Skeen Library
Policies
Confidentiality:
The New Mexico Tech Skeen Library respects the privacy of all its students, faculty,
staff and other patrons regarding the use of the library. All library records relating
to an individual patron's use of the library and its resources are considered confidential.
The library follows the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association which requires all libraries to protect the patron's
right to confidentiality and privacy when using library material.
The library seeks to minimize the collection and retention of personally identifiable
information and only retains information that is required for the management of library
operations. This policy conforms to the New Mexico Library Privacy Act, which covers the privacy and confidentiality of library patron records.
Children in the library:
The New Mexico Tech Skeen Library provides a welcoming physical environment to promote life-long learning and to assure an atmosphere conducive to research. Children who use the library must follow these guidelines:
Library Use
Anyone under 15, not in possession of a valid New Mexico Tech ID, must be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
Computer Use
Open access computer use is limited to one hour per day. Anyone wishing to use computers
will be asked to sign in at the main desk. They will then be given an access code
and assigned to a computer.
Computer users must comply with the Internet Use Policy.
Appropriate Behavior
Any person behaving in an unacceptable manner will be asked to leave the library premises and may lose their library privileges.
Internet use:
Library users are encouraged to use the Internet for educational and informational purposes. All users of the Internet are expected to use this resource in a manner consistent with the purposes for which it is provided and according to guidelines established by the Library and ITC (Information Technology and Communications). NMT Skeen Library, as a state and federal government depository, complies with all free public access laws.
- Availability: Internet resources are provided primarily for New Mexico Tech students, faculty and staff. Community users are limited to one hour of computer use.
- Persons under the age of 15: will need to comply with the Children in the Library Policy.
- Unacceptable Use: Reconfiguring hardware or software, or viewing obscene material. Any use of computers at Skeen Library for illegal or obscene purposes as defined by the Federal Protection of Children Act, 18 U.S.C., Section 1465, or in violation of New Mexico law prohibiting the display of sexually explicit matters in an establishment frequented by children, will result in the revocation of the user's privileges.
- Copyrights: The unauthorized sharing of copyrighted material is illegal. Users shall not share unauthorized copyrighted material.
- Appropriate Behavior: Any person behaving in an unacceptable manner will be asked to leave the library premises and may lose their library privileges.
Disclaimer – New Mexico Tech Library does NOT monitor or control the information accessed over
the Internet. While the Internet expands access to information, it contains information
that may be inaccurate, outdated, or offensive. Patron use of the Internet carries
with it the responsibility to evaluate the quality of the information accessed.
WARNING: Internet transmissions are subject to interception under the USA Patriot Act.
Archives use:
Mission of the New Mexico Tech Archives
The New Mexico Tech Archives of the Skeen Library serves to promote and preserve the
intellectual history of New Mexico Tech and the Middle Rio Grande region.
The New Mexico Tech Archives shall be the depository for University records which
are no longer administratively useful in the several departments, but which have historical
or other value. The Archives may also receive personal papers and materials of officials,
faculty, staff, students, alumni, and others if the materials are deemed pertinent
to either New Mexico Tech or the region.
Access to the Archives
As a public institution our collections and services are available to all. However,
archival material cannot be checked out. Material in the New Mexico Tech Archives
of the Skeen Library is available by appointment only.
To schedule an appointment, please contact Lucinda Whitehorse at 575.835.6504
Researching in the Archives
Our responsibility for proper care of the unique materials housed in the New Mexico Tech Archives requires us to institute the following safeguards:
- Researchers must sign to use the New Mexico Tech Archives in the New Mexico Tech Archives Log, which can be obtained from Lucinda Whitehorse in the Government Publications department.
- All researchers are required to carry out their research in the presence of library staff. No one other than library staff may enter the Archives unaccompanied.
- There is no eating, drinking or smoking in the New Mexico Tech Archives.
Using the Materials
Please follow these procedures when using New Mexico Tech Archives materials:
- Use materials only in the New Mexico Tech Archives Room. Materials may not be removed to any other area of the building, except by express permission of Skeen Library staff.
- Personal computers are permitted, provided that their use does not disturb other researchers and that such use does not physically damage the collections nor incur copyright infringement. Personal photocopying machines are prohibited.
