Belhaven University Library Patron Handbook

Table of Contents

• Warren A. Hood Library
• Quick Contacts
• Hours and Location Information
• About the Library
• Getting Help
• Feedback and Suggestions
• Version and Review

• Using the Library (Access and IDs)
• Borrowing and Renewals
• Course Reserves
• Interlibrary Loan (ILL) / Document Delivery
• Digital Resources and Off-Campus Access
• Spaces and Technology

• Archives and Special Collections
• Accessibility and Inclusive Services
• Visitor Access and Community Use
• Using Other Libraries
• Code of Conduct
• Privacy
• Safety and Emergencies

Welcome to the Warren A. Hood Library! We hope our library will be a vital part of your academic experience at Belhaven University. We are here to help you in any way possible - Let us serve you!

Through its collection, its service, and its staff, the Warren A. Hood Library supports the academic programs of Belhaven University by providing resources to explore all areas of human knowledge within the framework of a biblical worldview. The students, faculty, administration, and staff are the library’s clientele; the library further recognizes and accepts community and interlibrary loan cooperation as a part of its larger function. The Warren A. Hood Library is located on the Traditional Jackson Campus. With more than 95,000 print and non-print items and 100+ electronic databases, the library provides a wide range of material to support the curriculum.

The staff is trained to assist all faculty and students with a wide range of research activities. It is the librarians’ intent that each student at Belhaven develops transferable skills to enhance life-long learning through instruction and skilled use of the materials available. With these skills, students will be empowered to navigate resources at libraries worldwide.

This student & faculty handbook provides current information about using the Warren A. Hood Library’s resources, services, spaces, and policies across in‑person and online modalities. 

Warren A. Hood Library, Belhaven University (Jackson Campus).
1500 Peachtree St. Box 306
Jackson, MS. 39202

Always check the Library Google Calendar on our website for accurate, real‑time hours (holidays, breaks, exam weeks, and summer differ). Times are in Central Standard Time.

REGULAR HOURS

• Monday-Friday: 7:30 am - 10:00 pm
• Saturday: 1:30 pm - 10:00 pm
• Sunday: 6:00 pm - 12:00 am

EXAM HOURS

• Monday-Thursday: 7:30 am - 12:00 am
• Friday: 7:30 am - 10:00 pm
• Saturday-Sunday: Closed

SUMMER HOURS

• Monday-Friday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Saturday: TBD
• Sunday: Closed 

The Warren A. Hood Library advances Belhaven’s mission by supporting learning, teaching, and research for undergraduate, adult, and graduate programs-on campus and online. We provide print and digital collections; research help; information literacy instruction; study spaces and technology; and access to special collections and archives.

Ask‑a‑Librarian

Email: askalibrarian@belhaven.edu
 

RESEARCH CONSULTATIONS

Schedule 1:1 or small‑group appointments with a librarian (in person or online).

Contact Duane Diehl for inquiries, ddiehl@belhaven.edu
 

COURSE-INTEGRATED INSTRUCTION

Faculty may request library instruction tailored to course outcomes (info literacy, research methods, citation management).

Contact Daylan Stephens for inquiries, dstephens@belhaven.edu

We welcome your ideas. Suggest materials, services, or improvements here: Acquisitions Request Form.

This handbook is reviewed annually or as services change.
Version: 2026.E1.
Next review: May 2027.

Belhaven students, faculty, and staff have full access to the library, print borrowing, and licensed e‑resources (on and off campus). Log in with university credentials for digital access.

The library is closed to the public, requiring a Belhaven ID for building access. Contact the Registrar’s Office for more information, phone: 601-968-5922 or email: registrar@belhaven.edu.

All borrowers must take their items to the Circulation Desk and present their Belhaven ID or library card. A date-due receipt will be provided. The library catalog, allows borrowers to view a list of their checked-out material. The individual who checks out library material assumes responsibility for those items until they have been turned in, regardless of who uses them during the time they are checked out.

