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Vanderbilt University Jean & Alexander Heard Library Central Library

 

Length of Checkout and Renewals/Fine Policies

Items circulate based on the type of material and the category of the borrower (faculty, grad student, undergrad, alumni, etc.)

You may view or print the complete list of checkout and renewal limits and fine policies by clicking on the image below.

Central Circulation Policies

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Returns

It is expected that books and other library materials will be returned in good condition, unmarked and without evidence of damage. Borrowers will be held responsible for materials returned damaged. If the book you wish to charge out is already damaged, bring it to the attention of the circulation desk staff who will make note of the damage so that you will not be held responsible.

All items checked out must be returned to the Circulation Desk or deposited in one of the Book Returns located inside and outside of the libraries on Campus. In addition, there is a Book Return in Carmichael Towers. Book Returns are emptied several times daily, except the Carmichael return, which is emptied once a day. Materials checked out that have hourly loan periods such as reserve materials should NOT be returned in a Book Return.

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Recalls

Materials may be recalled from any borrower if needed by another user. A recall can be requested at the Circulation Desk or by clicking on the "recall this item" button on items that are checked out in Acorn. All borrowers are entitled to an item which circulates 2 weeks or longer undisturbed for a minimum of 14 days. After the 14 days of undisturbed use, an item may be recalled. Patrons are asked to return the recalled item within 7 days. If an item circulates less than 2 weeks, patrons are required to return the item within 7 days. Fines are $1.00 per day for materials not returned by the recall due date. There is no grace period for recalled items. If the book is overdue in addition to being recalled, both recall fines and overdue fines are charged. Recall fines are charged to all borrowers.

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Annex Items

Items with an Annex location may be requested in any of the following ways:

1. At the Circulation Desk

2. Clicking on the Annex Request button once you find your needed citation on Acorn

3. Choosing the Annex Request form from the All Request Forms button on the Heard Library Home Page

Materials requested will be available for pickup within 24 hours on weekdays. You will only be notified if there is a problem in filling your request. Two deliveries are received from the Annex each weekday. Material will be held for pickup at the Circulation Desk for seven (7) days.

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In Process, Verification

Materials that have been requested but are not yet on the shelves are listed in the ACORN catalog with a location of "IN PROCESS", "ASK STAFF", "BAKER HOLD", or "VERIFICATION". All of these locations have "RUSH THIS ITEM" buttons beside the location in Acorn. Once completing the on-line request form, these items normally are available within 4-6 days at the Circulation Desk. You can also request these items at the Circulation Desk directly. You will be notified when the item becomes available for your use or if there is a problem filling your request.

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On Order

Items that have been ordered for the library but are not yet received are listed in the catalog with the location "ON ORDER" or location "NONE" depending on the state of the order. There can be no guarantee how soon such materials will be received, but requests for this material can be made on-line by clicking on the "RUSH THIS ITEM" button beside the location in Acorn or requesting the item directly at the Circulation Desk. Once the material is available at the Circulation Desk, you will be notified.

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Borrower Responsibilities

When items are checked out, the due date is stamped on the slip in the front of the item.

You are responsible for:

  • All material checked out on your card. Do not loan it to others. A unique number embedded in the mag stripe on your card links materials to your record.

  • Knowing due dates. Dates may change based on renewal and recall requests. Select the "MY ACCOUNT" feature in Acorn and "Review Checkouts" to view a list of your checkouts and their due dates.

  • Returning or renewing materials on time.

  • Notifying the University of any change of address or email address.

  • Reading your email messages and library notices.

  • Paying any late charges.  Overdue books or unpaid late fees may automatically block your borrowing privileges. Upaid fees owed by students are transferred to Student Accounts after 30 days.  All unpaid fees can be paid by cash, check or credit card (Visa or Mastercard only).

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Send comments to Janet Thomason
Last Updated 11/16/09