1. About Your Membership

  • By becoming a member, you agree to follow these terms and conditions.
  • Membership is issued with a Membership Number/Card and is generally valid for 12 months from the date it is activated.
  • Membership benefits depend on the membership category you choose.

2. Personal Information and Privacy

  • The British Council Library collects your personal information when you:

- Apply for membership
- Renew membership
- Use library services and events
- Create online accounts
- Respond to library communications

  • Your information is stored securely and used to manage your membership and provide library services.
  • The British Council may contact you by email, phone, or post regarding membership services and relevant British Council activities.
  • You are responsible for keeping your personal details updated.
  • Do not share your online account username or password with others.
  • The British Council does not sell, rent, or share your personal information with external organisations for commercial purposes.
  • You can unsubscribe from promotional communications at any time.

3. Membership Fees and Renewals

  • Membership fees are charged annually and may change from time to time.
  • Membership starts once payment is confirmed by the British Council.
  • Membership automatically expires at the end of the membership period unless renewed.
  • Renewals can be completed online or through the Customer Service Desk using a credit or debit card.
  • Members renewing within 30 days before expiry may be eligible for a discount, subject to British Council policy.
  • Membership fees are non-refundable once paid.

4. Library Fines and Charges

  • Members may be charged for:

- Late returns
- Lost items
- Damaged materials

  • Fine waivers are generally not allowed unless valid supporting documents (such as an approved medical certificate) are provided.

5. Membership Rules

  • Membership is personal and non-transferable.
  • A membership can only be transferred once to another British Council Library location in Sri Lanka, for an additional fee and after one month from purchase.
  • Membership ends automatically upon the member's death.
  • The British Council may suspend or terminate membership if a member

- Harasses others
- Causes disruption or inconvenience
- Violates library rules or these terms and conditions

6. Membership Benefits

Members may receive:

  • A Membership Card
  • Access to eligible online resources
  • Borrowing privileges according to their membership category

Please note:

  • Library members cannot bring guests into the library.
  • Membership does not include access to Reading Rooms.
  • Library tours can be arranged by contacting the library.

7. Membership Card Responsibilities

  • Keep your Membership Card safe.
  • Report lost, stolen, or misused cards immediately.
  • A replacement fee may apply.
  • Do not allow anyone else to use your Membership Card.
  • Misuse of the card may result in membership cancellation without a refund.

 8. Use of Library Materials

  • Copyright for library publications and materials belongs to the British Council unless stated otherwise.
  • You must not copy, distribute, sell, or commercially use library materials without permission.
  • Photographing or capturing images of library books or their contents is not permitted.
  • Personal printed books and notebooks are not allowed inside the library.
  • Exceptions:

- British Council Teaching Centre students may bring their course books.
- Registered IELTS candidates may bring official IELTS materials issued by the British Council.

G. Liability

  • The British Council Library is responsible only for losses or damages that are reasonably foreseeable and result from its negligence or breach of contract.
  • Any liability is limited to the amount you paid for your annual membership fee.

10. Policies and Compliance

The British Council follows:

  • Data Protection requirements
  • Child Protection policies
  • Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policies
  • Freedom of Information and Environmental Information regulations

Members are expected to comply with these standards and the Library Code of Conduct.

11. Changes to Terms and Benefits

  • The British Council may update these terms and conditions when necessary.
  • Minor changes may be made without affecting your benefits.
  • For significant changes that affect membership benefits, the British Council will notify members in advance.
  • Members may choose to cancel their membership and receive a refund before such major changes take effect.

12. Eligibility

  • To obtain membership, you must provide:

- A valid National Identity Card (NIC), or
- A valid Passport

  • Individuals under 18 may require a parent or guardian to obtain membership on their behalf.

13. Contact Information

For assistance, contact:

British Council Sri Lanka Library

Email: info.lk@britishcouncil.org

Website: www.britishcouncil.lk

14. Governing Law

  • These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Sri Lanka.
  • Any disputes relating to membership will be handled exclusively by the courts of Sri Lanka.

15. Special Rules for Children

  • Members under 18 years of age must follow the British Council's child protection and youth membership guidelines and Children below 12 should be always accompanied with a parent or guardian.

Member Acknowledgement

By becoming a member of the British Council Library, you agree to:

  • Follow these terms and conditions.
  • Comply with the Library Code of Conduct.
  • Use library services responsibly and respectfully.

Code of Conduct for Library Customers

  • All library users are expected to respect the library facilities, staff, and fellow members and help maintain a safe, quiet, and welcoming environment.

You are kindly requested to:

  • Follow all library security procedures and staff instructions.
  • Cooperate during emergencies, security checks, or alarm activations.
  • Use only authorised library areas and leave the premises at closing time.
  • Maintain a quiet and respectful environment.
  • Always supervise children who are below 12 in your care.
  • Keep your personal belongings with you and secure.

You are kindly requested not to:

  • Bring personal printed books, notebooks, or other reading materials into the library (unless specifically permitted).
  • Leave personal belongings unattended or use them to reserve seats.
  • Bring food or drinks into the library.
  • Sit on the floor.
  • Photograph or record library users, staff, or library materials without permission.
  • Leave children unattended.
  • Sleep, loiter, or use the library as a living space.
  • Damage, misuse, remove, or tamper with library materials, furniture, equipment, or facilities.
  • Violate copyright laws or misuse library resources.
  • Engage in unsafe, disruptive, threatening, intimidating, abusive, or harassing behaviour.
  • Create excessive noise, including loud conversations or use of electronic devices at an audible volume.
  • Bring or use phone chargers, laptop chargers, extension cords, or any unauthorized electrical devices.
  • Connect personal devices to electrical outlets within the library.

Facilities

  • Wi-Fi and internet access are not provided.
  • Charging facilities are not available. 

Non-Compliance

  • Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in suspension or termination of membership, restriction of library access, or other actions deemed appropriate by the British Council Library.

 

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