Circulation Policy

The purpose of this policy is to explain guidelines and limits on all items available for check-out at the library, as well as expectations for patrons prior to, during, and after borrowing items from the library.  Our hope is that this policy will encourage patrons to return materials promptly so that other citizens may have access as well.

  1. Registration

All borrowers must be registered and must have a valid local or system patron card to borrow library materials.

Patrons must fill out an application form to register for a library card.  The following statement will be printed on the registration form for the patron’s information and acceptance:

By becoming a MORE library cardholder, I accept the following responsibilities:

  • Any library materials checked out on my card are my sole responsibility.
  • I will promptly return all borrowed items by the due date or pay overdue charges.
  • I will pay any replacement costs assessed for lost, unreturned or damaged materials.
  • I will not lend my library card to others.
  • I will promptly report any change in address.
  • I will obey the rules of behavior when visiting the library.
  • If signing a library card application for a juvenile, I accept responsibility for fines and charges on that child’s card and acknowledge that it is my responsibility, not the library’s, to monitor and approve my child’s choice of library materials and/or other information resources.
  • I understand that I can request library records for my custodial child/ward under 16 (WI ST 43.30).

I understand that failure to act responsibly may result in suspension of my library borrowing and use privileges, and that failure to pay library fines or return library materials may result in local and state criminal penalties.

Identification is required at the time of registration.  A state issued ID or student ID is preferred; however, any other official ID or recent non-personal piece of mail may be accepted.

Applicants under 16 years of age must have a parent or guardian give their consent of the application form before a new card can be issued.  This parental signature is not required for children who are renewing cards.

Library cards are set to expire every year.  In order to renew a library card, patrons must verify/update address and phone number and have an account in good standing.

  1. Lost or Forgotten Cards

If a patron loses his card, he should notify the library as soon as possible and request a replacement.  Each replacement card costs $1.00.

All patrons, adult and juvenile, are expected to bring their library cards with them to check out items.  An individual who repeatedly ignores this expectation may be denied the privilege of checking out materials until they present their card, or purchase a replacement.

  1. Loan Periods and Limits

Because patrons have access to materials from other libraries on a regular basis, it is possible that other loan periods/limits may exist.  All patrons should refer to their check-out slip to find the correct due date for each item.

 

  1. 14-day loan items are items that are new to the library and may be expected to have a high holds demand.
  2. 3 weeks for books, audiobooks, compact discs, and videogames.
  3. 1 week for videos under 7 hrs. in length, 14 days for videos over 7 hrs. in length.
  4. Current issues of periodicals do not circulate.
  5. Non-current periodicals may be checked out for one week.
  6. Interlibrary loans are due the date indicated by the lending library.
  7. Reference books do not circulate.
  8. Books may be renewed twice if there is not a waiting list for the title. Any material with holds is nonrenewable.
  9. New patrons, those registered for a system card for less than three months, will be limited to 2 checked out items and 2 holds.
  10. A patron is limited to 100 items checked out on their record at one time, only 50 holds can be placed per person at a time.

The director may establish the loan period for special collections, materials which are temporarily in great demand, such as for student projects, or materials added to the collection which are in a new format.

  1. Holds

Holds can be placed, either by patron or library staff, at any time.  There is no charge to the patron for placing a hold or for interlibrary loan services.  The patron will be notified, through their preferred method, when the item is available for pick up.  Materials will be held at the library for 8 days from time of notice.  If patron has not picked materials up, items will go to next person on the reserve list.  If no one else has a hold on the item, it will go back onto the shelf or return to the owning library.

  1. Fines and Charges

Materials from other libraries may be liable for other overdue fines. Be aware that the Augusta Memorial Public Library has no influence over what fines are accrued on materials from other libraries.

Overdue videos and video games accrue a $0.50 per day overdue fine.  All other overdue materials will accrue a $0.10 per day fine.  A patron having $10.00 or more in fines will lose checkout (including computer) privileges until the fine is brought under $10.00.

Overdue Interlibrary loan materials will accrue fines in accordance with the lending library.

Overdue notices will be sent out regularly by the library.  Once an item is overdue by 45 days, the patron will receive a bill requesting payment for the material.  If items are not returned or paid for within 10 days of receipt of this notice the matter may be turned over to the police and processed in accordance with the Augusta City ordinance which reads:

Failure to return library materials is a violation of Augusta City ordinance 12.04(1) (m) and is punishable by a fine of “not less than $10.00 and no more than $100.00” plus court costs and penalty assessment and in default of payment thereof, shall be confined in the county jail of Eau Claire County for a period not to exceed 90 days.

  1. Lost or Damaged Materials

If materials are damaged so as to be judged by the library as being unsuitable for the collection, the patron must pay the replacement cost.  Notice of these charges will be sent to the borrower.

Once a patron has paid for damaged materials, the patron is allowed to keep those materials.  The director will then decide if the same item(s) or another selection will be bought.

Lost materials that have previously been paid for by the patron can be returned to the library for reimbursement of charges IF the materials are returned in good condition and within 30 days of receipt of payment.

 

  1. Confidentiality

As specified in Wisconsin Statutes 43.30, “records of any library which is in whole or in part supported by public funds, including the records of a public library system, indicating the identity of any individual who borrows or uses the library’s documents or other materials, resources or services may not be disclosed except by court order or to persons acting within the scope of their duties in the administration of the library or library system, to persons authorized by the individual to inspect such records, or to libraries authorize under subs. (2) and (3).”

This library adheres strictly to all sections of this statute regarding the protection of the confidentiality of its users.

  1. Member of MORE

Although each MORE library has its own circulation policy in place for materials owned by that library, it is in agreement that all libraries uphold any circulation policy statements on materials borrowed from the other 40+ libraries.  Be aware that materials borrowed from other libraries may be subject to owning library policies.

 

Revised: November 2015
http://augustalibrary.org/about-us/mission-and-policies/circulation-policy/
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