University Libraries Circulation Privileges

Patrons

Five types of patrons may borrow materials from the University Libraries - Faculty and administrative professional staff, staff, undergraduates, graduate students, and other.

Confidentiality

In keeping with Alabama State Law, all patron records are confidential. The University Libraries will release an individual's circulation records only upon written request of University Legal Counsel and only to University Legal Counsel.

Identification

All patrons are required to provide proper identification. UA Faculty, administrative staff, professional staff, and currently enrolled students who are listed in the automated system must provide an ACTion card. Patrons from groups not listed in the automated system must provide current picture ID and official proof of status.

If a patron does not have proper identification available, materials will be held at the circulation desk for up to 24 hours.

Due Date

The material is due on the date stamped in the due date slip inside the flap of each book. The borrower is responsible for meeting the due date. Overdue notices are sent when the material is overdue by 10 days. Failure to receive an overdue reminder does not remove the responsibility of the borrower for meeting each due date and returning the items. Educational curriculum materials cannot be renewed.

Fines

Fines for overdue items are assessed to students, staff, and "others" at the following rates:

Books: $.25 per day with a maximum of $10.00 per item.
Recalled items:$1.00 per day beginning 10 days from the date of recall notice.
Course reserve items:

Hourly:$1.00 per hour or fraction thereof; maximum of $20.00 per item
Daily: $2.00 per day; $20.00 maximum per item.

Bound periodicals: $1.00 per day with a maximum of $20.00 per item

Student fines must be paid at Student Receivables. Staff and all "other" patrons will be notified of their fines via letter from the library and must be paid at the library by check or money order.

Long Overdue/Lost Materials

All patrons are charged for books that reach the status of long overdue and are declared lost. The charge is $65.00 which include $45.00 for the replacement cost of the book, $10.00 for processing fees, and $10.00 maximum overdue fine.

Payment of fines for long overdue or lost materials must be made in accordance with the fines collection policy.

The library will not accept a copy of a lost book in lieu of payment. If a lost book is returned within one year of being billed and paid for, the library will refund the replacement costs ($45.00) but not the fines or processing fee. If a book is stolen from a patron while it is checked out to him/her and the theft can be documented through a police report, the patron will not be charged the cost of the book.

Recalls and Holds

A patron needing an item that is checked out to another patron may request a recall on that item. When a recall is placed, the patron who borrowed the item is notified by letter to bring it back to the library. This letter gives the original borrower 10 days to return the item. Failure to return the item within 10 days from the date of the letter will result in a $1.00 per day fine.

When the recalled item is returned, the patron who placed a recall will be notified by letter. Recalled items are held at the circulation desk for 10 days. If they have not been picked up by the requesting patron by the end of the 10 day period, the item will be returned to the stacks.

The library may recall an item immediately for use in course reserve. When this happens, the patron who borrowed the item has 3 days to bring the item back to the library.

"Other" patrons may not recall items.

A patron who is interested in an item that is checked out to another patron but does not need it immediately may place a hold on the item. When the item is returned, the patron who requested the hold will be notified by letter that the item is available at the circulation desk.

3/21/01

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