Library Rules & Policies

  • Observe Silence: Speak softly and only when necessary.
  • No eating, smoking, or sleeping inside the library.
  • Maintain cleanliness; avoid littering.
  • Return chairs after use and avoid moving them between tables.
  • Return books/materials to their proper place.
  • Handle materials with care.
  • Do not disturb student assistants on duty.

  • ID must be scanned upon entry and shown when borrowing.
  • ID is non-transferable and the owner is responsible for borrowed items.
  • Violation may lead to confiscation.
  • Lost IDs must be replaced by securing a new one.

  • Scan university ID upon entering.
  • Leave large items at the deposit counter.
  • Unclaimed belongings incur a ₱10.00/day fine.
  • Valuables are the patron's responsibility.
  • Show all items to the checker before exiting.

  • Books may be borrowed for 5 days, renewable once.
  • Reserve books:
    • 1-hour use within the library.
    • Overnight borrowing: 6:30 PM - 8:30 AM next day.
  • Non-circulating items: References, Filipiniana, Periodicals, Vertical Files, Theses, Special Collections.
  • Limit: 5 books with different titles per student.

  • Overdue fines:
    • ₱5/day (general books)
    • ₱5 first hour + ₱1/hr (reserve books)
  • Fines paid at the Bursar's Office (keep receipt).
  • Repeat offenses:
    • 1st: 1 week suspension
    • 2nd: 1 month suspension
    • 3rd: Suspension for the semester
  • Lost books must be reported immediately and replaced/paid with fees.

  • Violators may be referred to the Prefect of Discipline.
  • Stealing or mutilating books is a serious offense.

1. Access Fees for Outside Researchers

  • Researchers from other institutions (Graduate level): ₱100.00 per use
  • Other researchers (business, etc.): ₱50.00 per use
  • College students: ₱50.00 per use
  • High School students: ₱50.00 per use
  • Elementary pupils: ₱25.00 per use
  • Students from ALINET member schools: ₱20.00 per use

2. Requirements for Student Researchers

  • Student researchers from other schools must present a recommendation letter from their librarian and pay the access fee.
  • Students from ALINET member schools must present an ALINET Library Permit (Appendix 6 – ALINET Library Permit Form) and pay the required fee of ₱25.00.

3. General Use Policy

  • Use of library resources is strictly for in-house use only.
  • Outside researchers, except those on semestral use, are accommodated only on Saturdays.

4. Semestral Use Application

Outsiders who wish to avail of library resources and facilities regularly may apply in writing for a semestral use. If approved, they are charged a semestral fee of 200% of the current library fee charged on college students or Graduate School students, as applicable, and must comply with the following requirements:

  • Letter of request
  • Recommendation letter from their librarian or head of the company where they are affiliated
  • Fill-up Outside Researcher's Information Sheet (Appendix 7 – Outside Researcher's Information Sheet)
  • Sign agreement to the policies for outside researchers
  • Pay semestral library fee equivalent to 200% of current library fee charged on college or graduate school students

5. Services Offered to Outside Researchers

Access to Thesis and Dissertation

Outside researchers and visitors may consult the library’s collection of academic theses and dissertations. These works provide valuable insights into specialized topics and serve as references for scholarly and professional pursuits.

Access to Print Books and Journals

Outside researchers are welcome to explore the library’s print resources, including books, periodicals, and journals, for in-house use only. This access helps external users stay informed through up-to-date resources across disciplines.

Readers’ Services Assistance

BPML librarians are available to guide outside users in locating materials, navigating the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), and maximizing the use of library resources. Personalized assistance ensures that outside users can efficiently find the information they need.

Online Reference Services

Through the library’s official online platforms, outside users may reach out for library-related inquiries. This service provides timely responses to questions and guidance on reliable open-access sources, even beyond the physical library space. Please note that access to the library’s subscribed databases and MyLoft is reserved exclusively for internal users.

Outside researchers who wish to use the library on a regular basis may be allowed upon submission of requirements, approval of the application, and payment of required fees. These researchers are issued a temporary library card (Appendix 8 – Library Card).

I. General Rules for Outside Researchers on Regular Basis

  • Observe Silence: Idle conversation, loud laughter, and other unnecessary noise disturb readers and must therefore be avoided. Talking out of necessity must be done in a subdued tone.
  • Eating, smoking, and sleeping are not allowed in the library.
  • Keep the library clean. Do not litter tables or floor with wastes.
  • Push chairs back against the table when leaving the library so they won't obstruct the movement of others. Please avoid transferring chairs from one table to another.
  • Return library materials to their proper places after use.
  • Handle books and other materials with care; they are intended to serve many users after you.
  • Refrain from engaging library student assistants in unnecessary conversation.

II. Rules on Library Card

  • The library card is non-transferable and must be presented when:
    • Entering the library
    • Borrowing library materials and availing of facilities and services
  • It shall be confiscated upon any violation of library policies, rules, and regulations. The paying researcher shall no longer be allowed use of the library.
  • It must be surrendered after the end of the allowed period.

III. Control

  • All outside researchers on a regular basis are required to present their library card. Without a library card, a researcher shall be refused entry.
  • Big bags, envelopes, and attaché cases shall be deposited at the Baggage Counter, except for valuables. The library shall not be held responsible for loss of valuables.
  • All researchers are required to present their belongings for inspection at the exit control desk when leaving the library.
  • Use of library resources is strictly for in-house use only. This excludes use of the Internet facility.
  • Researchers are expected to observe all library rules and policies as provided.