RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE ‘DIMITRIS AND ALIKI PERROTIS’ LIBRARY

Our library aims to present a new and contemporary service model: an inspiring learning environment that motivates collaborative and individual scholarship, enhances teaching, learning and research on campus, and promotes academic achievement for the American Farm School (AFS) and Perrotis College students, faculty and staff, etc.

The below listed terms and conditions of using the Library are intended to ensure that all our patrons (students, faculty, staff, etc.) have access to the range of resources, services, and facilities that are available for use. These terms cover the use of our physical spaces, namely the Central ‘Dimitris and Aliki Perrotis’ library (DAPL), as well as the satellite ‘George and Charlotte Draper’ Information and Media Hub (Hub) at Perrotis College -where students, faculty and staff of Perrotis College and of the Private Higher Vocational Training School (HVTS) of the AFS can also use along with the Central Library-; they also cover the access to our online resources.

The Library holds the right to suspend the library privileges of any patron who does not comply with the below Terms and Conditions. 

Becoming a Member of the Library

1. In order to become a member of our Library and gain access to our services, you need to fill in the Library Application Card form (https://shorturl.at/gFMnV) and belong to one of the patron categories mentioned in the form.

2. To check your borrowing privileges, as well as other information regarding the available resources/facilities, please visit: https://library.afs.edu.gr/services/ (for the AFS) or  https://library.perrotiscollege.edu.gr/services/ (for Perrotis College).

3. Patrons must report lost Library Cards to the Central Library’s front desk, or via email at: library@afs.edu.gr.

4. Once patrons are issued a Library Card, they are also granted off-campus access to the Library’s electronic resources, with a personalized username and password.

5. Patrons are kindly asked to notify the Library of any changes to their personal contact information (change of email address, residency address, phone number).

6. When a patron’s membership expires, but they are still members of the AFS, they are kindly asked to inform the Library so that their library cards can be renewed.

7. If a patron ceases being a member of the AFS or Perrotis College, their personal information (i.e. their Library membership and off-campus credentials for accessing the electronic databases) are erased from the Integrated Library System. 

Using the Library services and resources

1. Library items (i.e. books, journals, electronic devices, accompanying CD-roms) may be borrowed according to the borrowing privileges of each Library group (please visit https://library.afs.edu.gr/services/ - for the AFS - or https://library.perrotiscollege.edu.gr/services/ - for Perrotis College - and click on the borrowing privileges of your patron category). Patrons may also request and borrow item(s) from another library in Thessaloniki (Interlibrary loan service). For more information, please visit: https://library.afs.edu.gr/research-interlibrary-loan/.

2. All library items must not be annotated, marked, or damaged in any way upon their return to the library.

3. In order to borrow an item, patrons must have their Library cards with them.

4. The Library may withhold or restrict the circulation of an item.

5. Patrons will be notified via email if a borrowed item has crossed its due date and needs to be returned to the Library.

6. Patrons wishing to renew the borrowed items must contact the Central Library front desk (Princeton Hall building) either in person or notify the library via email at library@afs.edu.gr.

7. Photocopying materials from the Library must comply with the Greek Copyright Law (No. 2121/1993). Photocopying an entire book/journal is prohibited.

8. Patrons can access the online electronic resources (electronic databases with academic journals and eBooks) through their personal username and password, issued by the Library once they become members. The said username and password should not be transferred to other patrons or individuals who are not members of the Library.

9. Patrons should follow the publishers’ restrictions in using the online resources (academic articles and eBooks), which are displayed with each resource through the Library’s electronic databases.

Using the Central Library and Hub Premises

1. Patrons may enter the Central Library and the Hub only during the opening hours for the public.

2. Patrons should respect other patrons who wish to study/read in silence.

3. Snacks are allowed inside the Central Library and the Hub, with the exception of the computer labs.

4. Mobile phones must be switched to silent or vibration inside the Central Library and the Hub. The use of mobile phones to make or receive calls should be restricted to the front desk area, or the stairwells, not study or work areas.

5. Patrons are expected to treat Library staff and other patrons inside the Central Library and the Hub respectfully at all times. Any patron behaving inconsiderately or inappropriately will be asked to leave the premises.

6. Patrons are expected to behave considerately (including consumption of food and drink) in the Central Library and the Hub, so that other users may work in an atmosphere conducive to study.

