University of Warsaw LibraryUniversity of Warsaw Library

Annex to the Regulations of the Library and Information System
of the University of Warsaw
Regulations for Accessing BUW Collections
Chapter I
General provisions
§ 1
1. These Regulations define the rules for accessing the collections and services at the University of Warsaw Library, further referred to as BUW.
2. BUW collections, the information system and facilities are public goods. Detailed information defining the rules and how to access the collections and services are available to the public.
3. Accessing BUW collections and services is free. However, the user pays charges for services specified in the “Price list for services at the University of Warsaw Library (BUW)”.
4. Terms of accessing electronic resources are determined by the terms of the license and BUW internal rules.
5. Rules for accessing the collections available at the University of Warsaw Library which do not constitute property of the Library may be determined by separate provisions.
6. BUW processes personal data of its users in accordance with the Regulation of the European Parliament and the EU Council 2016/679 of 27 April 2016 (GDPR) and the Act of 10 May 2018 on the protection of personal data. Personal data is processed only for the purpose of performing the tasks of BUW and libraries of UW academic units in terms of user service using a joint IT system. The scope of the processed data is specified in § 22 (3) of the Statute.

Chapter II
Eligibility to access the collections
§ 2
1. The collections of the University of Warsaw Library are available to holders of valid library cards, who are required to present them each time they enter BUW, as well as on every BUW employee’s or security officer’s request
2. In these Regulations the following documents are considered a library card:
a) for UW students – an Electronic Student Card (ELS), a library card issued by BUW or any other document based on the contactless MIFARE standard with a visible eleven-digit number;
b) for UW doctoral students and UW employees – an Electronic PhD Student ID (ELD) and an Electronic Employee ID (ELP), a library card issued by BUW or any other document based on the contactless MIFARE standard with a visible eleven-digit number;
c) for UW graduates – an Electronic Alumni Card (ELA), a library card issued by BUW or a different document based on the contactless MIFARE standard with a visible eleven-digit number;
d) for users from institutions with which UW has signed relevant agreements – a document specified in these agreements or a library card issued by BUW;
e) for other users of legal age or users over 16 years of age who provide a written consent of their legal guardian according to the template specified by the head of the Circulation Department – a library card issued by BUW or a different document based on the contactless MIFARE standard with a visible eleven-digit number;
f) other document approved by the head of the Circulation Department
3. All cards specified in (2) require registration. The registration takes place at BUW upon presentation of a valid ID card. Owners of ELS, ELP or ELD cards can independently register their cards online.
4.Users acquire the right to use the BUW collections and services after signing a statement confirming that they have read these Regulations and the Privacy Policy in force at BUW, upon registration of the library card.
5. The user has the right to have one library card.
6. Entitlements arising from the possession of a library card are not transferable. BUW shall not be held responsible for the use of a library card by any third party until the owner blocks the library card. Authorisation for another person may be issued according to the template specified by the head of the Circulation Department, only in exceptional cases (e.g. illness, disability, other unforeseen occasions) and for a specified period not exceeding six months.
7. Every owner of a valid library card specified in (2) is entitled to use the collections on site, while authorized users are entitled to loan outside BUW.
8. The following authorized users are entitled to borrow outside BUW:
a) all UW employees, including the retired,
b) students and doctoral students of all types of studies at the University of Warsaw,
c) visiting professors at UW,
d) members of the UW Alumni Club after they meet the conditions set by the UW Alumni Club in agreement with BUW,
e) professors and persons with a post-doctoral degree from outside UW upon presentation of an identity card issued in Poland,
f) users of the institutions with which UW has signed relevant agreements,
g) libraries of UW academic units,
h) other libraries and institutions with the approval of the head of the Circulation Department,
i ) persons entitled to a deposit account;
j) persons who have graduated from the University of Warsaw, after meeting the requirements specified by BUW.
9. Library cards are issued for a specified period of time and are subject to prolongation.
10. The deposit account referred to in (8) (i) is regulated by the following rules:
a) after obtaining the consent of the head of the Circulation Department and paying the deposit, the right to open a deposit account is granted to doctoral students who are affiliated with UW via a thesis advisor, upon presentation of a recommendation from them;
b) a deposit account is valid for 12 months from the date of its creation and payment of the non-refundable fee for the account management;
c) the deposit is returned immediately upon the user’s written request (which shall include, among others, the bank account number) after settling the liabilities towards BUW or after reducing the deposit by the amount of outstanding liabilities;
d) the request for the return of the deposit shall be submitted to the Circulation Department within 12 months from the account expiry date; not submitting the request within the indicated period is tantamount to a resignation from applying for the refund of the deposit.
11. In the case of deposit accounts opened before the date of application of these Regulations, the following rules for the return of the deposit apply:
a) BUW sends a notification to the e-mail address assigned to the user’s account about the expiration of the account’s validity and the possibility of collecting the deposit within 12 months from the date of sending this notification;
b) after receiving the notification the user is obliged to submit a written request for the return of the deposit;
c) not submitting the request within 12 months since the date of sending the notification from BUW is tantamount to a resignation from applying for the refund of the deposit.

Chapter III
Access to collections
§ 3
1. BUW collections are available to users in accordance with entitlements referred to in Article 2 (7) and (8):
a) on site,
b) by lending outside the Library,
c) through interlibrary loan,
d) via computer network in the case of electronic resources,
e) via digital library in the case of digitised resources.
2. The rules for borrowing electronic book (e-book) readers at BUW are specified in separate provisions.
3. Upon registration of a loan and return of library materials the user shall check their library account and report any remarks within five working days to the Circulation Department.
4. Accessing library collections through the Circulation Desk and Interlibrary Loan, in the Main Reading Room, in the reading rooms of special collections, and through the usage of self-service devices (SelfCheck kiosks) is possible only if the user has no obligations towards any library of the UW library and information system.
On-site access
§ 4
1. BUW collections can be accessed in reading rooms, the Open Stacks, individual work booths and group work rooms.
2. The usage of the Open Stacks, reading rooms and individual work booths is specified in the internal rules of BUW.
3. Collections in the Open Stacks and the Main Reading Room (except collections requested from the closed stacks may be used by readers independently in publicly accessible areas.
4. Library materials stored in the closed stacks or reference collections that are not available to borrow outside BUW, should be ordered only to adequate reading rooms.
5. Items delivered to the reading rooms but not accessed within five days, excluding Sundays, holidays and days when the reading rooms are closed, are returned to the closed stacks.
6. Information about the reason for not delivering materials can be obtained in the reading rooms.
7. The Main Reading Room, in addition to its own collection, provides materials imported from other libraries through the interlibrary loan.
8. All users can use the computers located in the Open Stacks area and their own computers, in accordance with separate rules for using computers at BUW.
9. Specially marked computers and individual work booths for people with disabilities are excluded from free access. Authorisation for the use of the equipment mentioned above is issued by the University of Warsaw Office for Persons with Disabilities.

