Borrowing
A valid Bellarmine University identification card or temporary library card is required to borrow books or media. Borrowing privileges are extended to Bellarmine students enrolled for credit courses, as well as Bellarmine faculty, staff, and alumni, and to persons holding a valid identification or library card from other Metroversity libraries. With a few exceptions, other people may use library materials only in the building.
All books not in the reference collection may be checked out for a period of three weeks and may be renewed for a period of three additional weeks, except when a hold has been placed on the item by another patron. Books may be renewed in person at the Circulation Desk, by phone (272-8141), or online. Media programs may be checked out for a period of one week.
Books may be returned directly to the Circulation Desk, or placed in the book drop (open 24/7) inside the main doors of the library.
Reference books and periodicals may be used in the building only.
Reserves
Reserve materials, including media, are located behind the Circulation Desk. They may be requested by providing the Circulation Desk attendant with the name and number of the course, the instructor, and the title of the item. In order to ensure that students have adequate access to Reserve material, the loan period for Reserve items is generally two hours and restricted to in-library use.
Fines
Fines are charged for every day not a library holiday. The fine rate for books is $.25 per day, for the first 28 days. After 28 days, a $1.00 processing fee is added to the fine, and the maximum fine of $8.00 is at that point reached during which an item is overdue.
The fine rate for Reserve materials is $.25 for the first hour, and $.25 for each succeeding hour. The accumulated amount of the fine will continue accumulating until a total of $15.00 is reached.
Lost Books
A lost library book should be reported immediately to the Circulation staff. The borrower is then entitled to the remainder of the regular three-week circulation period and one three-week renewal period. Unless the book is located and returned or the book is paid for at the expiration of this renewal period, fines will begin accumulating. Fines, which have accrued prior to payment, will be charged in addition to the replacement fee of $50.00 for the book. A processing charge of $15.00 per book will be added, as well. If a lost book which has been paid for is later found and returned, the price of the book (replacement fee) will be refunded, but no fines or processing charges. If the Library has already replaced the book and does not deem it worthwhile to own two copies of the title, no refund will be made.