Hesburgh Libraries

Background and Purpose

The Library has received numerous complaints that the current policy and procedures for recalling books that are currently on loan to one patron, but needed by another patron, are not effective. Two primary reasons for this ineffectiveness have been identified by users: overly-generous ‘grace periods’ within which to return requested material; and the fact that some borrowers choose to ignore requests for the return of material, knowing that effective sanctions will not be imposed.

The purpose of this policy is:

1. to reduce the time delay between a patron recalling a book and actually having access to it; and
2. to utilize sanctions that are likely to be effective in retrieving material from patrons who choose not to respond to library requests to return material needed by others.

Fundamental to this policy is the recognition that the Library is a shared resource that relies on a spirit of collegiality and cooperation among all of its patrons.

Procedure and Policy

Step 1

Library user recalls a book which at that time is on loan to another patron. The next day a notice is sent to the current borrower requesting that the item be returned within 7 days.

Step 2

If the material has not been returned within the 7 day period another notice is sent to the current borrower informing them:

1. that the item is now overdue; and
2. library privileges are now suspended**.

Step 3

If the material has still not been returned after a total of 17 days another notice is sent to the current borrower informing them:

1. that the item is still overdue;
2. that their library privileges* are suspended; and
3. that if the item is not returned within 7 more days, they will be fined $25. The fine must be paid before the suspension of library privileges is lifted.

Step 4

If the material has still not been returned after a total of 29 days a notice is sent to the current borrower informing them:

1. that the item is still overdue,
2. that an invoice has been sent to them (or, in the case of students, to Student Accounts) for the replacement cost of the item, and
3. that the suspension will not be lifted until the fine is paid and either the invoice is paid or the item returned.

*library privileges: the library privileges that would be withdrawn are the ability to borrow any additional items from the Library’s collections and the ability to request material through the inter-library loans service.

**change in policy approved by the University Committee on Libraries in October 2012.

14 Day Use Guaranteed

If a library user has recently borrowed a book and a recall is placed:

1. that user will receive a notice the next day
2. however, the date specified for the early return of the book will allow for a guaranteed loan period of 14 days.

Applicability

The policy applies to all categories of library user: faculty, undergraduate students, graduate students, staff and any other category of library patron with borrowing rights.

The policy, which was endorsed by the University Committee on Libraries at its 11th May 2006 meeting, will come into effect at the beginning of the 2006/2007 academic session (i.e. 22 August 2006). Policy was updated in fall 2012 to suspend privileges when material becomes overdue.

Date Last Modified: July 25, 2013
Contact your library service desk with questions about recall policy.