Circulation Policy
lOAN PERIODS: determining appropriate loan periods for different types of materials is a loca branch library decision. Each branch shall have a written sisting of its standard loan periods for the various types of materials in its colection. The liest should include at least: new books, boods in the general collection, videos, audio recordings, magazines, pamphlets (verical file), uncataloged paperbacks, equipment, and interlibrary loans.
SPECIAL LOAN PERIODS: special loan periods for certain materials may be arranged when needed. Items in very high demand, such as runaway best sellers, school group assignment materials, and career test preparation books, may require very short loan periods to allow as many people as possible to use the material in a limited time. In other situations, an extended loan period will be appropriate.
RENEWALS: the loan period for an item may be renewed, provided there are no requests for the item on file. The number of renewals permitted is limited, and renewed items are subject to recall before their new due date if needed. The library may require that any item renewed more thatn twice be brought to the library to be renewed further.
NON-CIRCULATING ITEMS: the branch librarian shall designate appropriate materials as non-circulating. These will include most current reference and local history materials, as well as fragile or irreplaceable items. The branch librarian may authorize the short0term loan of a non-circulating item as a one-time exception when appropriate.
DEPOSITS: in some circumstances, the branch librarian may deem it appropriate to require a deposit for the loan ofmaterials. Items such as high-loss materials, extra-costly items, reference books, microfilm, or local history materials may need to have this extra measure of protection.
HOLDS: accepting requiests to hold circulating library materials for specific customers to be next to borrow is a standard library practiec. However, limits are required to prevent abuse of this service. The number of current holds per customer shall be limited, and the length of time an item will be held after notification of the customer will also be limited. Also, the branch librarian may decide that holds will not be placed on certain types of materials.
BULK LOANS: items may be loaned in larger quantities for use in other library service outlets, in outreach programs, or in instiuitions. For bulk loans made to any group not formally connected with SEPLSO, there shall be a written agreement with te group stating the terms of the loans and with the group accepting responsibility for the care and timely return of the materials.