Circulation Policy

Purpose

The function of the Circulation Department is to facilitate physical access to the library collection. Circulation policies are therefore designed to ensure equitable and timely access to information by all patrons.

Who May Borrow?

The following persons are eligible to borrow materials from library.

• Registered MSU students
• Actively employed MSU staff

Membership Registration

To borrow material from the library you must first fill in a registration card at the circulation desk.

To register:

• Students must present a valid MSU student ID card.
• Staff members must bring an introduction letter from the Head of Department.

Valid Identification

A valid and current Midlands State University ID card is required for all circulation transactions including Internet booking.

Borrowing Privileges

Borrowing privileges depend on the borrower status, and the loan type of the item.

Checking Out Materials

Library books are checked out at the Circulation Desk. To borrow books from the library you must: -

• Present a valid and appropriate borrowers’ ticket.
• Present a valid MSU ID card.
• Print your name on the book card inserted in each book.

You are personally responsible for items charged out to you and for their safe keep and timely return. A due date is stamped on the slip inside the back cover.

Returning of Material

Books on loan must be returned to the Circulation Desk during the library's circulation opening hours. Books must be returned to the library from which they were checked out.

Renewals

Books borrowed from the open collection may be renewed in person at the Circulation Desk for a further period unless required by another borrower. Reserve Items may not be renewed.

Reserve Material

Material in high demand by students is designated as reserve, a closed access collection. Reserve items maybe borrowed for 2 hours during the day for use in the library or overnight starting at 3.00 p.m. Items borrowed overnight must be returned by 9.00 a.m. the following day. You must be a registered user of the Library to use the reserve collection.

Overdues and Fines

Notices

Overdue notices are sent as a courtesy reminder. The library has no obligation to send an overdue notice. You are responsible for knowing the due date on all the items checked out on your tickets. It is also your responsibility to notify the library on any change of address.

Fines

Overdue fines are charged on items returned late to the library.

• Fines for long term items are calculated per day or part thereof.
• Fines for reserve items are calculated per hour or part thereof from 9.00 a.m. on the due date.
• Fines apply to all categories of borrowers.

Schedules for overdue fines are displayed at the circulation desk and the library notice board.

Lost Items

An item not returned to the library for more than 30 days from due date is assumed lost. A bill will be raised against the borrower.

• Replacement cost is calculated based on current price of the latest edition of the item plus 20%-handling fee.
• No refunds will be made for lost items subsequently returned a month after payment.
• Items reported lost must be replaced within 30 days.

Payments

Payments for library fines must be done at the Circulation Desk and a receipt must be issued.

Non-Circulating Material

The following materials are designated as non-circulating materials and may only be used in the library.

• Reference material (e.g. Encyclopaedias, dictionaries)
• Newspapers
• Journals
• Any other material marked "Reference only"
• Past examination papers
• Electronic media

Sanctions

Borrowing privileges may be temporarily suspended for violating any of the conditions set in the circulation policies.