- Make no marks on the materials. Do not write notes on top of materials or rest books or other objects on the surface of items used.
- In handling either rare books or photographic materials, wear gloves provided by the New Mexico Tech Skeen Library staff. Handle any photographic image by the edges.
Photocopying, Scanning and the Use of Digital Cameras
Photocopy Guidelines
- Photocopying will be done by library staff or under the supervision of library staff.
- Photocopies of records will be made for 10¢ per page if the New Mexico Tech Library staff determines it will not harm the material.
- Extensive photocopying may be mailed to a patron.
- State or federal law may not permit the photocopying of some material.
- The photocopy is made solely for the convenience of the patron; it cannot be reproduced or transferred to any other person or institution without the prior permission of the New Mexico Tech Skeen Library staff.
Scanning Guidelines
- Scanning will be done by library staff or under the supervision of library staff.
- The New Mexico Tech Skeen Library reserves the right to charge a fee for any scans made for an outside institution.
- State or federal law may not permit the scanning of some material.
- The scan is made solely for the convenience of the patron; it cannot be reproduced or transferred to any other person or institution without the prior permission of the New Mexico Tech Skeen Library staff.
Use of Digital Cameras
- The use of digital cameras to reproduce a limited amount of records is permissible, but prior arrangements must be made with the New Mexico Tech Skeen Library staff.
Locating Materials
A library staff person will assist you in locating materials. Currently, most of the collection is not processed and awaits itemization. A comprehensive list of all materials in the New Mexico Tech Archives collections will be added to the Archives Web page. Currently, the only means of locating materials is by browsing the materials with a library staff person. The Skeen Collection is itemized and access points are available on the computer workstation located in the archives. An inventory of the Joseph R. Skeen Papers can be found at The Online Archive of New Mexico.
Supporting the Archives
The New Mexico Tech Archives welcomes gifts of materials, including individual items
and collections, that are suitable for its various collections and will work with
prospective donors to develop at mutually acceptable Deed of Gift Agreement. We especially
appreciate materials appropriate for inclusion in the Archives, materials relating
to the history of New Mexico Tech, and materials about the region. We also accept
items that would be considered rare though we do not appraise the value of donated
items. (We can, however, provide you with a referral to organizations that appraise
rare books.)
The New Mexico Tech Archives and Skeen Library are grateful for monetary gifts that
enhance the development, management, and preservation of its collections. Supplementing
large gifts of materials with monetary endowments is a great way to expedite processing
and facilitate the maintenance of the collection you give to the Skeen Library.
If you have any questions about the appropriateness of a collection for New Mexico
Tech Skeen Library, please do not hesitate to contact the Library Director. If a collection
is outside of the scope of the mission of the Skeen Library, we will make every attempt
to direct you to a more suitable home for your archival material.
Citing Materials Found in Archives
Correspondence
General formula:
Writer to receiver, date, box, folder, record group, Collection, New Mexico Tech Archives,
New Mexico Tech.
Example:
E. J. Workman to E. U. Condon, Director, National Bureau of Standards, March 4, 1948,
Box 511, Folder: Correspondence 1-6, 1948, E. J. Workman Papers, New Mexico Tech Archives,
New Mexico Tech.
Minimum citation (for display purposes):
Collection, New Mexico Tech Archives, New Mexico Tech.
Example:
E. J. Workman Papers, New Mexico Tech Archives, New Mexico Tech.
Photographs
General formula:
Descriptive information, date if known, box, folder, record group, Collection, New
Mexico Tech Archives, New Mexico Tech.
Example:
Photograph of Joseph Skeen and Ronald Reagan in Washington DC, 1988, Box 83, Folder
B, Joseph R. Skeen Collection, Skeen Library Archives, New Mexico Tech.
Minimum citation (for display purposes):
Collection, New Mexico Tech Archives, New Mexico Tech.
Example:
Joseph R. Skeen Collection, New Mexico Tech Archives, New Mexico Tech.
Other Items
General formula:
Item, date, box, folder, record group, collection, New Mexico Tech Archives, New Mexico
Tech.
Example:
Plastic Frog Refrigerator Magnet, 1985, Box 86, Joseph R. Skeen Collection, New Mexico
Tech Archives, New Mexico Tech.