Borrowing

A valid Bellarmine University identification card or library card is required to borrow books, media programs, or reserve material. 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 at least 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 calling 452-8141, or online.

Books may be returned directly to the Circulation Desk, or placed inside one of the two available book drops. One book drop is at the Circulation Desk, and the other (open 24 hours per day) is inside the main doors of the Library.

Reference books, videos and periodicals may be used in the building only.

Media programs may be checked out for varying periods of time, depending upon both type of material and borrower status (e.g., student, faculty). Students may check out video recordings overnight to be returned the following morning. Items, including videos, on reserve may not leave the Library. Please contact Instructional Media Services (452-8142) for specific loan periods for other media programs.

Reserves

Reserve materials 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 and author 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.

Media reserves are located at Instructional Media Services.

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.

Borrowers are responsible for notifying the Library of their change of address. If any correspondence is not received because of change of address, the borrower will still be held responsible for all fines due.

Lost Books

A lost library book should be reported immediately to the Circulation staff. The borrower is then entitled to the remainder of his/her 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.