identification or your library card for access to your information. Patron information will not be given out over the phone or via email. Our computer circulation system is programmed to delete all borrowing history after an item is returned.