Use and Circulation
Circulation Requirements
Mandatory Requirement:
Libraries must make the telescope available for checkout to patrons. No additional steps are required to participate.
Recommended Best Practices:
• Local checkout only (not shared through Partners).
• A 7‑day checkout period works well for most libraries.
• Holds are allowed; reservations are ideal if your system supports them.
• Use a replacement value of $400–$500 (telescope price: $369).
• Consider offering companion materials such as planispheres or astronomy books.
Cataloging Information:
• OCLC Record: 1583695236
• Partners Catalog: Apertura Library Telescope
Libraries should import the existing records rather than creating new ones.
Libraries must make the telescope available for checkout to patrons. No additional steps are required to participate.
Recommended Best Practices:
• Local checkout only (not shared through Partners).
• A 7‑day checkout period works well for most libraries.
• Holds are allowed; reservations are ideal if your system supports them.
• Use a replacement value of $400–$500 (telescope price: $369).
• Consider offering companion materials such as planispheres or astronomy books.
Cataloging Information:
• OCLC Record: 1583695236
• Partners Catalog: Apertura Library Telescope
Libraries should import the existing records rather than creating new ones.
Checkout & Check-In Procedures
Front desk staff can use the 1‑minute checkout/check‑in procedure created by the Library Telescope Program.
Checklist Highlights:
• Verify all components are present and in good condition.
• Ensure the finder scope is turned off to conserve battery life.
• Complete a quick visual inspection for dust, damage, or loose parts.
The checklist is available at:
Checklist Highlights:
• Verify all components are present and in good condition.
• Ensure the finder scope is turned off to conserve battery life.
• Complete a quick visual inspection for dust, damage, or loose parts.
The checklist is available at:
Patron Use Guidelines
Safety:
Patrons must never look at the sun through the telescope. Serious eye injury can occur.
Expected Views:
The telescope is designed for beginners and can provide views of:
• The Moon
• Saturn
• The Pleiades (M45)
• Orion Nebula (M42)
• Andromeda Galaxy (M31)
These examples help set realistic expectations for new stargazers.
Patrons must never look at the sun through the telescope. Serious eye injury can occur.
Expected Views:
The telescope is designed for beginners and can provide views of:
• The Moon
• Saturn
• The Pleiades (M45)
• Orion Nebula (M42)
• Andromeda Galaxy (M31)
These examples help set realistic expectations for new stargazers.
Promoting Telescope Use
Libraries are encouraged to:
• Host star parties or other science events using the telescope.
• Partner with local astronomy clubs or volunteers.
• Invite community members to become Library Telescope Ambassadors—volunteers who support libraries with patron assistance and telescope maintenance.
Ambassadors apply on a rolling basis and complete training and background checks.
• Host star parties or other science events using the telescope.
• Partner with local astronomy clubs or volunteers.
• Invite community members to become Library Telescope Ambassadors—volunteers who support libraries with patron assistance and telescope maintenance.
Ambassadors apply on a rolling basis and complete training and background checks.
Telescope Maintenance
Maintenance is minimal but important for reliable circulation.
Routine Tasks:
• Replace batteries as needed.
• Clean eyepieces using a Lens Pen.
• Occasionally realign mirrors (collimation).
• Replace string attachments if worn.
• Optional: connect with a local astronomer or handy volunteer.
Maintenance Tiers:
Tier 1: Simple fixes—batteries, tightening components, finder alignment. Staff or volunteers.
Tier 2: Part replacement—finder or eyepiece repairs. Trained staff or volunteers.
Tier 3: Advanced repairs—collimation, focuser repair. Advanced volunteers.
Tier 4: Specialist repairs—mirror or structural damage. spectrUM, LTP, or the vendor.
Routine Tasks:
• Replace batteries as needed.
• Clean eyepieces using a Lens Pen.
• Occasionally realign mirrors (collimation).
• Replace string attachments if worn.
• Optional: connect with a local astronomer or handy volunteer.
Maintenance Tiers:
Tier 1: Simple fixes—batteries, tightening components, finder alignment. Staff or volunteers.
Tier 2: Part replacement—finder or eyepiece repairs. Trained staff or volunteers.
Tier 3: Advanced repairs—collimation, focuser repair. Advanced volunteers.
Tier 4: Specialist repairs—mirror or structural damage. spectrUM, LTP, or the vendor.
Ordering a Telescope
Libraries still needing a telescope may place an order using the project’s request link. The second round of telescopes will ship beginning in August 2026.
Contact
For assistance or questions, contact:
nicholos.wethington@umontana.edu
nicholos.wethington@umontana.edu
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