If the Library's copy of an item is checked out (and alternate copies are not available) a user may place a recall request.
Placing a Recall Request
- To recall an item that is checked-out use the REQUEST button in OBIS
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the current borrower will be notified of the need to return the item within a short time frame
- the requestor will be notified via email when the item is ready for check-out
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Items checked-out to OhioLINK cannot be recalled but a hold will be placed on the item preventing a renewal.
Alternatives to Recalling a Book
- Request an available copy from another OhioLINK institution (see more on OhioLINK borrowing).
- Suggest the library acquire an additional copy
- Faculty may place items for which there is high demand on reserve, where short loan periods and high fines allow wider access to materials
Notification of Recall
- Borrowers are notified immediately via email when an the item they have checked out has been recalled and what the new due date is.
Minimum Use
- Borrowers have exclusive use of library materials for one week from the time of check-out. (items needed for reserve may be called back sooner). After that, books may be called back and due at any time.
Fines
- Borrowers are fined $10/day up to a maximum of $50. Fines stop accruing at the moment the book is returned or when the borrower brings a problem to our attention. Fines do not stop accruing if the explanation for 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.
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.
The policy has been endorsed by the Director of Libraries and the General Faculty Library Committee.