7. Trash is to be disposed of in the wastepaper baskets provided all around the Central Library and the Hub.

8. Patrons must look after personal property at all times and must not leave personal possessions unattended. Library Services accepts no responsibility for the loss or damage of any patron’s personal possessions.

9. It is forbidden to bring into the Library premises objects which, in the judgment of the Library staff, may cause damage to the library material.

10. Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the Central Library or the Hub.

11. No animals (other than assistance dogs) will be allowed inside the Central Library or the Hub.

Library Mission

The purpose of the Dimitris and Aliki Perrotis Library (DAPL) collections is to serve the needs of its users, i.e. the faculties and students of the AFS educational programs, whether at the primary, secondary, post-secondary or adult levels. 

The Collection Development Policy guides the Library in the selection, acquisition and retention of materials for the Library and to serve as a plan for the overall development of its collections. This policy grows and changes to meet the needs of the Library and its users. Accordingly, it will be reviewed and revised as new resources and technologies become available and as the needs of the Library and its users demand. 

In order for our library to establish, and achieve, the highest it is necessary that the collections comprise a variety of print and electronic publishing media including, for example, printed books, printed and electronic journals, electronic media and Internet accessible materials.

Priorities

In building the library collection, priority is given to materials and subjects, which directly support the curricula of Perrotis College, Undergraduate and Graduate programs. Non-curricular, general interest materials will be collected less intensively for the purpose of providing the library constituency with opportunities for more general exploration in the world of ideas, as well as recreational reading materials. 

Current Situation, Collection Scope

Dimitris & Aliki Perrotis Library is the central library with holdings of Perrotis College and the Secondary School: The last weeding and evaluation of DAPL print collection took place in 2011. Holdings now comprise of 17,419 vols. at a rough percentage of 38.27% English and 61.72% Greek. (Note: a weeding and evaluation of the print collection is programmed for the first semester of 2019).

Selection processes

Perrotis College Library Steering Committee is charged with implementing and overseeing the library acquisition plan for required and recommended readings, advising the Library and the College on other issues regarding electronic and print sources available in the Library and the College, and discussing relevant matters and student problems. Members include the Head Librarian, Perrotis College Librarian and the Heads of Departments and meet twice a year.

Integrated Library System (ILS)

KOHA ILS.

Journals, Periodicals and Newspapers

The DAPL carries 16 GR print journals and periodicals, as well as 3 newspapers. The titles are the following:

Greek journals/magazines

Newspapers

Databases & E-subscriptions

The library subscribes to nearly around 468,140 English language ebooks representing a broad range of academic subject matters and business topics such as marketing, finance, supply chain management and entrepreneurship. 

More specifically the databases are:

• Business Source Premier is the industry’s most used business research database, providing full text for more than 2,300 journals, including full text for more than 1,100 peer-reviewed titles, and 1,160 global Open Access journals. This database provides full text back to 1886, and searchable cited references back to 1998. Business Source Premier is superior to the competition in full text coverage in all disciplines of business, including marketing, management, MIS, POM, accounting, finance and economics.
• Regional Business News provides comprehensive full text coverage for regional business publications. Regional Business News incorporates coverage of nearly 40 regional business publications covering all metropolitan and rural areas within the United States and Canada.
• Food Science Source is an extensive full-text database designed to support the informational needs of the food industry at all levels. This collection offers unmatched full-text coverage of information relevant to many areas that are integral to the food industry. This database offers cover-to-cover full-text coverage for 750 publications, including journals, monographs, magazines, and trade publications, all directly dealing with food industry-related issues, reaching a total of 3,400,000 records. More than 1,000 key food industry and market reports are available.
• Environment Complete contains more than 2,4 million records from more than 2,200 domestic and international titles going back to 1888 (including over 1,350 active core titles) as well as more than 190 monographs. The database also contains full text for more than 1,551 journals.
• GreenFILE offers well-researched information covering all aspects of human impact to the environment. Its collection of scholarly, government and general-interest titles includes content on global warming, green building, pollution, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, recycling, and more. The database provides indexing and abstracts for more than 1,1 million records, as well as Open Access full text for more than 15,800 records.
• eBook Academic Collection, this growing subscription package contains a large selection of multidisciplinary eBook titles representing a broad range of academic subject matter, and is a strong complement for any academic collection. The breadth of information available through this package ensures that users will have access to information relevant to their research needs.
• eBook Business Collection, EBooks are selected for this collection to assist students and scholars with various business research, special project and entrepreneurial needs, and to help students understand general business concepts. The eBook Business Collection encompasses a variety of business topics, such as marketing, finance, supply chain management and entrepreneurship, with additional focus on career growth, personal development, communication and networking.

