BAUS

Buddhist Association of the United States. 美國佛教會 The Peace of Mind, The Wisdom of Life.

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Collection & Services

COLLECTIONS

Library materials are divided into six major categories: English books, Chinese books, Multimedia, Periodicals, Young adolescent & Children’s books, and Reference books to support a diverse audience and function. The library currently holds approximately 6,000 items in Chinese, 3000 items in English, 1000 items in other languages. The collection uses the Library of Congress Classification System. Library materials are selected and purchased by the librarians. Selection criteria are approved by the library committee.

Reconsideration of Materials

Materials are placed or retained in the library by the librarians based on criteria established by the Library Committee. The library welcomes comments from library users regarding the adequacy, currency and relevance of the materials chosen. Individual patrons who have concerns with library materials that are not to their taste, or do not represent their views are welcome to discuss their concerns with the librarians. If the patron’s concerns are not resolved, he or she may make a formal, written request to the library committee for reconsideration of individual items.

The patron submitting the request must hold a valid borrower’s card. The library committee will respond to the patron in writing, indicating the action to be taken and the reasons for or against the request.

Withdrawal of Materials

Materials that no longer support the mission of the library will be withdrawn from the collection. These materials may include items that are damaged, contain obsolete information, or are no longer used. The professional judgment of the librarians will be used in making decisions about withdrawal. When necessary, the library committee or other specialists will be consulted to determine the continued relevance of materials. Items withdrawn may be sold by the library, contributed to other libraries expressing an interest in using them in their collections, recycled or disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations.

LOAN SERVICES

Library circulation policy:

Library Card Requirement            

All individuals wishing to borrow materials must present a library card at the time of checkout.  Anyone 16 years of age and older may obtain a library card. Please present proper identification when applying (Bring a valid ID and the application form to get a library membership card). $25 donation or more is suggested for obtaining a library card

Download APPLICATION FORM here

Loan Period

Library materials must be returned on time and in good condition. Overdue materials deprive others in need of those materials.

  1. The new member can take out 1 item for the first time.
  2. Books & Music CDs: 3 weeks with a 3-week renewal;
  3. DVDs, Audiobooks, New Books & Magazine: 2 weeks with a 1-week renewal;
  4. Popular Books & New DVDs: 1 week with NO RENEWAL
  5. Special condition: for item value over $60. Patron will need to make deposit of 25% of the item value. Deposit will be returned to patron after the item been returned.

Renewals may be done in person or over the phone by speaking to one of the librarians.

Books may also be returned by mail. For your convenience, pre-printed address labels are available. Please see one of the librarians about this option.

Fines

  1. Books, Music CDs & Magazines: $.10 per day – $5.00 maximum;
  2. DVDs: $1.00 per day – $10.00 maximum.

Lost and Damaged Materials

In the event that an item is lost or damaged, the borrower is responsible for replacement of the item. Please see the librarian for further information.

REFERENCE SERVICES

Operation Hours: During library opening hours by phone, email, or in person. 

The goal of the library staff is to provide information and materials in response to patron requests in a courteous, efficient and timely manner. Reference requests may be made in person or by phone during regularly scheduled library hours.

Reference services include answers to specific questions, bibliographic information, and instruction in the use of the library and its materials and help in locating materials.

Examination of the materials and interpretation and analysis of the information and data is best performed by the person requesting the information.

All requests for reference information are confidential. Library staff may consult with each other or staff at other libraries or agencies when necessary to obtain information for those who request it. Reference questions are tallied for statistical purposes only.

WIFI ACCESS

Library offers free wireless access (Wi-Fi) in public areas at all times the library are open.

Connecting to the Library’s Wireless Network

  • You must have a computer or other device equipped with an 802.11n-compatible wireless card.
  • Using your computer’s network utilities, look for the wireless network named “Woo Ju Library”.
  • The “Woo Ju Library” wireless network does not require a password to connect.

Limitations and Disclaimers Regarding Wireless Access

  • The Library’s wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, within three hundred feet.
  • Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
  • The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s network.