Borrowing outside the Library
§ 5
General rules
1. BUW loans its collections to individual users and institutions that have a valid library card, mentioned in Article 2 (8) of these Regulations.
2. BUW does not loan materials classified as „non-circulating” or “on site access only”, specifically:
a) items from reference collections of BUW organizational units;
b) items from special collections;
c) most of encyclopedias, dictionaries, bibliographic publications and other publications of reference character;
d) periodical publications;
e) newspapers;
f) books published between 1919-1950;
g) items in poor state of preservation,
h) unbound offprints and reprints of small size and volume,
i) items that are rare, difficult to purchase or containing numerous tables, maps, illustrations and engravings or files with loose sheets of paper;
j) cimelia;
k) microforms;
l) items from the Open Stacks marked with a red sticker or a red dot.
3.  The restrictions referred to in (2) do not apply to loaning the materials for domestic and foreign exhibitions, which are determined by separate provisions.
4. The restrictions referred to in (2) (a) (c) (d) and (l) may, for a limited period (up to 14 days), be suspended for persons with disabilities, upon presentation of an authorisation from the UW Office for Persons with Disabilities, but without the possibility of renewal.
5. Users who provided their email address upon registration with BUW receive the following system notifications:
a) about the approaching deadline for the return of borrowed library materials;
b) about the completion of ordered materials;
c) about a failure to return the borrowed item in time (reminders).
6. The user is responsible for failing to return the borrowed library materials in time, regardless of the causes which rendered it impossible to receive the reminders sent by BUW.
7. In regard of ordering books the following rules apply:
a) ordered books and unrealized order slips are kept for five days, excluding Sundays, holidays and days when the Circulation Desk is closed;
b) users can obtain information about the reason for not delivering the ordered book at the Circulation Desk;
c) Items unavailable at the time of ordering can be reserved via the online catalogue;
d) a reserved book shall be picked up from the Circulation Desk within five days from the day of receiving a notification about the possible pick-up, excluding Sundays, holidays and days when the Circulation Desk is closed.
8. BUW has the right to set earlier deadlines for the return of materials which are particularly sought after. In this case, the return periods specified in Articles 6 and 7 (1) are not applicable.
9. The user may renew a borrowed item no sooner than 14 days before the return date, if the following conditions are met:
a) the item has not been reserved by another user in the meantime;
b) the return date of this item or any other item on the user’s account has not passed;
c) the user’s account is still valid;
d) there are no outstanding fees on the user’s account.
10. The user can renew a borrowed item online, in person at the Circulation Desk or at a SelfCheck kiosk. Regardless of the reader’s entitlements, a book may be renewed no more than five times in a row, each time for 30 days since the day of the renewal, with the exception of books borrowed for shorter periods, which have a renewal period consistent with their loan date.
11. Failure to meet the due date entails:
a) a fine for failing to return an item in time specified in the “Price List for services at the University of Warsaw Library (BUW)”;
b) suspension of lending rights until the settlement of obligations towards BUW;
c) suspension of the right to use the following services of the Main Reading Room: access to the library materials from the closed stacks and to keys to the individual work booths, until the settlement of obligations towards BUW;
d) suspension of the right to use the special collections reading rooms;
d) in case BUW pre-recovery activities (sending a reminder to an e-mail address) are not effective, undertaking steps to recover overdue payments, including judicial enforcement of claims and filing for an entry in the National Debt Register (applies to the citizens of Poland).

Loans to individual readers
§ 6
BUW loans:
a) up to 20 vol. for up to 90 days — to UW employees and doctoral students;
b) up to 15 vol. for up to 60 days — to professors and persons with a post-doctoral degree from outside UW who are holders of an ID card issued in Poland;
c) up to 10 vol. for up to 30 days – to UW students of all undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs;
d) up to 3 vol. for up to 30 days – to other individual readers with borrowing rights.

Interlibrary Loan
§ 7
Loans from the Library’s own collections to libraries and other institutions
1. BUW loans:
a) up to 20 vol. for up to 30 days – to libraries of UW academic units;
b) up to 10 vol. for up to 30 days – to other domestic libraries and institutions;
2. Interlibrary loan does not cover the works mentioned in Article 5 (2).
3. Instead of loaning the original, BUW may create a secondary document (a copy) of the selected item at the expense of the ordering person, in compliance with the copyright law.
4. Information about the unrealised orders is instantly returned to the ordering library stating the reason for non-performance of the order.
5. The cost of sending the ordered items by post is covered by BUW, and the cost of returning by the ordering party.
6. The ordering library commits to secure the borrowed materials, return them within a specified period and incur costs related to their damage or loss.
§ 8
Incoming materials from other libraries
1. BUW brings and provides access to materials from Polish and international libraries in the Main Reading Room for UW staff and students with a valid library card.
2. If an item is not available in any library in Warsaw, it may be ordered from another Polish library. If an item is not available in any Polish library and is not available in the form of an electronic full-text material, it may be ordered from a foreign library.
3. The costs of bringing items from other libraries are defined in the “Price list for services at the University of Warsaw Library (BUW)” and shall be covered by the user.

Chapter IV
§ 9
Special collections
The Special collections of BUW are stored in the Departments of special collections, hereinafter referred to as Departments. These collections include the following categories of resources:
1. early printed books, published until 1800;
2. printed materials published between 1801-1918;
3. manuscripts;
4. maps, atlases and globes;
5. musical prints and audio-visual materials;
6. drawings, engravings, printing matrices and graphical tools, book plates, artistic reproductions;
7. ephemera (leaflets, posters, postcards, aperiodic magazines, stamps, photographs etc.).
§ 10
Accessing the special collections
1. Special collections are available to all holders of valid library cards.
2. Readers can access the collections only in the Departments’ reading rooms.
3. Readers who would like to access special collections of the following Departments: Early Printed Books Department, Manuscripts Department, Maps Department, Music Department, Print Room and Ephemera Department shall submit their request to the Information Desk. Upon presentation of a valid library card the reader will receive a pass card to the special collections area.
4. During the first visit to any of the Cabinet’s reading rooms the reader is obliged to fill in and sign a declaration.
5. During all visits to the Departments’ reading rooms the reader shall present a valid ID document or a valid library card and register in an electronic or traditional visitors log.
§ 11
1. Materials that are particularly valuable, in poor condition or not fully catalogued can be accessed only upon the permission of the Heads of the Departments.
2. In case of not acquiring such permission, users can appeal to the Library’s Director.
3. If the requested material is available in the form of a microfilm or a digital copy, the original may be accessed in justified cases only.
4. The librarian on duty decides about the number of materials that can be accessed at once by the user.
5. In cases of large queries, accessing materials which are especially protected or conducting studies which demand a large number of materials accessed at once, the Departments shall be informed in advance. Date and form of accessing the materials shall be established in consultation with the Departments via traditional or electronic mail or by phone.
6. In principle, the reference collections of the Departments can be accessed in the Departments’ reading rooms. In justified cases, books from the reference collections may be ordered to the Main Reading Room in accordance with applicable regulations.
7. Orders are completed during the working hours of the closed stacks in the Departments, not later than an hour before the closing time of the Departments’ reading rooms.
§ 12
1. While accessing the special collections users are obliged to obey the following rules:
a) the workspace for the user is always assigned by the librarian on duty. The materials shall be accessed only on a table with the surface larger than the surface of the accessed material in form of an opened book or unfolded one-sheet object (e.g. an engraving, a map, a drawing or a poster etc.)
b) the materials shall be placed flat on the table. If the materials’ structure prevents such arrangement, the user shall use supports, wedge-shaped pads or reading desks provided by the librarian on duty;
c) the volume cards must be turned carefully, gripping the paper at the corner or outer edge, never at the spine;
d) while turning cards the user is forbidden to hold any objects (e.g. a pencil) in their hands;
e) single-sheet objects should be moved with extreme caution, by holding the card (in case of objects without protective fastening) or passe-partout with both hands in the centre of the side edges, without turning it over. The objects may be turned over to view the reverse, the paper or the watermark (filigree) only with the consent and assistance of the librarian on duty. Passe-partouts of single-sheet objects cannot be opened without the consent of the librarian on duty;
f) before starting work with the object, the user should remove any jewellery (bracelets, rings, pendants, etc.) that may damage the structure of the library materials, and elements of clothing (shawls, scarves, etc.) that may touch the surface of the object;
g) it is not allowed to interfere with the structure of objects or damage them by bending cards, corners, underlining, sticking or placing sheets of notes and other items on the object or its protective fastening, etc.;
h) in case of unbound materials, the order of the cards must not be changed. Any comments on the order of cards should be reported to the librarian on duty;
i) any notes should be made only outside of the surface of the library material with a pencil or an electronic device. It is forbidden to use pens, highlighter pens, markers etc.;
j) it is forbidden to eat or drink in the Departments’ reading rooms, including drinking water in screw cap bottles;
k) bags, backpacks and outerwear shall be left in the cloakroom on level 0 or in the lockers in front of the Departments.
2. Particularly valuable objects should be viewed using gloves designed for working with library materials. The librarian on duty decides whether the use of gloves is necessary.
3. The user bears full material responsibility for the object entrusted to them. Any damages or defects should be immediately reported to the librarian on duty.
4. It is not allowed to take the objects out of the reading rooms.
5. In matters not covered by these regulations, decisions regarding access to the original objects and reference books are made by the Head of the Department or the librarian on duty.
§ 13
Reproducing special collections
1. Objects from special collections can be photographed with the user’s own equipment (digital camera, tablet or smartphone, etc.) with the flash and sound switched off. It is forbidden to use private scanners or other devices that require contact with the object.
2. The user shall be particularly careful when copying objects with their own equipment. The objects may be photographed only in a place indicated by the librarian on duty and under their supervision.
3. The user can order digital reproductions from the Imaging Services, which are provided for a fee in accordance with the rates listed in the Price list for services at the University of Warsaw Library.
4. No photocopies are made of special collections.
§ 14
Lending of special collections outside the Library
1. Special collections cannot be borrowed outside BUW by individual users.
2. Lending of special collections to external institutions is determined by the rules set out in the document “Procedure for lending objects from the BUW collections to external exhibitions”.