• Renewals: Patrons may renew items in person at the Circulation Desk, through the library catalog, or via telephone or email, Items will not be renewed if another patron has requested them.
• Holds: Patrons may place a hold on items in person at the Circulation Desk, through the library catalog, or via telephone or email.
• Returns: Library materials may be returned to the Circulation Desk or in the outside book drop. To prevent damage, DVDs and CDs should be returned to the Circulation Desk if possible.
• Lost/damaged items: Fines are not charged for the days the library is closed. Fines will accrue until materials are returned. When accumulated fines exceed $5.00, borrowing privileges are suspended. Unpaid fines and/or overdue books will prevent a student from receiving transcripts, receiving a diploma, or registering for a new term.

Faculty may place required materials on reserve (print or digital). Students check out reserves at the desk with Belhaven ID. Loan rules and in‑library use are determined by the instructor and clearly labeled on each item.

If the library does not own what you need, we can borrow from partner libraries. Articles are delivered electronically when possible; books are picked up at the Circulation Desk. ILL is available to current Belhaven students, faculty, and staff. Submit requests via the ILL form: Inter-Library Loan Services.

Turnaround: articles (typically 1-4 business days), books (5-10 business days). Loan periods and renewals are set by the lending library. There is usually no charge; we will notify you in advance if a lending fee applies.

• Databases, e‑books, e‑journals, and streaming media: Start from the library website or BlazeNet to ensure proper authentication. Off‑campus access requires your Belhaven login.
• Research Guides: Curated starting points by subject and course with search tips and key resources. Link: Research Guides.
• Copyright & fair use: Use digital content in compliance with license terms and U.S. copyright law. Ask a librarian if you’re unsure about sharing PDFs, course packs, or streaming video in class or Canvas.

• Study spaces: Quiet and group zones are signed. Group study rooms are a first come first served basis.
• Computers & software: Public workstations are prioritized for academic use.
• Printing/Copying/Scanning: Black‑and‑white and color printing available. Scanners/copiers available.
  • Rates: B&W copies are free, Color copies are $0.50 per page. Cash only.
• Wi‑Fi: Use campus wireless with Belhaven credentials.
• Equipment lending: Laptops, chargers, headphones and DVD players are available. Students requesting out of library building use of materials must have written permission from their course professor.

The University Archives preserve Belhaven’s history and select special collections. Access is by appointment.

For research visits, permissions, and digital reproductions, contact:
Director of Libraries, Gracie Breland-Harris
email: gbrelandharris@belhaven.edu
 

We strive to ensure “equal egress” and equitable access to collections, services, and spaces. The library provides reasonable accommodations in consultation with Belhaven’s disability services office. For assistance with materials in alternate formats, navigation, or emergency evacuation planning, contact:

Director of Libraries, Gracie Breland-Harris
email: gbrelandharris@belhaven.edu

and

The Office of Student Care
email: studentcare@behaven.edu

The library is closed to the public. Visitors and alumni must reach out to the Registrar Office for more information. Borrowing privileges and computer access may be limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Students are encouraged to obtain a local public library card for additional access to e‑books, databases, and interlibrary loans. Many academic libraries provide on‑site use for visitors. Ask a librarian for regional options and referral letters when needed.

To maintain a safe, welcoming academic environment:

• Treat others with courtesy; keep noise at conversational levels in group areas; use headphones for audio.
• Follow food/drink guidelines posted in the library; clean up after use.
• Keep aisles and exits clear; follow staff instructions during emergencies.
• Use computers for academic purposes; do not attempt to bypass security or licensing controls.
• Comply with university policies and applicable laws, including copyright and academic integrity. 

The library protects the confidentiality of library records to the extent permitted by law and university policy. For details on data retention in the catalog, interlibrary loan, and library analytics, ask a librarian or consult the library’s privacy statement Library Privacy Statement 2026.

In any life‑threatening emergency, call 9‑1‑1 first, then Campus Security (Ext. 5900). Follow posted evacuation or shelter instructions. The library maintains an Emergency Response Manual; staff can locate and apply it during incidents.