Faculty Lending Code

As a member of the Faculty, you have generous circulation privileges. You may borrow materials from the general collection for one-year loan periods, unless others need them. You may borrow reference books overnight, and journals for two hours.

This policy summary statement outlines the privileges and responsibilities of those who borrow materials from the McAlister Library. This lending policy attempts to provide the greatest possible access to the collection for our primary clientele, while at the same time preserving the integrity of the collection and balancing the needs of a diverse constituency who may be competing for the same resources. To this end, the Library controls the use of the collection by its clientele, provides incentives for the prompt return and responsible sharing of resources, and maintains a database of information pertaining to those who have been granted borrowing privileges.

You are responsible for:

• Presenting valid library card in order to borrow materials.
• Keeping track of every item borrowed.
• Knowing the due date of all borrowed materials.
• Returning or renewing materials on or before the due date; the borrower is responsible for the safe return of all borrowed material until the time of check-in.
• Returning recalled items immediately.
• Exercising care in handling library materials, returning books to the library without evidence of defacement, mutilation, degradation, or water damage.
• Maintaining custody of library materials until their return on due date, not lending these books to others.
• Avoiding letting others borrow books with your library card.
• Notifying the Library immediately if your address changes, so that you will be able to receive notices for your requests, recalls, overdues, etc.
• Notifying the Library immediately regarding stolen or lost library cards.
• Responding to library notices, and pay replacement costs for items you do not return in a timely fashion.
• Returning books to the library before moving from the area.

The Library reserves the right to require photo identification of borrowers at any time. Borrowers who consistently abuse library regulations may have their privileges revoked.

All new and current faculty should secure a Fuller I.D card from the Registrar. To apply for library privileges, please bring this card to the Circulation Department. New faculty should also bring written verification of faculty appointment. Circulation staff will ask each applicant for personal information necessary to maintain an accurate borrower database. After completing this application process, the Fuller ID card will function as your library card. By receiving the library card, you are agreeing to comply with all library regulations.

Renewal of library privileges (and verification of current address) occurs annually, and is contingent upon payment of bills and resolution of any blocks on your borrower record.

Loan Period:

Circulating Books: 365 days
Periodicals:  2 hours
Reference Books:  24 hours
Media (i.e. videos, software): 3 days
Reserve Books: Daytime: 2 hours; Overnight:  after 8:30 PM 

Checkout Limit: 999 items checked out at any one time.

Renewals permitted? Yes.

Non-Circulating Books: some categories of materials do not circulate (for example, Rare Books, archival materials, Special Collections, etc.).

Recalls and holds: all books checked out are subject to recall after 3 weeks if needed by another borrower, and are subject to recall immediately, if needed for Reserve. Holds or requests may be placed on books that are checked out. This reserves the book for the next person in the queue, and prevents the borrower from renewing the book.

Returning Materials: Please return books to the Circulation Desk, or the book drop near the north entrance, in the event that the Library is closed.

Renewing Books: Most items may be renewed on or before the due date, provided that there is no hold or recall placed upon them. Items can be renewed in person, and, with certain restrictions, may also be renewed by phone. The online catalog workstations in the Library also provide a mechanism for self-renewal.

Library Fines: Faculty members are exempt from paying overdue fines.

Replacement Charges: Lost or damaged books, and books not returned in a timely fashion, will be assessed a minimum of $60.00 per book.

Damage, Theft, and Mutilation of library materials will be handled according to the Seminary's Statements on Community Standards and Policies.

Library Blocks: In cases of extreme delinquency, temporary blocks will be placed on a borrower's record, preventing further checkout until the problem is resolved.

Notices: Library notices regarding overdues, fees, recalls, and availability of materials are typically delivered via campus mail, or through the U.S. mail. Borrowers are responsible for return of materials, even if notices were not received. The Library is not responsible for the non-receipt of notices due to address changes, postal system failures, or a borrower's absence from town.

Reserve Services:  Please follow this link for more information about the course reserve and requesting materials be placed on course reserve.

Proxy Borrowing Services: You may wish to designate another person to borrow library materials on your behalf. This person should be chosen carefully by you, and is ordinarily a secretary, research assistant, or teaching assistant. If you wish to take advantage of this service, please bring your proxy to the Library and introduce him or her to our circulation staff during daytime office hours, Monday through Friday. This individual will be given a borrowing card that is linked to your account.

Confidentiality: The Library will not release personal information about any borrower, unless required by law or by institutional policy.