How to Borrow Materials

To get Audiovisual Library services, you must submit a signed Statement of Responsibility Form. It states that you have read and agree to all the rules and regulations of the Audiovisual Library and that you accept financial responsibility for the media you borrow. 

Please read, sign, and then mail or fax the Statement of Responsibility Form to the Audiovisual Library. Only one signed Statement of Responsibility form is required per address or organization.

Borrowers may place orders using any of the following methods:

1. Email avlibrary@dshs.texas.gov with the following information included: name; organization; mailing and/or physical address; main phone number, and alternate phone number. Include the requested titles with their catalog numbers, the date you would like to receive materials, and the date you would like to return the materials. 
    
2. Telephone the Audiovisual Library at 512-776-7260 or toll-free at 888-963-7111 Ext. 7260.
    
3. Fax the completed Media Order Blank Form to 512-776-7474.
    
4. Mail the completed Media Order Blank Form to the Audiovisual Library at Audiovisual Library, MC 1975, Texas Department of State Health Services, P.O. Box 149347. Austin, TX 78714-9347.

Orders should be received by the Audiovisual Library at least four business days in advance of the planned show date. This requirement allows for processing and shipment.

Plan ahead and check your calendar before ordering. Reservations are accepted up to a year in advance of the show date. Do not schedule items to be received or returned on holidays or weekends.

Unless you specify otherwise, any media requested but not available on the dates specified will be booked for the first available date or a similar title will be scheduled for the requested use dates. If you need to cancel these items, do so before the ship date indicated.

The loan period is for a maximum of ten business days unless other special arrangements are made. 

Local borrowers may pick up Audiovisual Library materials at the main entrance of the Department of State Health Services campus, 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756.

If you plan to pick up items at the library, please contact the library at 512-776-7260 to make arrangements.

Library materials also may be mailed to a borrower's home or business.

New borrowers may check out a maximum of three items on first orders.

Established borrowers (patrons who have previously ordered from the Audiovisual Library) may borrow up to eight items per shipment.

Here are the borrower's responsibilities:

• Materials may not be lent by the borrower to others.
   
• The borrower accepts responsibility for:
  Return shipping costs.
  Prompt return of media items.
  Loss or damage beyond repair costs.
  Copyright compliance.
  Determining appropriate audiences.

Willful failure to return borrowed media upon request will be viewed as theft of state property in violation of Section 31.03, Texas Penal Code, the conviction of which could, depending on value, result in a fine not to exceed $500 (Class C Misdemeanor), to confinement up to 10 years and a fine up to $10,000 (Third Degree Felony).

The borrower is financially responsible for borrowed media until its return to the Audiovisual Library. Borrowers will be billed for any lost or damaged media.

Audiovisual Library materials cannot be duplicated or televised without prior written permission from the copyright owner.

Media cannot be shown for commercial purposes, nor can an attendance fee be charged for their showing.

Violations of federal copyright law will result in the immediate suspension of Audiovisual Library privileges and prosecution by the copyright owner can result in financial penalties and/or jail.

It is very important to return borrowed materials on the scheduled return dates.

Any borrower having three (3) late returns will have Audiovisual Library privileges suspended.

No further confirmed orders will be shipped to borrowers with materials still out that are two weeks or more late being returned.

Return items on or before the scheduled return date.

If you need an extension, email the Audiovisual Library. Extensions should be kept to a minimum.

Local borrowers may return materials to the Audiovisual Library drop-box at the North Loop Warehouse, 1111 North Loop, Austin, TX 78756. Driving Directions to the Audiovisual Library.

To ship materials back to the Audiovisual Library, 

• Return all supplemental printed material with the media.
• Return all video cases. 
• Pack materials items in the same shipping containers in which they were received.
• Return the packing list with the item and indicate usage and any condition problems.
• Use the return address label that is provided.
• Items must be shipped by a traceable courier service (UPS, FedEx, Lone Star Overnight, USPS).
• Insurance each item for $200.
• Borrowers will be responsible for any lost uninsured shipments. 
• Use one of the following address, based upon carrier, for return shipments:

Lone Star Overnight / UPS / FedEx Mailing Address:
Audiovisual Library, Mail Code 1975
Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street, Warehouse Bldg., Rm. 115
Austin, TX 78756-3199

United States Postal Service (USPS) Mailing Address:
Audiovisual Library, Mail Code 1975
Texas Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347