Remote Services

The following policy pertains to the provision of services to Clemson University affiliates at remote locations.

Definitions

Clemson University has a large number of faculty, staff, and students involved in coursework, research, and special programs located off the main campus. These patrons are referred to as ‘University Affiliates at Remote Locations’ and are eligible for many library services via electronic mail, web request form, telephone, or fax. Whenever possible, the web request form is the preferred method of correspondence with the Library.

University Affiliates at remote locations are defined as

  • Undergraduate students enrolled in off-campus courses or programs.
  • Currently enrolled graduate students doing research or taking Clemson courses off campus.
  • Currently employed faculty or staff located off-campus.

The following services are available:

  • Circulation
  • Reference
  • Bibliographic Instruction
  • Document Delivery
  • Interlibrary Loan

Circulation

University affiliates at remote locations can use a variety of services on the Libraries’ web page to request information about accounts, renewals, list of items with due dates, etc.

When using the services on the web, the patron is asked to authenticate and provide Clemson University userid and password.

It is helpful if the patron identifies the program (such as Distance Ed, Telecampus, etc.).

Reference

Requests for reference service may be submitted by University Affiliates at remote locations by telephone, e-mail, or letter. For extensive research, the patron will be encouraged to consult with the subject specialist. Reference personnel will provide aid with finding sources of information but will not interpret information, especially in the areas of medicine, law, patents or taxes.

Small amounts of information (1-2 articles, or 8-10 pages) may be mailed to the patron. For longer sources, a referral to Document Delivery Services may be made.

Bibliographic Instruction

Faculty may request bibliographic instruction for courses taught at remote locations. The instruction will be provided at either the Clemson University campus or at the remote location depending upon the distance involved and the type of course taught. The feasibility of the instruction and the location of the instruction will be determined by the faculty member requesting the instruction and the librarian presenting the instruction. Instructional material may be provided in lieu of class presentations by the librarian.

Document Delivery

University Affiliates at Remote Locations may request the delivery of Clemson University Libraries materials through the Document Delivery Service, letter, or fax. Requests should include enough information to identify the material needed, as well as the following patron information: name, university ID number, current mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Books will be checked out to the patron using the patron’s university ID. Photocopies will be invoiced at the current Document Delivery rates and can be charged to university accounts if appropriate. Materials will be delivered by the fastest appropriate means available. The patron will bear the responsibility for circulating items until they are returned to the Libraries. Materials may be renewed through Circulation.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

University Affiliates at Remote Locations may utilize the Clemson University Libraries’ Interlibrary Loan Service to request photocopies of materials from other libraries. ILL requests may be submitted either by mail or by web request form. The materials will be routed to the requester by the fastest appropriate means available.

Original policy adopted: December 12, 1990
Last Revision: August 2002
Approved by Libraries Administrative Council: August 2002