Chapter V
Austrian Library
§ 15
1. The Austrian Library in Warsaw, further referred to as “Austrian Library”, is an autonomous Department of BUW.
2. The usage of collections and services of the Austrian Library is free of charge, however the user pays fees in accordance with the rates listed in the ““Price list for services at the University of Warsaw Library (BUW)”.
3. The collections of the Austrian Library are available in Open Stacks.
4. The collections of the Austrian Library are available on site to all holders of valid library cards.
5. The collections of the Austrian Library intended for borrowing outside are lent to the users registered in the Austrian Library. All holders of valid library cards can register in the Austrian Library.
6. Each user registered in the Austrian Library can borrow three books from the collection intended for borrowing outside the library for 30 days. This limit is valid until 30 September 2021 and will be then replaced with the rules stated in Article 6.
7. The readers have the right to renew the date of return of the borrowed books.
8. At the request of the employees responsible for the Austrian Library, the Director of BUW may grant the right to borrow the collections of the Austrian Library outside of BUW to persons other than those indicated in Article 2 (8).

Users’ duties and responsibilities
§ 16
1. Users are required to comply with these Regulations, the internal rules of individual BUW departments, as well as instructions and order regulations in force at BUW.
2. The Circulation Desk shall be instantly notified of any change in the personal data and, in particular, home address, e-mail address, and the loss of a library card. The consequences of neglecting this duty shall be borne by the cardholder. A duplicate library card may be obtained after reporting the loss or damage of a library card.
3. Confirmation of the lack of obligations to BUW is issued at the request of the person to whom this confirmation applies at the Circulation Desk on a printed certificate or electronically.
4. The user bears full liability for any damage to library items undisclosed at the time of borrowing them.
5. In the event of damage or loss of an accessed work, the following rules apply:
a) the reader is required to provide an identical copy;
b) the reader is required to incur the handling charges related to the substantive and technical editing of a new copy. In justified cases, the reader is also required to bear the costs of binding;
c) if this is impossible to provide an identical copy, BUW shall determine the fee for lost or damaged item in accordance with the guidelines for pricing of library materials at the University of Warsaw Library;
d) the costs of settled obligations are non-refundable;
e) the damaged item remains the property of BUW;
f) the reader is required to return any book found with BUW ownership marks.
6. Taking items owned by BUW outside its territory without fulfilling the mandatory procedures, destruction of said items, or failure to abide by generally accepted standards of social behaviour is recognized as a breach of these Regulations.
7. A breach of these Regulations shall entail:
a) a request to immediately leave BUW;
b) temporary or perpetual deprivation of rights resulting from holding a library card;
c) an application to the competent authorities for a suitable penalty.
8. Sanctions listed above are not mutually exclusive, and these Regulations do not replace and do not preclude the application of generally applicable laws.
Final provisions
§ 17
1. BUW produces secondary documents (copies) from their own collections, the libraries of UW academic units, and in justified cases also of works obtained via interlibrary loan. Additionally, BUW provides its users with self-service copiers and printers. A BUW employee has the right to refuse to copy particularly valuable or damaged library materials.
2. In the creation of secondary documents, the provisions of copyright law shall apply.
3. Resolution of matters not provided for in the provisions of these Regulations is the responsibility of the Director of the University of Warsaw Library. The BUW Director’s decision may be appealed before the UW Rector.

 

Appendix to the Regulations for accessing BUW collections

Rules for borrowing electronic book (e-book) readers at the University of Warsaw Library (BUW)

1. E-book readers along with the publications and materials selected from the Amazon offer placed on them are loaned at the Circulation Desk in BUW only to holders of a valid library card authorising them to borrow collections of the University of Warsaw Library.
2. A user who intends to use an e-book reader is required to read these rules and accept its terms.
3. An e-book reader is loaned for up to 30 days. The user has the right to renew the item three times, each time for further 30 days counted from the day of the renewal, provided that:
a) the reader has not been ordered by another user;
b) their library account is free from any obligations towards BUW or faculty libraries.
4. The user may have only one e-book reader on their account. Borrowing a reader does not decrease the user’s borrowing limits for the collections of BUW.
5. Each reader is equipped with a USB cable, a protective cover and an instruction manual. At the time of borrowing a reader, the user is obliged to check its technical condition and completeness of the equipment. By borrowing a reader the user confirms that they have received a well-functioning reader with complete equipment. The user bears full responsibility for any damage to the reader undisclosed at the time of borrowing and discovered upon its return.
6. Before borrowing a reader the user should check its availability in the UW libraries catalogue online (instructions for checking and ordering readers in the Practical information tab on the BUW website – link).
7. Readers may be reserved. The device awaits pick-up for 5 days from the date of sending the user a relevant notification by email. To reserve a reader the user shall meet the following conditions:
a) have no obligations on their library account;
b) hold a valid library card.
8. The University of Warsaw Library provides its users with access to selected titles from Amazon’s offer, which can be used under the license.
9. The reader has the right to use an e-book reader as well as publications and materials downloaded to it by themselves or by BUW, only for their own use, in accordance with applicable licenses and legal regulations.
10. In the case of stating the use of e-books contrary to the law or the provisions of these Rules, the Library may seek appropriate claims against the user.
11. The user is obliged to take proper care of the e-book reader and to use it in a manner consistent with its purpose and the instruction manual.
12. The user is obliged to delete all downloaded publications and materials which have been saved in the memory of the device during its use before returning it to the library. The reader should be returned in a non-deteriorated condition, with at least half-charged battery, and complete additional equipment referred to in (5). In the case of non-fulfillment of any of the conditions, the employee of the Circulation Desk may refuse to accept the return of the reader.
13. The user is obliged to return the reader in time. Return of a reader after the due date entails charging a fee for failing to return a reader in time (fees are defined in the Price list for services at the University of Warsaw Library, Table 5. Sanction fees) and suspension of the rights to use the services of the Circulation Desk and the Main Reading Room until the settlement of obligations towards the Library. Moreover, the Library reserves the right to enforce its claims in court and apply for an entry in the National Debt Register.
14. The user bears full responsibility for the loss of a reader and is obliged to buy it (the same model or a newer one) on their own.
15. In the case of the loss of or damage solely to the additional equipment of a reader, the user shall pay the equivalent to the Library. The fees are defined in the Price list for services at the University of Warsaw Library, Table 5. Sanction fees.
16. In the case of discovering damage to the reader when returning it to the Circulation Desk, the user covers the cost of its repair, and if it exceeds the value of the device, they shall buy a new reader.
17. Returns are accepted only at the Circulation Desk of BUW during its opening times.
18. Violation of these rules entails temporary deprivation of rights resulting from holding a library card, referred to in the Regulations for accessing BUW collections.

