Circulation Policies and Procedures
ELIGIBLE BORROWERS
Anyone possessing a valid Unity College library card may sign materials out of the library. Student ID cards carry library borrowing privileges. Faculty, staff, and community members may apply for a library card at the Circulation Desk. Non-college patrons must fill out an application at the library. Cards will then be mailed in order to verify the patron address.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF BORROWERS
Borrowers are responsible for the timely return of all materials charged out to their account. Borrowers are also responsible for any damages to materials charged out to their accounts, and for notifying the library of any changes in address.
LOAN PERIODS
Books : 21 days.
Magazines : 7 days.
Videos / DVDs : 7 days.
Music CDs : 7 days.
CD ROMs : 7 days.
There is no limit to the number of books a borrower may check out. Borrowers are reminded to be considerate of fellow library patrons by checking out only the materials needed and by returning them promptly when they are no longer needed. Loan periods may be extended over holiday, semester and summer breaks with the permission of library staff. Reference books do not circulate. See below for policies relating to Course Reserve materials.
RENEWALS
Borrowed materials may be renewed if they have not been recalled or placed on hold for another patron. Renewals may be made in person or by phone. Materials are renewed for the same period as the original loan period. Books may be renewed three times before they must be returned. There are no renewals on Magazines, Videos, DVDs, Music CDs or CD-ROMS.
HOLDS
Patrons may place a hold (reserve) on materials already checked out to another patron. Place holds at the Circulation Desk or by email (library@unity.edu). Please provide the title/author (and copy, if appropriate) of the book. Materials on hold for another patron cannot be renewed, and must be returned to the library on or before the date due.
COURSE RESERVE MATERIALS
Items on reserve for a course cannot be removed from the library at any time. Reserve materials not returned to the library the day they were checked out will be assessed fines at the rate of $1 per day.
RETURNING BOOKS
Books may be returned either to the Circulation Desk or placed in the book drop slot in the vestibule outside the library.
OVERDUE BOOKS
No fine is assessed for books or other library materials that are returned within two weeks of the due date.
LOST BOOKS
Three weeks after the due date patrons will be sent a warning letter about pending charges for overdue materials. Four weeks after the due date the Business Office will be notified to bill to the patron’s account the cost of each unreturned item, plus a $5.00 per item processing fee. When overdue materials are found and returned, the patron’s account will be credited or the money refunded. IMPORTANT: THE $5.00 PROCESSING FEE WILL NOT BE CREDITED OR REFUNDED!