From the Library Director

Several changes have taken place in the UAMS Library recently and some others will happen soon. They are as follows:

• Interlibrary loans will cost $5 per item effective January 1, 2005. This charge was instituted to cover the increasing costs of interlibrary loans. Copyright fees are assessed whenever we borrow more than five articles from a specific journal title within a calendar year, and the libraries from which we borrow items usually charge a fee for providing the item to us. Copyright fees vary widely, and if the fee is going to be more than $30, the additional cost above $30 will be passed on to the requestor as well (requestors will be notified in advance if additional fees will be incurred).
• The subscription to Science Citation Index will be cancelled effective January, 2005. There are several alternative ways to obtain the information contained in SCI. See the article elsewhere in this issue for more information.
• The UAMS Library Computer Use Policy for Visitors (www.library.uams.edu/policy/visitcomp.aspx) has been revised. The Library currently provides four computers which may be used by visitors who wish to search for biomedical information. The revisions to the policy include the prohibition of the use of these four “visitors” computers for course management tools, such as WebCT or Blackboard. UAMS personnel can continue to use other computers in the Library for online courses.
• The After-Hours Access to the UAMS Library policy (www.library.uams.edu/policy/afterhours.aspx) has been revised to more clearly state that after-hours access to the Library is only to be provided for UAMS personnel in the case of clinical emergencies. The revised policy, which is posted on the Library’s website and on the main entrance to the Library, outlines the steps to be taken when after-hours access is needed.
• Journals can no longer be checked out of the Library. This policy was implemented in October to make materials more readily available when needed.
• Overdue fines of $1 per day per book or audiovisual item were instituted in October as well, and items are now being returned more promptly.
• Wireless access to the Internet was added in the Library recently. See www.library.uams.edu/newsletter/lnl04/july_aug/news.htm for more information about this popular service.

Mary L. Ryan,
UAMS Library Director