To obtain a BUW library card it is necessary to present:

1. in the case of a pass entitling the visitor to use collections on the premises:
   1. a passport or other photo ID (for instance a school ID card, a driving licence, a residence card or an ID card),
   2. or any valid photo ID with PESEL number;
2. in the case of a pass entitling to use the collections on the premises and to borrow items outside the Library:
   1. UW students of all degrees – a valid student ID/PhD Student ID;
   2. students of UW postgraduate diploma courses – valid photo ID and, in the absence of an entry to USOSWeb, a student enrollment sheet with current semester entries;
   3. UW employees – valid photo ID (e.g. a passport, a driving license, a residence card or an ID card), possibly an ELP card (Electronic Employee ID); and employment contract (in the absence of an entry to USOSWeb);
   4. visiting professors – a document with a photo (e.g. a passport, an ID card, a driving license, a residence card), a certificate from a UW faculty;
   5. professors from other tertiary institutes and research institutes – a valid photo ID (a passport, a driving license, a residence card or an ID card), and a document confirming the status of an independent research associate;
   6. persons doing short-term exchange studies (e.g. MOST), scientific internship or those participating in other programmes at UW- a valid photo ID (e.g. a student ID card, a passport, a driving license, a residence card or an ID card) and a certificate from the academic unit of UW confirming the student status;
   7. UW extramural PhD students, who may only use a deposit account: a certificate from the UW advisor, photo ID (e.g. a driving license, a passport, a residence card or an ID card), an application with the consent of the head of the Circulation Department or a person authorized to open an account;
   8. UW employees with the contract for mandate or for specific work, who may only use a deposit account: a certificate of employment, a photo ID (e.g. a driving licence, a passport, a residence card or an ID card), an application with the consent of the head of the Circulation Department or a person authorized to open an account;
   9. members of the UW Alumni Club – a valid Club membership card;
   10. students with a certificate of completion – a student ID or a passport or other photo ID (e.g. a driving license, a residence card or an ID card), as well as the certificate of completion issued by a UW Faculty.

1. At the University of Warsaw Library premises, individuals are expected to adhere to commonly accepted norms of social behavior and personal conduct applicable in public settings.
2. Users must engage with library collections following the Regulations for Accessing BUW Collections, abide by BUW’s regulations, and adhere to directives issued by BUW staff and security personnel.
3. Library and security personnel are empowered to remind users violating these guidelines of their responsibilities and, in warranted situations, may restrict their presence at the University of Warsaw Library premises.
   I. Users are obligated to:

1. Adhere to the recommended capacity limits within the Library premises.
2. Store larger bags, backpacks, folders, and items exceeding 40x30x15 cm in the cloakroom or self-service lockers. Each individual may bring up to two handbags, each within the dimensions of 40x30x15 cm. Visitors to Special Collection Departments’ reading rooms must store all bags in designated areas, such as the cloakroom, the nearby self-service lockers or lockers situated by the Special Collection Departments.
3. Hold a valid library card allowing access to the University of Warsaw Library premises..
4. Maintain silence, particularly in reading rooms and individual study booths, while allowing free conversation in designated group workspaces.
5. Responsibly engage with BUW collections and treat computer equipment and other Library property with respect. Any observed damage or malfunctions should be promptly reported to BUW staff.
6. Keep their workspace tidy and return used Library materials to designated locations, such as library trolleys or the desks at librarian workstations in reading rooms.
7. To have a confirmation printout of borrowed books from the University of Warsaw Library. This printout should be presented, along with the borrowed books, to the security staff at the Library exit when the magnetic gate activates:
   • for books borrowed on the same day – present the book loan confirmation slip;
   • for books borrowed on other days – acquire a registration form (valid on the day of issuance) from the security staff upon entry to the Library. This form needs to be completed immediately upon entering the Library.

II. It is prohibited:

1. Disruptive behavior that inconveniences other Users, such as loud conversations or playing music audible to the public.
2. Actions that damage BUW assets, particularly Library materials, including underlining text, mishandling book placement, or creating xerographic prints by pressing folded books onto copying device glass, or damaging sewing or gluing of the binding among other harmful actions.
3. Bringing food and beverages into the Library, except for water in transparent containers.
4. Bringing hazardous items into the Library, like weapons, knives, pepper or gas sprays, etc.
5. Smoking tobacco or e-cigarettes, using intoxicants, or narcotics within the Library premises.
6. Entering the Library while intoxicated or displaying signs of non-compliance with personal hygiene standards or symptoms of illness like coughing, shortness of breath, or fever.
7. Disrupting computers or equipment in the Open Stacks area by unauthorized disconnection.
8. Unauthorized entry into zones designated exclusively for BUW employees, including those within the Open Stacks area.
9. Leaving personal property unattended, as the Library does not assume responsibility for such belongings.
10. Removing items from the Library’s collections, or Library-owned objects and equipment, without completing the necessary formal procedures.

These regulations are effective from the date of their announcement.

Warsaw, 30/09/2020, update 28/03/2022

I. General rules

1. Access to BUW’s Reading Room is limited to individuals with a valid BUW library card and a clear library account (free of outstanding dues).
2. The Reading Room is exclusively for readers requesting materials from closed stacks or reference collections of Special Collection Departments.
3. No outer garments, bags, backpacks, etc. are allowed in the Reading Room; visitors may only bring essential items like a phone, laptop, slim notebook, and stationery. The librarian determines what qualifies as outer clothing and the permissible materials.
4. Readers must scan their library card upon entry to the Reading Room and leave it with the librarian for the duration of their stay.
5. Materials used must be returned before leaving the Reading Room, regardless of the reason for leaving.
6. Readers must use requested materials only in designated areas as directed by the librarian for monitoring purposes.
7. Only one person is permitted per workstation, including the librarian’s desk.
8. The librarian can decline requests for copies if they consider the collection particularly valuable or in poor condition.
9. Any behaviour that poses a risk to the safety of the collections is strictly prohibited.

II. Detailed rules

1. All orders made in the Reading Room are recorded in the library system.
2. The process for placing orders (form, mode and processing time ) follows these specifics:
   • Orders can be made via the online catalogue or CKK (Digital Card Catalogue), selecting the Reading Room as the collection point.
   • Order processing includes.
     • orders placed from Monday to Saturday until 7 pm – are fulfilled on the same day,
     • orders placed from Monday to Friday after 7 p.m. are fulfilled the next day,
     • orders placed on Saturdays after 7 p.m. or during closed Reading Room days are fulfilled on its next open day.
   • Order processing time typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Each reader’s library account can hold a maximum of 10 volumes/packages of books and magazines from the Reading Room at any given time.
4. After reaching the access limit, new orders for additional volumes can only be placed upon returning the previously used volumes.
5. Readers can change the pickup location of an ordered volume (from Reading Room to Lending Library or Bookshelf and vice versa) after returning it and placing a new order, provided the volume is available elsewhere.
6. Readers can reserve a book or magazine for 7 days and extend its return date up to three times (each for 7 days).
7. A notification is sent one day before the due date to the reader’s registered email address for items set aside in the Reading Room.
8. Items ordered for the Reading Room not collected within 3 days are returned to closed stacks.
9. Materials from the closed stacks must be returned to the Reading Room service desk at least 30 minutes before closing time (Monday to Saturday by 8:30 pm).
10. Ordered materials can be copied using the self-service photocopier or scanner in the Reading Room, or through online orders via BUW Imaging Services.

I. BUW’s special collections include the following categories of library holdings stored in the Special Collections Departments, hereafter referred to as Departments:

1. 1. old prints, published up to 1800;
   2. prints published between 1801 and 1918;
   3. manuscripts;
   4. maps, atlases and globes;
   5. musical prints; and audiovisual collections;
   6. drawings, engravings, stencils and graphic tools, ex-librises, artistic reproductions;
   7. documents of social life (leaflets, posters, postcards, one-day newspapers, stamps, photographs, etc.).

II. Use of BUW’s special collections.

1. Special collections may be used by all users possessing a valid BUW library card.
2. Special collections may be used by users only in the reading rooms of the Departments.
3. Users wishing to use the collections in the Departments: Early Printed Books, Manuscripts, Maps, Music, Ephemera and the Print Room report their desire to visit the Information Desk, where, after showing a valid library card, they are given an access card to the special collections area.
4. Upon the initial visit to any of the Departments’ reading rooms, users must complete and sign a declaration.
5. During each visit to the reading rooms of the Departments, the user must present a valid ID document or a valid library card and be registered in the electronic or traditional visitors’ book.

III.

1. Original objects of significant value, those in a delicate state of preservation, or those yet to be processed, are accessible only with approval from the respective Department head.

2. Should consent not be granted as mentioned in point 1, the user has the option to appeal to the BUW Director.

3. In instances where a requested object exists in microfilm or digital format, access to the original will be granted only in warranted situations.

4. The librarian on duty determines the quantity of items that can be accessed by the user at any given time.

5. For inquiries about specific materials, ordering sensitive items, or conducting extensive research requiring access to a larger volume of objects, it’s necessary to coordinate the order’s date and method of execution beforehand. This coordination should be done by reaching out to the relevant Department through correspondence, email, or phone communication.

6. The reference collections of the Departments are accessible for viewing in their respective reading rooms. Under warranted circumstances, books can also be requested to be delivered to the Reading Room, following the guidelines for accessing collections in that particular room.

7. Orders will be processed within the operating hours of the Departments’ storage areas, with completion no later than one hour before the reading room’s closing time.

IV.

1. When accessing special collections, users are required to adhere to the following rules:
   1. the librarian on duty will designate the specific area for the user. The object should be placed on a surface larger than regular library materials, such as an open volume or unfolded single-sheet object (like a figure, map, drawing, or poster);
   2. ensure the object lies flat on the table. If its structure prevents this, utilize supports, wedge-shaped pads, or desks provided by the librarian on duty;
   3. when handling volumes, carefully turn pages, using fingers at the corners or outer edges, avoiding gripping the spine.;
   4. avoid holding any objects, such as a pencil, while rearranging pages.;
   5. when handling single-sheet objects, follow these steps: Use both hands to interleave cards (for items without protective mounting) or passe-partout in the middle of their side edges, without flipping them over, with particular care. Permission and guidance from the librarian on duty are required to view the reverse side or the paper’s watermark (filigree). Opening mounts (passepartout) of single-sheet objects are not permitted without the librarian’s permission;
   6. prior to working with an object, remove any jewelry (bracelets, rings, pendants, etc.) that might harm the library materials’ structure, as well as any clothing items (scarves, neckerchiefs, etc.) that might touch the object’s surface.;
   7. prohibited actions include altering the structure of the objects by bending pages, corners, underlining, gluing, placing note cards, or any other objects onto the object or its protective mounting;
   8. in loose materials, maintain the original order of cards. Any proposed changes to the card sequence should be communicated to the librarian on duty for consideration;
   9. limit note-taking to areas outside the library material using a pencil or electronic device. The usage of pens, markers, highlighters, and similar items is not permitted;
   10. consumption of food or drinks is prohibited within the Departments’ reading rooms. This restriction extends to water in bottles with screw-tops;
   11. bags, backpacks, and outerwear should be stored either in the cloakroom on Level 0 or in the lockers positioned in front of the Departments.
2. When handling particularly valuable library materials, gloves designed for working with such materials may be required. The decision to use gloves will be determined by the librarian on duty.
3. Users are wholly responsible for the materials entrusted to them. Any damage or shortage must be promptly reported to the librarian on duty.
4. It is strictly prohibited to remove provided objects from the reading rooms.
5. For matters not explicitly covered by these regulations, decisions concerning the accessibility of original objects and handheld books are at the discretion of the head of the relevant Department or the librarian on duty.

V.Reproduction of collections

1. Items categorized under special collections can be photographed by users using their personal equipment (such as a digital camera, tablet, or smartphone) with the flash and sound turned off. However, users are prohibited from using their own scanners or any devices that require direct contact with the object.
2. Careful attention must be paid when copying objects using personal equipment. Photography is permitted only in the designated area as directed by the librarian on duty and under their supervision.
3. Users have the option to request digital reproductions for a fee from the Imaging Services office, as outlined in the pricing list available in the Warsaw University Library’s Price List. Photocopying of special collections is not provided.
4. Photocopies of special collections are not made.

VI. Lending of special collections beyond the library premises.

1. Special collections are not available for borrowing by individual users outside of BUW.
2. Lending special collections to external institutions is subject to specific rules formulated in the document “Procedure for Lending Objects from BUW Collections to External Exhibitions”.

1. The Regulations specify the terms and conditions governing the use of the pick-up locker owned by the University of Warsaw Library (referred to as BUW hereinafter) .
2. The pick-up locker may be used by users who:
   1. possess a valid library card with an expiration date that exceeds the system-imposed due date for returning the ordered book,
   2. have no outstanding obligations to BUW or other UW libraries, such as fines, retaining borrowed books past the due date, or a blocked account,
   3. hold the privilege to borrow books outside BUW, as detailed in paragraph 6 of the Regulations for Accessing BUW Collections,
   4. maintain an adequate number of available spaces on their library account, not fewer than the number of copies ordered for pick-up at the locker..
3. Only orders for books from the UW Libraries Online Catalogue with the location “BUW Magazyn” (Closed Stacks) with the status “Available”, are delivered to the pick-up locker.
4. The pick-up locker cannot be used for:
   1. reservations for items already borrowed by someone else,
   2. orders for CD-ROMs, books from the faculty libraries and the Digital Card Catalogue.
5. Materials ordered are delivered to the pick-up locker within the BUW departments’ working hours, not exceeding 3 times a day.
6. The order can be placed in one or multiple lockers.
7. The readiness of the order for pick-up at the locker is confirmed when the status of the ordered copies changes to “Available for pick-up” in the reader’s account. Users are notified via email about the availability of the ordered copies three times a day.
8. Materials ordered to the pick-up locker are held for pick-up according to the deadline specified in the email (3 days). If not collected within this timeframe, the order is automatically canceled, and the materials return to the Closed Stacks.
9. If all lockers are occupied, the ordered books are relocated to the Circulation Desk for pick-up.
10. To retrieve the ordered materials from the pick-up locker, users must log in using their library card number and the assigned password for their library account.
11. If an order spans multiple lockers, the user can choose which lockers to access.
12. If an order spans multiple lockers, the user can choose which lockers to access.
13. The locker cannot be accessed to collect ordered books if, at the retrieval time:
    1. the library account is invalid,
    2. the library account’s expiration date is earlier than the due date of the requested book.,
    3. the library account is blocked (due to fines or retaining borrowed books past the due date),
    4. the number of books in the locker exceeds the available spaces on the library account. Note: An attempt to collect books in this situation will block the locker, but the system will register borrowing only for the available spaces on the library account. The books will remain in the pick-up locker until a routine review is conducted.
14. Once the library account is renewed, and any obligations to BUW or other UW libraries are resolved, the user can access the locker containing the ordered books. Returning the books won’t unlock the locker in situations specified in paragraph 13, letters b and d.
15. The pick-up locker is not intended for returns. Books borrowed from the pick-up locker can be returned at the return box, self-check stations, or the Circulation Desk.
16. These Regulations take effect upon their announcement.

