Library Information & Policies

Borrowing Privileges and Responsibilities

Library Fines and Fees

Renewals and Recalls

Library Equipment and Reserves

Interlibrary Loan

Borrowing Privileges and Responsibilities

Library materials are loaned only when a library user presents a current photo ID (faculty, staff, students) or a library issued card with photo ID verification (guest borrowers, alumni). Library users are responsible for all items checked out to their account and should never loan ID cards, library cards, or library materials to others.

Library information is primarily communicated via email but can also be attained by calling the library at 678-839-6502. Communicated information includes due date information, fine/fee notices, and recall updates. Email addresses for university-affiliated users are provided by Banner and for other users it is provided when the library card is issued. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that this information is correct and up to date. