Services for Graduate Students : Circulation Policies

Mercyhurst University students, faculty, staff, administration, trustees and the Sisters of Mercy are eligible to borrow materials from both the Hammermill and Ridge Libraries. Limited borrowing privileges are extended to Mercyhurst University alumni, faculty and students from other area colleges and universities.

*Any item, with the exception of reserve materials, may be renewed once. A library patron can renew items at the circulation desk, by phone (x6324) x(2234), or through Your Account. Materials may not be renewed is another patron has placed a hold on them.

*Reference materials and periodicals DO NOT CIRCULATE.

• Identification
  Students, faculty, and staff of Mercyhurst University must present a valid Mercyhurst University ID or other form of photo identification to check out materials or obtain information about one’s account.

• Responsibility
  Each patron assumes responsibility for all materials checked out on his/her library account. They assume liability for any damages, theft, or loss that may occur while the item is checked out to their account. Fines, fees and replacement costs not paid to the library in a timely manner may result in a hold at the Registrar’s Office or be sent to a credit agency.

• Notices
  Patrons with overdue items will receive notices when the items are 7, 14, and 21 days overdue. If the materials are not returned after the third notice, the patron is billed for the charges outlined below. Notices for overdue videos and DVDs are sent every day for the first four days the item is overdue. The patron is billed for replacement if the video or CD is not returned within 10 days of the due date.

• Fees and Fines
  Overdue fines accrue at the rate of $.20/day for a book, $.25/day for compact discs, or $1.00/day for videocassettes and DVDs. When a book or compact disc is 28 days overdue, it is considered lost. For faculty and staff, items are considered lost after one year. For lost or damaged library materials, the patron is charged for replacement along with a $10.00 non-negotiable overdue fine and a $25.00 processing fee. A patron has ninety (90) days from the date of the Invoice to return an item(s) for credit of the replacement cost(s) and processing fees (the $10.00 fine remains on account). Videos and DVDs will be billed as lost at 10 days overdue. Two-hour reserve materials begin to accrue fines when they are one half-hour late. The patron will be charged $.50/hour until the material is returned.