172.2 Circulation of Library Materials

172.2 Circulation of Library Materials

A. Background

Circulation policies exist in order to provide optimal access to library materials for all members of the University community and to provide fiscal accountability and minimize loss. The library's circulation system provides a variety of rules which consider several factors including the patron class (faculty, student, alumni), type of material (general books, reserves, media), and circulation period (1-hour, 24-hour, 3-week) among others. Some materials, such as reference books, government documents, and current periodicals, are not circulated.

B. Policy

All patrons must have a valid ID card with an attached Furman library bar code. The circulation system is designed to provide optimal access, various statistical reports, and speed and convenience for the patron.

C. Guidelines

1. Listed below are a few of the groups considered by the circulation system and some of the rules which apply to each:

Patron	Type Material	Circulation Period	* Renew
Faculty	General books	91 days**	Y
	Leisure books	21 days	Y
	Bound Periodicals	varies	Y
	Media	3 days	Y

Faculty are expected to renew items when they become due. Items not renewed will be presumed lost and replacement costs will be billed to the faculty member.

Patron	Type Material	Circulation Period	*Renew
Students, Staff, Dependents	General books	21 days	Y
	Leisure books	21 days	Y
	Media	3 days	Y
Alumni	General books	21 days	Y
	Leisure books	21 days	Y
	Media	1 day	Y

*Items are renewable if not requested by another patron.

**Recallable after 21 days

2. Library access and circulation privileges for patrons not listed above may be clarified by calling the Circulation Department.

3. Faculty do not incur fines unless an item has been recalled for use by another patron. If recalled, the fine is the normal fine from the new date due.

4. Students, dependents, staff, and alumni incur fines as follows:

Type materials	Fine
General books	$0.10/day
Media	$1.00/day
Reserves	varies

5. As a courtesy the library sends recall and overdue notices for materials needed in the library. Notices are sent to the address listed in the Associate Dean and University Registrar's Office or the Personnel Office as of the beginning of the term. Therefore, patrons are encouraged to report changes of address to the library Circulation Desk when checking out materials, as well as to the Associate Dean and University Registrar's Office or the Personnel Office. Non-receipt of a recall or an overdue notice does not negate any fines which may be incurred.

6. All patrons are charged if they lose a book. Lost book charges are calculated at the replacement cost of the book plus a ten dollar ($10) processing fee. Any fines incurred for overdue items are added to the replacement cost and processing fee. Payment of lost book charges does not transfer ownership of the book to the patron.

7. Patrons are encouraged to pay fines and fees at the Circulation Desk before the end of the term in which they are incurred. Library charges not paid before the end of the term are referred to the business office for collection.

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