Borrowing Rules

Below are listed important rules to remember when borrowing materials through the Van Pelt and Opie Library. Please see our Policies page for additional information. Patrons may appeal library charges under certain circumstances. See Appealing Library Charges policy for details.

Borrowing from the Van Pelt and Opie Library

This service is available to all current students, staff, faculty, emeriti and Courtesy Borrowing Card holders.

Library Collections Result
Item Borrowed by Patron Loan Receipt notice--Patron notified of items checked out to them.
4 days before due date Courtesy notice—Patron notified to renew or return item.
Due date Due Loans notice—Patron notified to return item.
3 days after due date Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
12 days after due date 2nd Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
21 days after due date 3rd Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
30 days after due date Replacement Cost notice—Patron notified to return item within 10 days to avoid paying replacement cost.
Item requested by Patron Hold Shelf notice--Patron notified item is available for pick up at the Library Service Center for the next 10 days.
Item Recalled by Another User Due Date Change notice—Patron notified to return item within 21 days (or seven days for Leisure Reading.)
Item Returned by Patron Return Receipt notice--Patron is notified item has been returned.

Productivity Tools (e.g. laptops)
1 day after due date Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
2 days after due date 2nd Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
3 days after due date Lost Item notice—Patron notified to return item immediately to avoid paying replacement cost.
7 days after due date Replacement Cost notice—Patron notified to return item within 2 days to avoid paying replacement cost.

Borrowing from MeLCat

This service is available to all current students, staff, faculty, emeriti, and Courtesy Borrowing Card holders.

Regular and Extended Loans Result
Item received from lending library Arrival notice—Patron notified item available for pick up at Library Service Center. Item returned to lending library if item not picked up within 10 days.
4 days before due date Courtesy notice—Patron notified to renew or return item.
3 days after due date
 
Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
10 days after due date
 
2nd Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
21 days after due date
 
3rd Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
30 days after due date or Invoice received from lending library Replacement Cost notice—Patron notified to return item within 10 days to avoid paying replacement cost. Lending library processing fee may apply.
Short Loans Result
Item received from lending library Arrival notice—Patron notified item available for pick up at library Service Center. Item returned to lending library if item not picked up within 10 days.
1 day after due date Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
3 days after due date 2nd Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
7 days after due date 3rd Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
30 days after due date or Invoice received from lending library Replacement Cost notice—Patron notified to return item within 10 days to avoid paying replacement cost. Lending library processing fee may apply.

Borrowing from ILL

This service is available to all current students, staff, faculty and emeriti.

All Loans Result
Item received from lending library Arrival notice—Patron notified item available for pick up at Library Service Center. Item returned to lending library if item not picked up within 10 days.
4 days before due date Courtesy notice—Patron notified to renew or return item.
3 days after due date Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
10 days after due date 2nd Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item.
21 days after due date 3rd Overdue notice—Patron notified to return item. Patron's account blocked until item returned.
30 days after due date or Invoice received from lending library Replacement notice—Patron notified to return item within 10 days to avoid paying replacement cost. Lending library processing fee may apply.
Recall notice received from lending library Recall notice—Patron notified to return item within three days.