Using the Library: Visiting Scholars

From time to time, scholars visiting the Asheville area for extended periods find the need to use the resources of Ramsey Library. Like anyone else, they may always use books, journals, and electronic resources within the building, but sometimes this is not sufficient.

In order to extend academic courtesy while preserving the use of our limited resources for our primary customers, Ramsey Library will adhere to the following guidelines when responding to a request for library privileges from visiting scholars. Ramsey Library will provide visiting scholars a Friends of Ramsey Library borrower’s card at no charge when the visitor meets the following criteria:

• He/she is in the area for research/scholarly purposes, not just vacationing;
• He/she is employed by an academic or research institution;
• He/she is "sponsored" by a UNCA faculty member.

The Friends borrower’s card will allow the visiting researcher the same circulation privileges afforded members of the Friends of Ramsey Library. It does NOT include ILL or ABC Express privileges.

The "sponsoring" UNCA faculty should submit a written request for library circulation privileges for the visiting scholar to Noel Jones, Access Services Librarian. The request must include the following:

• Name, local address, and telephone number of the visiting scholar.
• Permanent address and telephone number of the visiting scholar.
• Address of home academic department.

Upon completion of the above, the Access Services Librarian issues a Friends card to expire at the end of the current semester.

The Library will mail the complimentary Friends card to the visiting scholar’s local address.