1. Individual work booths, referred to as booths, are accessible to professors, assistant professors and doctors employed at the University of Warsaw, as well as independent research associates registered in Warsaw but not affiliated with the university. Approval for booth use is validated by a staff member at BUW’s Reading Room, who promptly notifies the reader if authorization is lacking.
2. All booths, excluding five designated as one-day booths, must be reserved through the UW libraries’ online catalogue, accessible via the BUW website. Each reader can only order/book one booth. The booth key should be collected:
   1. within three days of ordering for a booth available on the order date;
   2. within three days of receiving an email from BUW indicating the return of the key by the previous user.
3. Readers who no longer intend to use the reserved booth must cancel the booking through their reader’s account in the UW libraries’ online catalogue.
4. One-day booths are available without prior booking to the first person who requests to use them in the BUW Main Reading Room on a given day.
5. One specific one-day booth, number 409, is open for use by independent research associates and university employees holding a doctoral degree. Other one-day booths (numbered 417-420) are exclusively for independent research associates’ use.
6. The BUW Reading Room oversees booth services, which include issuing and receiving booth keys and checking booth equipment.
7. The booth key is provided upon presentation of the BUW library card, only if the reader’s account in the UW libraries’ online catalog is valid and free from any outstanding dues.
8. With the exception of one-day booths, booths are available for up to 14 days. Extension is feasible with a valid reader’s account in the UW libraries’ online catalogue, no account arrears, and no pending reservations from others (up to three renewals permitted).
9. Booths feature computers equipped with Internet access and software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Readers may also use their personal equipment in the booths. A manual is available to assist in configuring personal computers to access the Internet through BUW connections. However, these configured computers remain outside the BUW network, hence connecting them to local peripherals (such as printers) is not possible.
10. Computers within the booths’ equipment should be utilized as follows:
    1. store personal files on the D drive within a designated folder, acknowledging that BUW bears no responsibility for data temporarily stored on drive D (files are not archived);
    2. printing personal files is feasible upon payment as per BUW’s price list;
    3. prior to returning the booth key, delete personal files from the D drive; files remaining on the drive will be deleted by the librarian on duty..
11. The booth key is at the user’s disposal throughout its allocated period, but it must not be shared with others. If the key is lost, the user incurs the cost of creating a duplicate. The library holds a spare key and reserves the right to access the booth, even in the absence of the current user.
12. All library materials can be used in the booth, however:
    1. Library materials from the BUW Closed Stacks shall be ordered to the Main Reading Room, where they are registered on the reader’s account in the UW libraries catalogue online.
    2. The reader may use no more than 10 volumes/packages of books and periodicals from the BUW Closed Stacks in the booth at the same time. The materials may remain in the booth till the end of the first 14-day period of accessing them. Then the reader may renew them three times for the next 14 days, in accordance with the applicable rules, if they still use them in the booth.
13. Library materials from the Open Stacks and Current Periodicals Reading Room must be returned each time after finishing work on a given day.
14. The user bears full responsibility for library materials and equipment in the booth and is obliged to maintain order.
15. The user may bring their materials, small equipment etc. to the booth, for which, however, if left in the booth, BUW shall not be liable.
16. Failure to return the key to the booth within the prescribed period shall result in the suspension of the rights to use the services of the BUW Circulation Desk and Main Reading Room until the return of the key. After 30 days from the due date of returning the key, the booth shall be opened by the committee. The user’s items left in the booth will be deposited in the BUW Administration Department, and books and other library materials owned by the Library – placed in the closed stacks and removed from the reader’s account in the UW libraries catalogue online. The user will be notified about this via email.
17. User’s items deposited in the BUW Administration Department may be picked up  within 14 days, after which they will be forwarded to the Lost Property Office of the Office for the Capital City of Warsaw, ul. Dzielna 15.
18. The booth user may re-book it only after returning the key.

General provisions

1. Group work rooms are located in the Open Stacks area of the University of Warsaw Library (BUW) on level II (rooms 264 and 265). They can be used for groups of up to 20 people.
2. The rooms are available during the opening hours of BUW.
3. All BUW users with a valid library card are entitled to use the rooms.

Use of the group work rooms

1. Group work rooms are equipped with workstations (tables, chairs, whiteboards).
2. It is not allowed to bring other equipment belonging to BUW into the rooms, i.e. poufs, chairs, etc., or to take equipment out of the rooms.
3. In the group work rooms BUW users can use:
   a. library materials from the Open Stacks that have not been borrowed, with the reservation that readers are obliged to put them away on the library trolleys when they have finished using the room;
   b. one’s own materials,
   d. technical equipment the use of which is allowed under the Rules for Accessing BUW Collections and Regulations for the Use of the University of Warsaw Library.
4. BUW does not take responsibility for personal belongings left in the rooms.
5. The user is obliged to keep the room tidy. The user is materially responsible for the library materials and equipment in the room.
6. BUW staff and security staff have the right to inspect group work rooms.

Possibility of reserving group work rooms

1. For members of the UW community (students and doctoral students of all types of studies conducted at the UW, UW postgraduate students, UW employees), it is possible to reserve a room for one-time events: conducting surveys, interviews, working on a project, a focus group, meeting of a student research group (“koło naukowe” in Polish), etc.
2. People from outside the University of Warsaw are not allowed to book group work rooms.
3. Room reservations are not possible two weeks before and during the exam session.
4. Room reservations can be made by contacting the Information Desk: informacja.buw@uw.edu.pl at least 1 day in advance.

In the message, please include:

1. 1. your library card number,
   2. nature of the event,
   3. the date and time period of the reservation.

Only requests sent from an email address from the (student).uw.edu.pl domain will be considered.

1. Confirmation of the reservation is provided via an email from a staff member of the Information Desk.
2. If you need to cancel your reservation, please email informacja.buw@uw.edu.pl or call the Information Desk: +48 22 55 25 178 / 179.
3. Information on room reservation is always displayed on the room door, which is the basis for room usage.

Final provisions

1. Complaints and requests should be submitted to the Information Desk or by e-mail to informacja.buw@uw.edu.pl.
2. In all matters not covered by these rules, the provisions of Regulations for Accessing BUW Collections and Regulations for the Use of the University of Warsaw Library shall apply.

