Checkout Proceedures

All library materials must be properly checked out at the Information Desk. Your PSU ID card is also your library card, so for faster service, have it on hand when you wish to check out materials. Phonograph recordings, periodicals, and Reference Collection books cannot be checked out. These materials must be used in the Library. Materials that are not properly checked out will trigger the security alarm at the gate. All incidents with the security alarm are recorded and may result in disciplinary action.

Community Borrower’s Cards

Borrowers’ cards are NOT transferable. A satisfactory picture identification may be requested, along with your library card, to check out library materials. You should not lend library materials to any other person or check out materials for any other person. You are responsible for all library materials borrowed in your name until those materials are returned to the library.

Community Patrons must keep your mailing and/or email addresses current so that notices such as recalls and overdues will be delivered to your correct address. PSU library users may update their mailing address information under the “Services tab” on myPlymouth. Library charges incurred due to failure to deliver notices related to inaccurate email address information will not be canceled.

For lost or missing Community Patron library cards, please call (603)535-2832. You are responsible for any library materials checked out with the card before its loss is reported to the library.

Loan Periods

Undergraduates

Books from the general collection may be checked out for 30 days. A maximum of 200 items may be checked out at any one time. Loan periods and item limits for other collections, such as the Videos/DVDs, Curriculum Lab, Children’s Literature, Government Publications and Special Collections may differ. The due dates will be provided on a receipt when book when checked out.

Graduate Students

Books from the general collection may be checked out for 90 days. A maximum of 200 items may be checked out at any one time. Loan periods and item limits for other collections, such as the Videos/DVDs, Curriculum Lab, Children’s Literature, Government Publications and Special Collections may differ. The due dates will be provided on a receipt when book when checked out.

PSU Faculty and PATs

Books from the general collection may be checked out for 180 days. A maximum of 200 items may be checked out at any one time. Loan periods and item limits for other collections, such as the Videos/DVDs, Curriculum Lab, Children’s Literature, Government Publications and Special Collections may differ. The due dates will be provided on a receipt when book when checked out.

PSU OS and Supplemental Staff

Books from the general collection may be checked out for 90 days. A maximum of 200 items may be checked out at any one time. Loan periods and item limits for other collections, such as the Videos/DVDs, Curriculum Lab, Children’s Literature, Government Publications and Special Collections may differ. The due dates will be provided on a receipt when book when checked out.

Community/NHCUC Users

Books from the general collection may be checked out for 30 days. A maximum of 20 items may be checked out at any one time. Loan periods and item limits for other collections, such as the Videos/DVDs, Curriculum Lab, Children’s Literature, Government Publications and Special Collections may differ. The due dates will be provided on a receipt when materials are checked out.

Returning Books

Items borrowed are due back in the Library by closing time on the date due. Please return materials to the bin near the Circulation Desk, or to the overnight book drops (located outside to the left of the Library entrance). Books may also be returned at the Circulation Desk counter and receipts for returned items are available upon request.

Fines

It is important that all checked-out materials are returned promptly by their due date. For materials not returned by the due date, you will receive three overdue notices within a 30 day grace period. If the item is not returned within 30 days after the due date, you will be billed by the University Bursar for replacement cost of the book. Outstanding library charges, are treated like any unpaid University bills, and may result in financial encumbrance which can obstruct registration or graduation. Items returned 180 days (approximately 6 months) after the billed date will not be refunded.
There are specific fines for Reserve items:
One-Hour Reserve Materials: $1.00 per hour
Overnight or 3-Day Reserves: $1.00 per day

Community patrons with items more than 30 days overdue will be mailed a bill for replacement cost of the book. Additionally, Community patron will have their account suspended until all overdue items are returned and outstanding bills are paid in full.

Renewals

All library patrons may renew materials one time beyond the initial loan period, provided there are no other patrons requesting use of the material. The renewal period will be equal to the original loan period. PSU users may renew the items through “My Account” under the library tab in myPlymouth. Community Patrons may renew items by phone and as well as in person.

Recalls

All faculty, students and staff may recall materials from other library users. This means that if something you want is checked out to someone else, you may recall it, and the person who has the item will have to return it. Items may be recalled at any time, however, the original borrower gets a minimum loan period of three weeks for most books from the general collection.

If an item you have borrowed is recalled, you must return the item by the new due date. Items not returned by the new recall due date are subject to fines. All library materials are subject to immediate rush recall by the Reserve Book Service. Recall fines are $1.00 per day for regular recalls and $2.50 per day for rush recalls. The maximum fine is $20. Being out of town does not excuse recall fines. Community borrowers may not recall items.

Interlibrary Loan

PSU Students, faculty, and staff may use Interlibrary Loan to request items from other libraries if PSU does not own the item. Community borrowers may not use the Interlibrary Loan service.

Responsible Use of Facilities and Materials

It is your responsibility to keep track of library materials which are checked out to you. A list of items on your record is available in “My Account” on the Library tab in MyPlymouth. You should respond immediately to recall and overdue notices.

Materials must be returned to the library in the same physical condition as when they were checked out. Highlighting or marking in items, or inserting Post-it notes or folding pages, is prohibited and damages will be charged to the borrower. Theft, mutilation, or defacement of Library materials is punishable by law (imprisonment up to six months and a fine not to exceed $1000). Offenses are referred to the PSU Judicial Office for appropriate action.

Library materials are limited resources that must be shared with several thousand other students, and should be treated with care and consideration. You are held accountable for any materials checked out to you that are returned in damaged condition.

Deliberate mutilation or theft of books and periodicals is more than a violation of respect for materials that tuition dollars from you and other potential users have paid for. It is also a violation of State law, and is subject to disciplinary action. Stealing or defacing library materials is also a violation of academic integrity. For more information on this topic consult the PSU catalog under “Academic Policies and Procedures.” More importantly, if you see anyone defacing materials report this immediately to the Information Desk.

All Plymouth State University students, faculty, staff and Community patrons are expected to abide by the rules governing student conduct outlined in the student handbook. A copy of these rules is on reserve at the Information Desk. Staff members are always concerned about the safety of our patrons. Please contact a staff member if you need any assistance.

Use of Materials from Pease Public Library

The Town of Plymouth kindly extends borrowing privileges at Pease Public Library (Plymouth’s public library) to all Plymouth State University students, full or part-time, for the duration of their matriculation at PSU. Plymouth State University students will be treated as all other patrons, with the exception of the overdue procedures followed. While Pease Public Library will generate initial notifications of overdue materials, records of students not returning materials at each semester’s end will be sent to appropriate staff at Lamson Library. If students fail to return materials or make suitable reparation, a hold will be placed on their account and, as with any other hold, it may result in a Plymouth State University financial encumbrance which will obstruct a student’s registration, receipt of transcripts, graduation, and diploma. We are grateful for Pease Public Library’s generosity in extending borrowing privileges. Please be considerate of this gift; it is one that could easily be revoked if it is abused.