High School Users Program - FAQ

What is the UNL Libraries - High School User Program?
It is a program which the University of Nebraska Libraries offers to high school students so that they may have the hands on experience of using one of the largest research facilities in the Midwest.

Who can use the program?
You must be at least sixteen years old and a high school student.

Who do I contact to enter the program?
Visit with your High School Media Specialist. She/he will have the contract forms that you will need to fill out and return to Love Library. She/he will also need to sign this form. After you have filled out the form and had your Media Specialist sign it, bring the form to the Circulation Desk at Love Library.

How long does the program run?
UNL - High School Library User program runs from September 1 of the current year to May 1 of the next year.

How many books can I check out?
You may have 10 books on your library record at one time. Books are checked out for 4 weeks at a time. Current and Bound Periodicals cannot be check out.

If I can't check out a journal, what can I do?
Copy the article! Copy machines are located throughout the library; it costs $.05 per page. You can copy chapters out of books too. In addition to photocopying, many journals are now offered electronically which can be saved to a portable media device, emailed as an attachment or printed out at the circulation desk for $.09 per page.

I'm not finished with my research and my books are due. What should I do?
Renew your books as close to the due date as possible since you are only allowed one renewal per item. Don't be late! There are daily fines for overdue books.

Do I have to bring the books back to the library to renew them?
No. You can renew items by phone any time the library is open. Call us at 472-2561. Be sure to write the new due date on the card in the back.

Will I get an overdue notice if my books are overdue?
To ensure overdue notices reach you in a timely manner they are generated automatically by our system and emailed to your High School contact. They, in turn, will inform you of any overdue material. Ultimately it is the responsibility of each student to remember when books are due.

Who is responsible for the fines on the books I have checked out?
You are. If you do not return all books that are on your record by May 1 of the current academic year, the school's contact person will be notified that you have "missing" books or have library fines. This may keep you from graduating from High School and it may also block your registration at the University of Nebraska.

Can I return my books to any library?
No! You must return the books to the Love Circulation Desk and you are required to ask for a receipt. Do not return books to the book bins outside the library or to a public library like Bennett Martin.

Can my parents or a friend return my books?
Sure. But don't forget to remind them to request a receipt at the Circulation Desk. You are responsible for any item on your record.

Why do I need a receipt?
A receipt proves that you've returned the books. It also will tell you if you've accrued any fines. You will need to pay all fines, regardless of the amount, before May 1 of that year.

The contact person at my High School informed me they received a notice in the mail or an email saying I have overdue books, but I know I returned them.
This is why you ask for a receipt. You will need to bring in your receipt to show that you did return them. If you forgot to get a receipt, and we are unable to find the book(s) in the library, you will be responsible for replacement costs (usually $75.00 a book).

Oops! It turns out that I didn't return my books. Where can I pay my fine?
You can pay all fines (for overdue or recalled items, damaged or lost books) at the Circulation Desk, Love Library anytime we are open.

What if I have more questions?
Call us at (402)472-9568

The library is normally open the following times:

Monday - Thursday: 8 am - Midnight
Friday: 8am - 8pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: noon till midnight

You may want to call ahead, though, just in case there's a special exception to the schedule.

Mailing Address:

UNL - High School Library Program
University of Nebraska Love Library
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-4102

E-mail: Melissa Mosier

Telephone: (402)472-9568