Approved: 6/1/2021
Responsible Administrator: Associate Dean, University Library
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FGCU University Library now circulates its physical collections electronically to facilitate normal usage of library resources to all users, whether they are able to physically visit the library or not, and whether a resource has a digital version or not.
Although users can rapidly scan resources themselves, we have designed a process of delivering materials digitally that approximates traditional borrowing. That is: when someone receives a digital item, no one else may use that resource, either physically or virtually. This follows these basic steps:
The University Library and FGCU Information Technology Services have made the Secure PDF Viewer available on all library lab PCs. We can fully support usage of these files on these systems. Although we believe you should be able to download and use this software on your own device (Mac, PC, Android, iOS), we do not have the resources to provide technical support in installing this product, should something go wrong.
As an alternative to this lending service, users may utilize our public KIC scanner, located adjacent to our Circulation Desk. This self-service solution is quick and easy, and items may be returned as soon as you have scanned what you need. See the circulation desk or email libcirc@fgcu.edu for more information!
This service is the result of a project funded by the provisions of the Division of Library and Information Services (DLIS) Florida CARES Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Florida’s DLIS CARES act program is administered by the Department of State’s Division of Library and information Services.
The FGCU University Library follows best-practice guidelines in implementing this service. We will only scan length-limited sections of whole works, and the original print works will be removed from circulation for the duration of the digital loan. Some selected reading about controlled digital lending:
Hansen, D. R., & Courtney, K. K. (2018). A White Paper on Controlled Digital Lending of Library Books [Preprint]. LawArXiv. https://doi.org/10.31228/osf.io/7fdyr
Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition. (2019, October 17). Opening up reach of libraries with controlled digital lending. https://sparcopen.org/news/2019/opening-up-reach-of-libraries-with-controlled-digital-lending/