General provisions

1. Access to the lockers situated in the University of Warsaw Library (behind the Information Desk, level 1) is exclusively granted to doctoral students and academic teachers of the University of Warsaw.
2. These lockers are available for personal belongings’ storage at all times.
3. A key to the locker can be borrowed provided the borrower has a valid library account free of any dues.
4. BUW assumes no responsibility for items left in the lockers.
5. Users of the lockers must ensure proper closure and safekeeping of the key (including the attached barcode identifier).
6. Each doctoral student or academic teacher can borrow a key for only one locker. However, borrowing a key doesn’t alter the book borrowing limit on their account.
7. Under no circumstances should the key to the locker be handed to anyone other than the doctoral student or academic teacher using it.

Borrowing, renewal and return of the locker keys

1. The key to the locker can be borrowed from the Information Desk (Informatorium) by presenting a BUW library card. Borrowing the key is recorded on the library account.
2. Borrowing the key is feasible during the Information Desk’s operating hours.
3. The key can be borrowed for up to 30 working days.
4. The key can be renewed (prolonged) three times, each for another 30 working days, given specific conditions are met:
   1. no reservations exist for the locker from other readers,
   2. no overdue items (such as the locker key, a book, or a Kindle reader) are listed on the user’s library account.,
   3. the library account remains valid without any unpaid fines,
   4. there are no unpaid fines on the user’s library account.
5. Renewal is permitted no earlier than 3 days before the key’s due date.
6. Doctoral students or academic teachers can renew the key through the UW libraries’ online catalog after logging into their library account.
7. Upon key return, the user must ensure all library materials and personal items are removed from the locker.
8. If the key isn’t returned within 14 working days from its due date, BUW reserves the right to open the locker. Any personal items left will be placed in the BUW Administration Department. Materials borrowed from BUW and left behind will be returned to the BUW collection.
   The user will receive an email notification regarding locker clearance. Items left in the locker can be retrieved from room 236, with a specified time arranged via phone (+48 22 55 25 060, 22 55 25 653). Items unclaimed from the Administration Department within 14 working days shall be passed to the Lost and Found Office of the City Hall of Warsaw, 15 Dzielna Street.
9. ailure to return the key on time, damage, or loss will result in a blocked library account and charges according to the “Price list for services at the University of Warsaw Library (BUW)”:
   1. 5 PLN for each day overdue (up to a maximum of 50 PLN),
   2. 50 PLN for a lost or damaged key.

Reserving thelocker key 

1. Doctoral students or academic teachers of the University of Warsaw can reserve locker keys through the UW libraries online catalogue by logging into their library account.
2. Only one key can be reserved per person.
3. Once reserved, the key should be picked up from the Information Desk within 3 days of receiving an email notification. The expiration date of the reservation is visible in the reader’s account under the “Reservations” tab.
4. Failure to collect the key within the specified timeframe is considered as relinquishing the locker usage.

Using the locker

1. If any damage or items left in the lockers are noticed, users should promptly inform the security staff or the Information Desk.
2. Prohibited items in the lockers include:
   1. food, tobacco and alcoho, intoxicants, hazardous materials;
   2. Open Stacks library materials not borrowed by the doctoral student (if borrowed, a borrowing receipt must be left with the books),
   3. library materials accessed in BUW Reading Rooms.
3. BUW retains the right to inspect lockers while in use.

Final provisions

1. Any complaints or requests regarding the lockers should be directed to the Information Desk.
2. For any matters not covered in these rules, the Regulations for Accessing BUW Collections and Regulations for the Use of the University of Warsaw Library apply.
3. hese Rules are effective immediately upon announcement.

1. Access to self-service lockers, referred to as lockers, is exclusively granted to BUW readers possessing a valid library card.
2. Lockers are intended solely for storing outer clothing, bags, briefcases, backpacks, etc., while accessing BUW collections or services. Users must ensure proper locking of the locker and safekeeping of the key along with the barcode identifier.
3. Storage of hazardous, soiled, or illegal materials is prohibited in the lockers. If suspicions arise, a committee of relevant BUW service may search the locker.
4. Any observed damage to lockers or forgotten items found within should be immediately reported to the Library’s security guards.
5. Keys to lockers can be borrowed for a single day and must be returned in the catalogue (VTLS/Virtua system), with no option to extend return dates or reserve keys. Borrowing or returning the key is recorded on the reader’s account. Each reader is entitled to borrow a key for only one locker.
6. Key borrowing and returns are facilitated at the entrance security stand during library operating hours, including weekends.
7. Failure to return the key on time results in the locker being opened by a committee, and its contents are held at the BUW Administration Department in room 236 (2nd floor).
8. Penalties are levied for overdue key returns, key destruction, or locker lock damage as specified in table 5 of the Pricelist for services provided at the University of Warsaw Library. Overdue key fines are payable only at the Circulation Desk by card or via a bank transfer to the account of Uniwersytet Warszawski Bank Millennium S.A. – 69 11602202 0000 0000 6085 0087, with the title “Opłata za przetrzymanie kluczyka” (“Fine for overdue of BUW key lockers”).
9. Items left in a locker can be retrieved from room 236 by appointment via phone (tel. 22 55 25 060, 22 55 25 653) or email (r.gierak@uw.edu.pl) within 14 days. After this period, unclaimed items will be sent to the Lost Property Office of the Office for the Capital City of Warsaw, ul. Dzielna 15.
10. BUW assumes no responsibility for items left in the lockers.

1. Priority access to computers is reserved for users engaged in browsing resources and utilizing electronic services provided by the University of Warsaw Library for research, teaching, and learning purposes at the university level.
2. To access the internet on Library computers via a wired network (zone on level 1) or wirelessly on a personal laptop (WiFi network available in the Open Stacks area), users must:
   1. hold a valid library account,
   2. authenticate the account by entering their library card number and password.
3. Internet access on Library computersis limited to 3 hours per day*, with the option to extend it by an additional hour on the same day for research, teaching, or learning purposes at the university level. Extension procedures can be carried out at the Information Desk using the user’s library card number.
4. Access to computers adapted for users with disabilities is available upon presenting a certificate from the Office for Persons with Disabilities at the University of Warsaw.
5. Library staff members are not obliged to configure personal laptops for internet access.
6. Users utilizing Library computers must adhere to the following regulations:
   1. prohibited actions include any activities causing damage to Library computers, their accessories, or disrupting network and software functionalities.,
   2. users are restricted from altering computer configurations, attempting to breach IT security, circumventing internet time limits, or sharing unlawful or copyrighted content. Distribution of commercial content, spam messages, computer viruses, or engaging in commercial activities using the Library network is strictly forbidden. Users are not allowed to share internet connections with third parties.
7. Users bear sole responsibility for their internet access, including content sent and any potential legal liabilities arising from their account usage. They are accountable for any misuse or consequences arising from third-party access due to negligence in safeguarding passwords or logging out after a session.
8. Failure to comply with these regulations or improper internet use may result in immediate termination of computer station use and further actions in line with the Rules of Use of the Warsaw University Library Collection. The Library reserves the right to temporarily or permanently revoke internet access and seek compensation for damages resulting from non-compliance.
9. The outlined sanctions are not mutually exclusive, and these regulations do not supersede or compromise generally applicable laws.

* Note:As of 2019, the limitation of internet access time has been abolished..

These regulations governing computer use at the University of Warsaw Library come into effect upon announcement, revoking the Directive from May 25, 2006 (Zarządzenie nr 1/2006 Dyrektora Biblioteki Uniwersyteckiej w Warszawie).

Approved usage of databases encompasses:

• Searching, browsing, and reading materials accessible through licensed UW resources online.
• Utilizing publisher platform functions to download PDFs and other available files.
• Printing PDF article files for personal, private, scientific, educational, and research purposes.
• Creating personalized user accounts in specific databases to manage search outcomes, citations, folders, file downloads, and preferences.
• Downloading e-books or excerpts (where available) and organizing them on a virtual shelf (where provided).
• Employing downloaded and read materials for personal scientific endeavors (research, study) while adhering to copyright guidelines and consistently citing the precise source.
• Sharing materials from databases exclusively with authorized individuals (such as University of Warsaw students and staff) for collaborative research, study, etc.

