Circulation Lending and Use Policy

»Who can borrow library materials?
»What materials can be checked out?
»What materials can not be checked out?
»What is the check-out procedure for circulating materials?
»What is the check-out procedure for “library use only” materials?
»How long can I keep checked-out materials?
»What is the maximum number of items that can be checked-out?
»Are there any other limits on items that can be checked-out?
»What is the renewal policy?
»What are the fines and replacement charges for overdue and lost items?
»What is the hold policy?
»What is the recall policy?
»What notices are sent by the libraries?

Q: Who can borrow library materials?

The following individuals can borrow library materials:

1. All persons (students, faculty, and staff) holding a valid Becker College ID card
2. Becker College alumni with valid ID
3. Students from ARC reciprocal cross-borrowing institutions who possess a valid ARC card issued by their home institution and who are in good standing with their home-institution library
4. Community members with valid ID

 Q: What materials can be checked-out?

Q: What materials can not be checked-out?

The following materials may only be used within the library:

• Reference books
• Print periodicals (serials, journals, magazines)
• Becker College yearbooks

Q: What is the check-out procedure for circulating materials?

Borrower must present valid ID at the circulation desk (see »Who may borrow library materials?).  Only the owner of the ID card is authorized to borrow materials on his or her card. The library is not responsible for unauthorized use of ID cards.

Q: What is the check-out procedure for “library use only” materials?

Borrower must present a Becker College ID card, valid for the current semester, to borrow reserve items and student laptops. These materials must not leave the library.  See separate laptop policy.

Q: How long can I keep checked-out materials?

*Check-out periods may be shorter at the end of the semester.

Q: What is the maximum number of items that can be checked-out?

Q: Are there any other limits on items that can be checked-out?

• No more than three items on one subject (to ensure that other materials are available to other borrowers).
• No more than three DVDs may be checked out at one time.

Q: What is the renewal policy?

Materials on loan may be renewed twice, providing no one has requested them. Renewals may be made up to three days before an item is due.  Books may be renewed for an additional three weeks.  DVDs and other media may be renewed for an additional week (seven days).  Renewals may be made in the following ways:

1. On the web
2. By presenting the materials at the circulation desk of either library
3. By calling either library
4. By emailing the library

Q: What are the fines and replacement charges for overdue or lost items?

Fines are in place to encourage the prompt return of materials.  Fines will be waived in most cases if items are returned within five days of being due.  Fines accrue per item.

*After four hours, reserve items start to accrue fines.

Patrons are responsible for all library materials checked-out to them.  In the event that an item is lost or not returned, the library will bill the cost to replace the item.  If a lost item is found and returned within 30 days of payment, the cost of the item will be refunded.

*When the replacement cost of a book exceeds the $25 default, the charge may be adjusted accordingly.
**If reserve items are checked out for longer than four hours they will start to accrue fines. Reserve items should never leave the libraries.

Q: What is the hold policy?

Holds may be placed only for materials that are currently checked-out by placing a hold request in the online catalog system. You will be notified for pick-up when the item you have requested is returned.

Q: What is the recall policy?

All materials are subject to recall before its original due date when the materials are needed by other library users. Items may also be recalled when they need to be placed on reserve or held for class assignments. We understand that borrowers need materials for the papers they have to write and exams for which they have to study.   However, the library is charged with making sure that as many users as possible have access to the materials they need. When demand is great and resources are few, items will be recalled and the check-out period will be shortened.  For overdue materials that have been recalled, the fine is $1.00 per day, per item for materials not returned after seven days of notice

Q: What notices are sent by the libraries?

The library sends automated notices to help remind borrowers when items are coming due or are overdue.  Notices are emailed to the borrower’s email address.  Borrowers are responsible for checking their email.  In the case of Becker College students, faculty and staff, emails will only be sent to Becker College email addresses. Failure to receive an email notice does not relieve borrowers of responsibility for fines or replacement costs. The notice schedule is as follows:

• Reminder notices are sent three days before an item is due.
• The first overdue notice is sent the first morning an item is overdue.
• The second overdue notice is sent seven days after the first notice for non-returned items.
• The third notice is a bill for replacement costs of non-returned items.