Materials added to the Library collections are, primarily, acquired by way of purchase, while gifts and bequests of collections are a welcome supplementary component of collection development. Proper application of the Library’s collection development report goals make it inevitable that only a small percentage of the gifts received will ultimately be added to the collection.

Prior to accepting a gift collection it is necessary for the librarians to learn as much as possible about the content and size of the donation. In the event that the offered materials do not appear to be appropriate for the Library, as defined in the Library’s collection development policy, other potential recipients for the gift should be suggested to the donor.

In the event that the Library accepts a book donation, the following points will be made clear to the Donor:

• It is probable that all of the donated materials will not be added to the collection;
• The donor will authorize the Library, in writing, to attempt to donate unneeded items to other libraries;
• The donated collection will not be kept together on the shelves but will be distributed throughout the collection, in accordance with the Library’s classification criteria;
• The donor shall not require the library to post a name sign identifying the donor.

Similarly, the Library will:

• Acknowledge, in writing, receipt of all bequests, listing types and numbers of materials donated;
• Express its appreciation in a letter signed by the head librarian. In the event that the donor is an AFS Trustee or a ranking public official, it is recommended that the AFS president sign the letter of appreciation;
• Provide copies of all communications with donors to the Office of Institutional Advancement.

Library Computer Use Policy

The ‘Dimitris and Aliki Perrotis’ Central Library and the ‘George and Charlotte Draper’ Information and Media Hub (the satellite service for Perrotis College community) support the Perrotis College’s teaching, research, and study needs by providing faculty, students, and staff access to desktop computers and laptops for use on the premises, thus promoting academic research and scholarship.

To this end, the Central Library and the Hub have developed the present Computer Use Policy, to ensure appropriate use of the aforementioned equipment.

Computer, Laptop and Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Access and Fair Use

1. All computers and laptops do not require a password in order to be activated.
2. Perrotis College faculty, students, and staff have priority access to computer equipment inside the Hub. Due to the nature of the Central Library (which serves the entire AFS and Perrotis College communities, and external users), priority is given to patrons who wish to study or work on their assignments.
3. Library computer equipment shall be primarily used for academic purposes (studying, research, and teaching). Patrons using the equipment for recreational purposes (such as game playing, internet surfing, etc.) shall be asked to pass their seat to patrons who need the equipment for academic research.
4. Using computers for commercial use or private financial gain is prohibited.
5. Computers and laptops are locked in ‘Deep Freeze’ mode, to prevent the downloading of inappropriate content or applications. Patrons are not allowed to install any kind of software.
6. Use of Library resources that is in violation of Greek Copyright law is prohibited. Patrons are expected to respect intellectual property rights.
7. Library laptops may be used only inside the Main Library or Hub premises. In extreme cases, laptops may be borrowed with the student’s library card only overnight (1 day).
8. Library staff reserves the right to check laptop and computer monitors periodically for inappropriate use.
9. Any attempt to deface or damage computer or laptop hardware or software, alter software configurations, conduct malicious activities using the Perrotis College or the AFS’s network, or engage in any illegal activities is strictly prohibited. Patrons caught doing any of the aforementioned acts shall be denied access to the Library’s computer equipment and shall be charged with replacement costs and fees for the damaged equipment.

General Regulations

1. Patrons should carry a USB stick, external hard-drive or use an online storage space to save their work. Once computers and laptops are shut down, all data is lost. Library bares no responsibility for any lost work.
2. During times of heavy demand (e.g. exam periods or study week), patrons should be sensitive to the needs of their peers and limit computer equipment use to the absolute necessary.
3. Personal laptops are welcomed to the Central Library and the Hub. The use of extension cords to power personal equipment should not pose a safety hazard for other patrons using the premises.
4. Consumption of food and/or drinks next to the computer equipment is allowed only in closed containers.