Borrowing from AU

Eligible AU and Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC) students, staff, and faculty have privileges to borrow from all of the main libraries participating in the WRLC (see list), as well as from the WRLC Shared Collections Facility. In order to borrow, you must have an active library account at your home institution's library, your university ID card with you, and be one of the following:

• An undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled in a degree program
• A current faculty member or full time staff member

Typically, the law and medical libraries do not lend to WRLC users, and some law and medical students are not eligible to borrow in the consortium outside of their home institution. Washington College of Law students and faculty may borrow from the consortium. Individuals in other categories should consult their home library before visiting the AU Library.

Access and borrowing privileges are not transferable, which means that you may not use another individual's ID to borrow a book or use their login information to access e-resources. Remote access to e-resources held by AU Library are limited to current AU students, staff, and faculty; other individuals may view these resources onsite at Bender Library.

Loan Policies

Loan periods for normal circulating materials: (Note: Loan periods may be shortened when items are recalled.)

• AU students, full-time AU staff: 6 weeks (42 days)
• AU faculty: From 6 weeks to 4 months, utilizing three fixed due dates per year (January 31, May 31, September 30); renewal is available 6 weeks prior to the due date.
• Alumni & Friends of AU Library Borrowers: 4 weeks on AU items (WRLC-wide borrowing privileges are not available)
• Wesley Theological Seminary students and faculty, members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at AU, & faculty participating in OCLC's Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program: 4 weeks on AU items

There is no limit to the number of books that AU and WRLC students, staff, and faculty may borrow. All other borrowers may check out up to twenty five (25) books at any one time. For more detailed borrowing policies, please refer to the Library Table of Privileges.

Renewals

Books from the general collections of the main WRLC libraries may be renewed online through your My Library Account. Please note that the following instructions do not apply to non-general collection items - DVDs, music, course reserves, games, equipment, etc.

Renewal Instructions

Note: Items borrowed through the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC) and interlibrary loan are listed separately. If you are having problems renewing, it may be for one of the following reasons:

• You have reached the Maximum Renewal Period.
• A recall has been placed on one of the books.
• You have $25.00 or more in library fines that you will need to pay off at any consortium library before you will be permitted to borrow further.
• Your library account has expired.

Book Returns

Books can be returned to the Borrowing Desk or in the 24 hour book drops located in the front and rear of the building. AU Library books may also be returned to any main WRLC library.

Overdue Fines

Borrowers are responsible for any overdue fines resulting from items returned late. A borrower assumes financial responsibility of borrowed items until they are returned. Fines per item must be paid in full; partial payment is not accepted. Payments of fines and fees may be made at the Borrowing Desk. Credit (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and EagleBuck$ are accepted. Credit card payments are also accepted by phone.

Fine Schedules and Policies

The overdue fine for a recalled item is $5.00 per day. Fine schedules on other materials (e.g., those borrowed from Course Reserves, the Music Library, Media Services) can be found by clicking the links. All fines may be paid at the Circulation and Course Reserves Desk.

Lost or Damaged Items and Lost Fees

A book will be considered "lost" after being overdue for 40 days. An $80.00 item replacement fee, a $30.00 processing fee, and a $10.00 overdue fine will be added to your account per lost item. The item replacement and processing fee will be forgiven if you return the AU book. Lost consortium items will need to be handled through their home library. If an AU book is truly lost, a replacement copy may be provided. Please see the AU Library Book Replacement Policy.

Blocks on Borrowing

Borrowing is blocked if fines/fees reach $25.00. If you have lost materials (late by 40 days or more) or have excessive fines, your library account may be blocked from further use. You may also have a stop placed on your University-wide (Student) Account. The library reserves the right to deny borrowing privileges to anyone based upon just cause.

Faculty Proxy

A faculty proxy enables faculty to authorize their research/teaching assistants to conduct research and borrow items in their name at the AU Library. All material checked out by a proxy is charged to the faculty member's account, placing the responsibility for the materials, including fines accrued, with the faculty member. Proxies must be currently enrolled AU students, staff or faculty.

Faculty members may authorize a proxy for a single semester or up to a full academic year by completing a Faculty Proxy Authorization Form and submitting it to the Borrowing Desk. After forms are signed by faculty, they may be submitted by the assistant. Faculty may also contact the Borrowing Desk to authorize proxy status.