Divide County Library Circulation Policy
Service Policy: Circulation
The goal of the Divide County Public Library is to have citizens use the collection as much as they need and want. However, the library has to ensure equitable access to circulating materials for all library users and, therefore, establish specific loan periods. The Divide County Public Library does not charge late fees on overdue materials but will charge for lost and damaged materials.
Library Cards:
Library cards are issued to all patrons within Divide County and surrounding counties wishing to check out items from the library. A complete address, phone number, driver’s license, and proof of residency must accompany the library card application.
Users must agree to the following when receiving a library card:
· To be responsible for all materials borrowed on this card and to reimburse the Library for any lost or damaged materials.
· To return Library materials on time.
· To recognize that the Library retains the right to suspend borrowing privileges.
· To recognize that the Library has the right to refuse delinquent accounts or fees and charges to a COLLECTION AGENCY.
Books, Periodicals, Audiobooks, Videos, and Equipment:
Materials circulate for three weeks. Materials can be renewed in person, by telephone, or online for an additional loan period if no holds exist. The renewal period begins the day the renewal transaction is entered.
Adult patrons are allowed to have 20 items checked out at a time. Children in kindergarten to sixth grade* may check out 3 books. This is subject to change based on the Elementary School Policy.
Loan Periods:
All materials have a 3-week loan with the option to renew materials two times if the item is not on hold.
Reference material may not be checked out.
Renewable items may be renewed in person, by telephone, or online for up to 2 additional loan periods if there are no holds. The renewal period begins the day the renewal transaction is entered.
Holds:
Patrons may request that an item be held for them. The patron will be notified by phone or email (if the patron permits email notifications) when the item is available. If the item is not claimed within five library days after notification, it will be given to the next patron on the reserve list or returned to general circulation.
Overdue and Lost/Damaged Materials:
Divide County Library does not charge for overdue items. Items that are lost or damaged will be assessed fees per policy. Borrowers who have more than $15.00 in outstanding fees on their account may not check out materials. Borrowing may resume when fees are reduced below the $15.00 maximum by the return of the item(s) or by payment of fees.
Billing:
The replacement cost of an item is billed to the borrower when it is 30 days overdue. This cost will be removed from the borrower’s account when the item is returned or paid for.
The library will not accept replacement item(s) in lieu of payment of lost or damaged item fees.
The names of delinquent borrowers with over $125.00 in fees may be referred to a collection agency. Delinquent borrowers are responsible for any fees charged by collection agencies or small claims court in addition to fees and payment for lost items.
Interlibrary Loan Policy (ILL):
If the Divide County Public Library does not have certain material requested by a patron, the librarians will gladly request the sought-after materials from the North Dakota Library Network.
Limits: Patrons will be limited to 3 items requested at one time. The total amount could go up to 5 items depending on the type of materials and usage intended. For example, a school teacher could request up to 5 items when used for a class unit. When the patron returns those items, more items can be requested. There is no cap on the number of items a person may request in a year.
Circulation Period: The lending library sets the circulation period. Renewals are up to the discretion of the lending library. If a patron requests a renewal, we will e-mail the lending library and request an extension; then contact the patron with the answer.
Patrons will be contacted up to 2 times when an item is received at the library, and contact dates will be noted in the patron record. If the item(s) is not picked up by the patron by the date due, the patron will be charged the full cost of the return postage.
Patrons will be charged $1.00 for each item requested to help defray the cost of return postage.
Amended: 9-17-21
Reviewed: 3-25-24
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