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Circulation Policies: Loan Periods, Fines and Charges (Miami University Items)

Introduction

Circulation policies are essentially the same on all Miami University campuses. For specifics on library services offered at branch campuses please see the policies of the Hamilton and Middletown libraries

Check Out

Miami University Students, Faculty, and Staff need a valid Miami ID with a barcode to borrow circulating materials. Other persons wishing to check out materials should contact the King Library Circulation Desk for information at (513) 529-4141.

Borrowers not affiliated with the University may obtain an Affiliated Patrons of the Libraries card by completing an application during business hours Monday - Friday in the Dean's Office (225 King Library) and by contributing $25 tax-deductible donation cash or check annually. This card does NOT provide off-site access to library databases.

Please note: Due to necessary restrictions in light of the covid-19 pandemic, we are currently unable to accept applications for new affiliated patrons. Existing affiliated patrons' membership has been extended through the end of the fall semester.

Faculty Authorization for Library Use by Research Assistant

The form may be filled in online but must be printed and signed by both parties and include their Banner+ numbers. Faculty are responsible for all materials checked out by the person designated, and are responsible for timely returns and renewals.

Check-In

Items can be returned to any library. Book drops on the Oxford Campus are also located in the Shriver Center and in Alexander Dining Hall.

REMINDER: Patrons are responsible for all items on their account. A list of books checked out can be viewed (and renewed) on the Checkouts & Renewals page available on the Libraries' web site. Overdue notices are provided as a courtesy; non-receipt of an overdue message does not exempt patrons from fines

Loan Periods

Miami University Books

  • Undergraduate Students - 3 Weeks
  • Graduate Students - 1 Semester
  • Faculty - 1 Year
  • Other Patrons - 3 Weeks
Library materials are a shared resource. All items may be recalled after a minimum three week loan period if another Miami University patron requests them. Items needed for course reserve will be recalled immediately

IMC Collections

  • All students and faculty - 3 weeks

Reserves

  • Loan periods for Reserve Items vary from 2 hours to 7 days. See the section Reserve Items for details.

Journals

  • Graduate students and faculty may check out journal issues/volumes for 24 hours with approval from the Reference Librarian on duty.

Renewals

Items from the circulating collection may be renewed unless another patron has placed a request for that item.

Overdue Fees

  • Books - $.50 per day to a maximum of $15.00.
  • IMC Videos - $2.50 per day up to a maximum of $15.00 per video.
  • Reserve Items - $2.50 for the first hour overdue and $.75 per additional hour, to a maximum of $24.25 per item.
  • Recalled Materials - $.75 per day to a maximum of $24.25 per item.
  • Electronic Equipment (e.g., laptop computers): $5 per hour to a maximum of $100.
  • Contact libfines@miamioh.edu for help.

Replacement Costs

  • Books - The replacement cost for lost material is $70.00 per item, plus a $30.00 cataloging and processing fee. Any overdue fines will also be added. Replacement charges cannot be refunded for items more than one year overdue
  • Electronic Equipment - $2,000 per laptop, $495 per digital camera, and actual cost for accessories.
  • Repair Charges - Charges to repair damaged or mutilated library materials or equipment will reflect actual repair costs.