The University of Hartford is a private institution of higher education. Its libraries support the educational needs of University faculty, students, and staff. The University reserves the right to request proper University Identification for the access to the libraries or for certain services.

Daily guest privileges are available by appointment for persons who have no formal relationship to the University community. Guests have limited access to library collections, equipment, seating, and services. Furthermore, contractual obligations with publishers impose restrictions on access to certain information technologies.

For appointments: Contact Mortensen Circulation, 860-768-4142, libref@hartford.edu, or Allen Library Circulation, 860-768-4491 or chat with a librarian (click on yellow Ask Us tab above).

Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or teacher while in the Harrison Libraries.

The University retains the right to terminate guest privileges based on space needs or demands on staff time, or because of inappropriate or offensive behavior, in which event library staff will request guest to leave.

Borrowing

• Visitors may purchase a Guest Borrower card with limited privileges for an annual fee of $50.
• Alternatively, visitors wishing to borrow Harrison Libraries materials should use Interlibrary Loan through the individual's local public library.
• Guest Borrowers are subject to standard library fees for overdue materials including a $15.00 non-refundable processing fee in addition to the replacement cost of any materials 45 days overdue.
• Interlibrary Services are not available to Guest Borrowers.
• See the Libraries Borrowing and Renewing policies.

Reference

• Guest Borrowers and visitors may receive general reference help.
• Guest Borrowers and visitors may receive only limited assistance during high demand periods.
• See Library Instruction for more information.
• Due to licensing restrictions, most electronic databases may be used only within the Libraries.
• An online Research Tutorial provides an introduction to using basic sources in the Libraries.

Computers

• Desktop computers are available on all three floors of the Harrison Libraries building, and may be used to do research using Library resources such as the Catalog and Databases.
• Guest Borrowers and visitors may access the Internet and connect to e-mail. When all computers are in use, alumni and guests may be asked to give up their computers to current University students.
• Time restrictions may also be imposed on all users when spaces are full.
• See Computers and Laptops for more information.

Photocopying and Printing

• Most printing is free. See Copy, Print, Scan for more information.
• For color printing and other paid services, copy cards may be purchased at the HawkCASH terminal in the Harrison Libraries or in the Gengras Student Union for $1 and then money may be added onto the card in increments of $1.

Groups of Non-University Visitors

Non-University groups should arrange visits to Harrison Libraries by appointment. Tours are self-guided, but advance notice of a planned visit is required. Groups should be limited to thirty individuals. There should be at least one supervising adult for high school groups; middle school groups should have one adult for every fifteen students; and elementary school groups should have one for every ten students. Keep in mind that a university library will not have much material of interest or value to pre-college students.

Reference Services staff may provide instruction to outside groups (high school age and older) between academic semesters (i.e., winterterm and summer). Instruction must be tied to a research assignment (e.g., a term paper) so that the information is obviously relevant to the students. Librarians will conduct a 45-minute session introducing research tools specific to the assignment. Arrangements must be made at least one week in advance.

The Harrison Libraries restrict circulation of library materials to members of the University community. Guests may use materials in the Libraries. They may purchase Guest Borrower cards for an annual fee of $50. The card allows guests to borrow books only. See above for more information.

It is expected that guests will have received basic library skills instruction before coming to the Harrison Libraries. The Libraries' catalog is available online here and from our homepage from any internet connected computer. A Research Tutorial, which introduces many of the basics of using the Libraries, is also available from the home page.

Out of consideration for other library users, visiting groups are expected to behave in an appropriate manner. Our Guest Access policy is posted on the front door of the W. H. Mortensen Library. The supervising adult(s) must actively assume full responsibility for the behavior of the group. Library staff will respond to inappropriate behavior according to the Guest Access policy posted on the front window. The group may be asked to leave. Public Safety will be called if deemed necessary.

Call the Reference Services department (860.768.4142) to arrange a visit or instruction and to discuss your specific needs.