Circulation Services
Students, faculty, and staff may borrow circulating library materials using their valid U of L ID cards. Non-U of L borrowers may apply for a community patron borrowing card. We do our best to serve all patrons, but U of L patrons must receive first priority.
U of L faculty, staff, and graduate students may borrow regular circulating items for 120 days. U of L students may borrow regular circulating items for 28 days. Non-U of L patrons should inquire at the Circulation Desk concerning loan periods.
Recalls and Holds
Any U of L patron may ask for an item to be recalled for their use. A simple "hold" may be requested at any time. Non-U of L patrons may request a "hold" for needed materials charged to other patrons. When the item is returned, the library will send notification of its availability.
Searches and Claims
If a patron cannot locate a book or score that Minerva reports as being on the shelf, we encourage the patron to initiate an internal search for the item at the Circulation Desk. The Circulation Staff will search for the item and will notify the patron of the search results. If a patron receives overdue or fine notices for items believed to be returned, the patron may initiate a Claims Returned Search at the Circulation Desk. Again, the Library Staff will search for the items and notify the patron of the results.
Overdue materials & Fines
When a patron has overdue materials, circulation privileges are automatically blocked at all libraries within the University system. This block remains in effect until the overdue materials are returned and successfully discharged. Reserve materials that leave the library overnight and have become overdue will be assessed a late fee that must be paid to continue borrowing.
Materials recalled for reserve are considered overdue if they have not been returned to the library seven days after notice is given by telephone or mail.
Overdue materials and any fines will suspend library borrowing privileges.
When materials are lost or returned damaged, a fine will be assessed. This fine has to be paid before library borrowing privileges can be restored. Please see the Circulation Desk staff for more details.
Non-Circulating Materials
Periodicals, Reference, Seminar Area, and Archive Room materials do not circulate. In addition, selected materials in the regular stacks are designated as Non-Circulating. Multiple copies of choral music, brass ensembles, and sets of orchestral parts circulate only to U of L faculty members with ensemble responsibilities. Information-file materials also remain in the library. Sound recordings, videos, and DVDs circulate outside the library only to School of Music faculty for classroom use. Other patrons may use sound recordings, videos, and DVDs for two (2) hours in the library.
Authorized Users (Proxy Patrons)
Sometimes, library patrons need to have other people come to the library and check out materials for them. For example, a professor may need his/her assistant to complete research on their behalf. All authorized user requests are processed at Ekstrom Library, but privileges will be extended to all University Libraries in accordance with their policies. If you would like to allow your assistant or student to use your library card on your behalf, please complete the authorized user form. Before you complete this form, make sure you are comfortable giving someone else the authority to use your account. You will be responsible for the return of all items and the replacement costs if items are not returned.
