Copy of Borrowing from WCU Libraries

Borrowing and Renewing Items

Loan periods and renewals vary. Please refer to the Summary of Borrowing Privileges for more details. Items may be borrowed at any University Libraries Help Desk by presenting a current WCU ID or a University Libraries Community Card. Sign in to My Library Account  to view and renew eligible items currently borrowed or requested.

Renewals

• Renewals vary based on the format of material and your status. Please refer to the Summary of Borrowing Privileges for information about renewing a particular item. 
• You may not renew an item if another patron has placed a hold on that item.
• Once you have renewed a book and a week has passed, someone else can request you return the book early (a recall). Once your book is recalled, you have 10 days to return it.
• You can renew your book online, over the phone at 610-436-2946, or in person at the Circulation Desk.

Returns

• Please return your materials to where you checked them out - the Circulation Desk at FHG Library or Presser Music Library, or the IMC Desk.
• If the library is closed, deposit your materials in the book drop located on the brick wall to the right of the FHG Library main entrance. 
• Distance education students should use the pre-paid mailing label supplied by the library to return materials.

Items Returned Still Appearing on Your Record?

• If you find that an item is still on your account that you believe you have returned or never checked out, please contact Circulation Desk staff (in person, by phone 610-436-2946, or by email) as soon as possible.
• We also recommend that you search once more in your office, car, home, etc. for the item. 
• We will conduct a search to locate the item; however, if the search proves unsuccessful, you are responsible for replacement fees. 

Fines, Fees, and Penalties

You can pay fines and replacement fees for lost items at the FHG Library Circulation Desk using cash, check, credit card, or Ram Card.

Fines

• When you return materials after their due date, fines are applied to your account. Fines vary based on the type of material you borrowed. Please refer to the Summary of Borrowing Privileges for information about fines for a particular item. Fines accrue at a higher rate if the item has been recalled. 
• Books are not due during intersession but fines will accrue for each day if the book was due prior to the start of intersession. 

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Items

• The replacement cost for lost, stolen, or damaged items is $75.00 plus a $25.00 processing fee.
• You may choose to provide a replacement item instead of paying the $75.00 fee. You will still need to pay the $25.00 processing fee. Before you replace an item, please contact the Circulation Desk to see if this is an option and what the criteria are. 

Penalties

•  A hold will be placed on your university records (including transcripts and scheduling) for the following reasons:
  • Unpaid fines of $15.00 or more
  • Unpaid Reserve Desk fines of $5.00 or more
  • Graduating students with outstanding items and/or fines
  • Books more than one month overdue
• You will not be able to borrow materials (including Interlibrary Loan) for the following reasons:
  • More than 10 overdue items
  • Unpaid fines of $15.00 or more
  • Expired ID or library card

Recalls and Holds

Recalls

• Another library patron can request that you return an item prior to the due date (a recall).
• Items eligible for recall include:
  • Any item you have had for more than 28 days
  • Any item a faculty member has asked to place on reserve
  • Any item that is overdue
  • Any item that you had for more than a week after renewing it 
• To recall an item, stop by the Circulation Desk to complete a Recall form.
• If you need an item quickly, you can use interlibrary loan as an alternative to placing a recall.
• Items that have been recalled have higher penalties if returned late. 

Holds

• For any checked out item, you can request that we hold it for you. We'll notify you by email when it's returned, and you'll have seven days to pick it up at the Circulation Desk.
• You can also place a hold on an item that is supposed to be on the shelf but cannot be located. We will search for the item.
  • We'll notify you by email if we find it, and you'll have seven days to pick it up at the Circulation Desk.
  • If we don't find the item, you can request it through interlibrary loan. 
• To request a hold, fill out the Hold/Search form at the Circulation Desk.