Policies

Circulation Rules are determined by two factors

• User account status (e.g., Cadet, Faculty)
• Item Circulation Status (e.g., Book, Reference Item)

Some items, such as Reference Items and Reserves, do not circulate and are limited to in-library use only. Cadets are able to borrow most general collection books for two weeks at a time. Faculty are able borrow most general collection books until the end of the current semester.

Approved users with online access to their library accounts may place holds for items in the circulating McDermott Library collections using the “Reserve Copy” function in the library OPAC. If an item is currently available, library personnel will pull the item from the shelf and send it to the Information Services Desk. Requestors will receive an email notification when the item is available for pickup.

If an item is currently checked out, the item will be placed on hold at the Information Services Desk once it is returned. If there are other holds already placed on the item, requestors will be added to the queue in the order the holds were placed.

If an item is missing, the hold will be cancelled. Requestors may utilize Interlibrary Loan or other resource sharing options if they are available to them.

Items will be held at the Information Services Desk for one week. If an item is not picked up by the Requestor during that week, the hold will be cancelled and the item will be returned to the collection.

McDermott Library does not charge late fines. Items which are not returned in a timely fashion may be marked as Lost.

Items which are returned with damage that cannot be corrected in-house and cannot be returned to the collection may be marked as Damaged.

Borrowers are responsible for replacing lost or damaged items with the same item (e.g., same title and edition) or an alternative item selected by a Librarian that will support the collection in the same area. The McDermott Library cannot invoice borrowers for the cost of replacement items.  To ensure the correct item is purchased and processed appropriately, it is highly recommended that borrowers contact the library for instruction and assistance prior to making any purchases to replace a Lost or Damaged item.  Borrowers must provide either the replacement item in-hand or proof of purchase showing the McDermott Library as the delivery address before the lost or damaged item will be cleared from their account.