Catalogue 07-08: Library

Please note that this is the March 2007 version of the 2007-2008 Catalogue. Information within is accurate as of this date. Subject to change without notice.

Checking Out Library Items
Overdue Fines and Replacement Charges
Lost Items

The College maintains a specialized library for student and community use. Library use is free of charge to matriculated midwifery program students, faculty and staff with current college ID. Community members may purchase a community library card for three months at a cost of $15, six months for $25 and one year for $40. Cards may be purchased during regular library hours. Current college ID or a community library card must be shown to check out materials.

Items may be checked out for individual use, under the following policies:

• Journals, selected books and audio-video materials, marked as “Reference Only,” “Library Use Only,” and/or “In Birthingway Use Only” may not be checked out or leave the College building. Such items are out-of-print, expensive to replace, or used by instructors for teaching.
• Audio tapes, videos, and other media (AV Materials) on the regular library shelves may be checked out but cannot be renewed. If the AV item is needed for longer, it must be physically returned to the library and re-checked out.
• Only three items may be checked out at one time by community members. Birthingway students, faculty and staff may check out up to five items.
• Items check out for three weeks at a time.
• At the end of three weeks, if no one has placed a hold against a book, it may be renewed for another three weeks. Books may be renewed in-person, by leaving a detailed note for the librarian, or over the phone by calling 503.760.3131 and leaving a name, phone number, and title of the item to be renewed.
• To place a hold against a book, leave a detailed phone message and/or place a detailed note in the library mailbox or on the librarian’s desk. Please include your name and the name of the item you desire. You will be contacted when the item is available.

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Checking out Library Items

The process for checking out library items is as follows:

1. Remove the “check out” card from the item’s pocket. Legibly write the current date and your name on the card.
2. Give the card to library staff or place it on the librarian’s desk.
3. Write the due date (3 weeks in advance of the current date) on the “Date Due” slip inside. If a slip is not in place, please add one to the inside pocket. Due Date slips can be found on the librarian’s desk.
4. Please return borrowed item(s) to the “Returned Books” box in the office or directly to the librarian’s desk. The item(s) will be checked in and re-shelved by library staff. Do not re-card or reshelf items yourself!

If, while browsing through the library, you remove an item from the shelf, please return it to the same location. If you are unsure where it belongs, you can place it on the table in the library.

The card catalog is organized by item title, author, and subject heading. Library items are shelved by subject heading and are alphabetical by title within their subject category. If you need assistance, please ask library staff. 

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Overdue Fines and Replacement Charges

Due Date Reminders are provided to borrowers at least one week in advance of the item’s due date. These notices list each title checked-out, the date due, and indicate to-date library fine accumulations. Library notices indicate fines next to the item title if the item is still checked out. If the item has been returned, library fines are shown, but no longer indicate the item's name. This maintains privacy. Please maintain library notices if you wish to retain an itemized record of library fines.

Fines are charged to current students, staff, or faculty as follows:

• No daily fines on general collection items.
• A fine of $0.50 per day will be levied against Reserve & Hold overdue items. Maximum $25/item.
• Fines begin on the first day the item is overdue.
• If an item is 21 days overdue, it will be considered lost! Members will be charged the maximum fine ($25.00) plus the replacement cost of the item, plus an additional $50 handling fee per item that is lost or damaged. If a “lost” item is returned, actual fines will be charged $0.50/day to the maximum of $25. See Lost Items below.
• Fines can be paid to the library. Fines remaining at the end of the term will be sent to the billing office. Students must be in good financial standing to retain library privileges.

In fall 2005, library fines for students on general collection items were suspended on a trial basis. However, if student abuse of this policy occurs, fines for students will return as decided by the President and Librarian. Should Library Fines be reactivated for students, fines will be levied in the same manner they are charged to Community members.

Fines are charged to Community members as follows:

• A fine of fifty cents per day will be levied against all overdue items.
• Fines begin on the first day the item is overdue.
• All fines must be paid before other items may be checked out. The maximum fine per item is $25.
• If an item is 21 days overdue, it will be considered lost. Community members will be charged the maximum fine ($25) plus the replacement cost of the item plus an additional $50.00 handling fee per item that is lost or damaged. If a “lost” item is returned, only actual fines will be charged - maximum of $25. See Lost Items below.

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Lost Items

Items not returned or renewed within 21 days of their original due date are considered lost.

• When an item is lost or damaged, please report it to the library as soon as possible.
• Lost or damaged items are subject to the maximum overdue fine of $25.00, the actual replacement cost of the item, and an additional $50.00 processing fee.
• Reporting an item lost or damaged, will temporarily freeze fines associated with the item.

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At the time of reporting an item lost/damaged, the student/patron can indicate an intention to replace the item within 30 days. The item can then be replaced by the student/patron with an acceptable copy. An acceptable copy is one that is the same or newer edition of the item lost/damaged. It must be in "new", or in "nearly new" condition. "Nearly new" condition is defined as: all covers in tact, no highlighting or pen/pencil marks in text, and solidly bound or packaged (in the case of a video, etc.).

• If the student is able to replace the item within 30 days, they will be responsible for fines accumulated to the date of the replacement (fines become unfrozen and additional days are added, not to exceed $25) and the $50 processing fee.
• Should the student/patron not wish to replace the item themselves, or if they are unable to do so within 30 days, the library will attempt to replace the item. The student/patron is then responsible for the actual replacement cost, $25 in fines, and the $50 processing fee.
• If after six months, the library is unable to replace the item, it is considered "irreplaceable". At this time, maximum fines ($25), processing fees ($50), and a $100 irreplaceable item fee (in lieu of the replacement cost) are the responsibility of the student/patron. The six month period begins the date the item is reported or considered lost.

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Finding lost items:

• If a lost item is found within 30 days, it should be returned to the library. Only overdue fines will be charged.
• If an item is found after 30 days, it should be returned to the library. At this time, fees will be determined based on ordering replacement and processing status.
• If an "irreplaceable item" is found and returned to the library, the $100 irreplaceable item charge will be reversed. Overdue fines and processing fees will not be refunded.

Damaged item returnability is determined by the librarian and Library Director.

Library staff will notify patrons of their lost item status. Changes to status concerning lost items will be reported to all parties (borrower and Billing) as soon as possible. Library staff will deliver detailed notices/invoices to the patron and Billing Office which include item details and the Lost Polices stated above. Once the item has been returned or replaced, a final fine notice is made including the full amount of the fine and a note stating that the item has been “Returned” or “Replaced.” This notice is delivered to the borrower, Financial/Billing Office, and library records.