Recall Policy

The Oberlin College Library's semester loan period is intended to allow scholars convenient long-term use of library materials. In order to assure reasonable access to the library's collection for all users, the Library offers several responses to the competition for materials.

• Items known to be in heavy demand, especially for course assignments, may be placed on reserve, where shorter loan periods (and fines to enforce them) allow wider access to the materials.
• Patrons needing items that are checked out may search the OhioLINK Library catalog and request an available copy from another institution (see more on OhioLINK borrowing).
• If there is heavy demand for a title it may be appropriate to suggest that the library acquire additional copies.
• Patrons needing items that are checked out may recall them using the REQUEST function in OBIS. The current borrower is required to return the item within a short period of time or face high fines and additional sanctions.

Notification of Recall

Borrowers will be notified immediately that the item they have checked out has been recalled. Notification will be sent by paper notice and, if possible, by e-mail. Overdue notices are sent on the first, second, third, fourth, seventh, and fourteenth days overdue.

Minimum Use

Borrowers may expect to have exclusive use of library materials for one week from the time of check-out. Borrowers must return recalled materials by the due date specified on the recall notification. For items that have been checked out for more than three days, the due date is four days from the date the recall is requested. For items checked out less than three days, the due date is one week from the date of check-out.

Fines

Borrowers are fined $10/day up to a maximum of $50. College employees have a two day grace period on fines, because of the uncertainty of campus mail. Fines stop accruing at the moment the book is returned or when the patron contacts a staff member to discuss the problem and files a book problem report. The patron may remain responsible for some or all accrued fines. Fines do not stop accruing if the explanation of failure to return the book is not acceptable to the staff (e.g. refusal to return the item).

Billing

All borrowers are billed for the replacement and processing costs of the item when it becomes two weeks overdue, in addition to the existing $50 fine. The processing fee is refunded if the book is returned within thirty days of the invoice. The replacement charge is refunded if the book is returned within one year and the library has not yet ordered a replacement.

Further Penalties

Should the failure to return a recalled book appear to be a deliberate violation of community standards on sharing of library materials, further sanctions may be sought. For students, judicial charges may be filed. For college employees, the matter may referred by the Director of Libraries to the appropriate supervisor or divisional dean. Courtesy borrowers have borrowing privileges suspended at the time of billing.

Education

This policy is publicized in the following ways:

• Explained on library tours to all new students
• Explained on all recall notices
• A copy of the policy is available in the Oberlin College Library's website

The policy has been endorsed by the Director of Libraries and the General Faculty Library Committee.