Restricted actions concerning database usage:

• Sharing login credentials (card number/ELS number and password) for licensed databases with individuals external to the student community and UW employees.
• Distributing any downloaded materials from databases to third parties outside the student community and UW employees.
• Granting third-party access (from outside the student community and UW employees) to articles via email.
• Posting materials obtained from databases on publicly accessible websites or distributing them in any form.
• Storing downloaded materials from databases on external servers or portals.
• Copying downloaded materials onto multiple devices not owned by an authorized user.
• Altering downloaded materials for further sharing.
• Failure to credit the source and authorship when incorporating materials into personal scholarly or research works.
• Engaging in commercial activities involving downloaded materials, such as sales, distribution, or online sharing.
• Utilizing external software to access licensed databases.
• Bulk and automated (using software) downloading of files and other data.
• Executing operations that negatively impact the service’s functionality through illicit means or technical interference.

Important information to consider:

• We kindly emphasize that all UW electronic resources are accessible under publisher licenses, monitored and regulated by the respective publishers.
• Any unauthorized activities conducted by users could lead to website disconnection and/or temporary suspension for the entire UW community, along with potential legal ramifications.
• Should you have any queries regarding resource usage, we recommend reviewing the comprehensive terms of use available in the footer of each page (commonly listed as: Terms of Use, Terms and Conditions, Terms of Service, User Permissions, Copyright, etc.).

Appendix to the Regulations for accessing BUW collections

1. E-book readers, accompanied by selected publications and materials sourced from the Amazon collection, are lent exclusively at the BUW Circulation Desk to individuals holding a valid library card granting borrowing privileges at the University of Warsaw Library.
2. Users intending to borrow an e-book reader are required to review and consent to the terms outlined in these regulations.
3. E-book readers are loaned for a maximum of 30 days. Users can renew the item three times, extending each renewal for an additional 30 days from the date of renewal, provided that:
a) another user hasn’t placed a request for the reader.
b) their library account is clear of any obligations to BUW or faculty libraries.
4. Users are allowed only one e-book reader per account. Borrowing a reader doesn’t affect the user’s borrowing limits for BUW collections.
5. Each reader comes with a USB cable, protective cover, and an instruction manual. Upon borrowing, users must ensure the device’s technical condition and completeness of its equipment. By borrowing, users affirm they’ve received a fully functional reader with all equipment intact. Users are liable for any damage to the reader not disclosed during borrowing and discovered upon return.
6. Prior to borrowing, users should verify reader availability in the UW libraries catalogue online (instructions for checking and ordering readers available in the Practical Information tab on the BUW website – link).
7. Readers can be reserved and are available for collection for 5 days upon receipt of the relevant email notification by the user. To reserve a reader, the user must:
a) maintain a clear library account without any outstanding obligations;
b) possess a valid library card.
8. The University of Warsaw Library provides users access to selected titles from Amazon’s offerings under license.
9. Users are entitled to utilize e-book readers along with the publications and materials downloaded either by themselves or by BUW strictly for personal use, adhering to applicable licenses and legal regulations.
10. Any misuse of e-books, contrary to legal guidelines or these regulations, may result in the Library pursuing appropriate action against the user.
11. Users are responsible for the proper maintenance of the e-book reader, using it in accordance with its intended purpose and the provided instruction manual.
12. Before returning the e-book reader to the library, users are required to delete all downloaded publications and materials stored in the device’s memory during their use. The reader must be returned undamaged, with at least a half-charged battery, and all additional equipment intact as mentioned in point (5). Failure to meet any of these conditions may lead to refusal by the Circulation Desk employee to accept the reader’s return.
13. Users are obliged to return the reader on time. Late returns will incur a fee for overdue readers (detailed in the Price list for services at the University of Warsaw Library, Table 5. Sanction fees) and suspension of access to services at the Circulation Desk and Reading Room until the settlement of library obligations. The Library reserves the right to pursue legal action and record non-compliance in the National Debt Register.
14. Users are fully liable for the loss of a reader and are required to replace it (with the same model or a newer version) at their expense.
15. If only additional equipment for a reader is lost or damaged, users must reimburse the Library according to the fees outlined in the Price list for services at the University of Warsaw Library, Table 5. Sanction fees.
16. In the event of detecting damage to the reader during its return to the Circulation Desk, users will cover repair costs. If the repair exceeds the device’s value, users must procure a new reader.
17. Readers must be returned exclusively at the BUW Circulation Desk during its operating hours.
18. Non-compliance with these regulations may result in temporary suspension of library card privileges, as outlined in the Regulations for accessing BUW collections.

BiblioWawa Warsaw Reciprocal Borrowing Programme

General provisions
1. The utilization of self-service lockers positioned at the University of Warsaw Library’s Reading Room entrance (level 2) is exclusively for Reading Room users.
2. These lockers are solely intended for use during one’s presence in the BUW Reading Room.
3. Access to a locker key is permitted upon possessing a valid library account without any outstanding dues.
4. BUW assumes no liability for any articles left within the lockers.
5. It is the responsibility of the reader using the locker to ensure proper closure and secure safekeeping of the key (including the attached barcode identifier).
6. Each reader can borrow a key for one locker only, and borrowing a key does not affect the borrowing limit for books on their account.
7. The locker’s key should not be provided to any individual other than the reader currently utilizing it.

Borrowing and returning locker keys
1. The locker key is available for use while accessing materials from the Closed Stacks in the Reading Room (until its closing time). These keys can be obtained during the Reading Room’s opening hours.
2. To borrow a locker key in the Reading Room, users need to present their BUW library card. The borrowing process is recorded on the reader’s library account.
3. Users are required to empty the locker of all library materials and personal items before returning the key.
4. If the key isn’t returned before the Reading Room closes, BUW retains the right to unlock the locker the following morning. Any personal items left in the locker are transferred to BUW’s Administration Department. Materials borrowed from BUW and abandoned in the locker are reintegrated into the BUW collection.
5. Notifications regarding the locker’s clearance are sent via email. Unclaimed items from the locker can be retrieved from room 236, arranged through phone scheduling (tel. 22 55 25 060, 22 55 25 653). After 14 working days, unclaimed items are forwarded to the Lost and Found Office at 15 Dzielna Street, managed by the City Hall of Warsaw.
6. Loss, damage, or late return of the key leads to a block on the library account. Corresponding charges as per the “Price List for Services at the University of Warsaw Library (BUW)” apply:
a) 5 PLN per day for overdue return of a self-service locker key (maximum 50 PLN),
b) 50 PLN for a lost or damaged self-service locker key.

Using the lockers
1. Should any damage or forgotten items be observed in the lockers, users must promptly inform the librarian present in the Reading Room.
2. The lockers have strict prohibitions against storing the following items:
a) food, tobacco, alcohol, intoxicants, and hazardous materials;
b) formally borrowed by the user (for borrowed items, a borrowing receipt must be left alongside the books).
3. BUW retains the authority to inspect the lockers while in use.

Final provisions
1. Any complaints or requests concerning the lockers should be reported in the Reading Room.
2. Non-compliance with these specified regulations will result in the suspension of access to the self-service lockers.
3. In matters not explicitly covered by these rules, the Regulations for Accessing BUW Collections and the Regulations for the Use of the University of Warsaw Library will be applicable.
4. These Rules take effect on the day of their announcement.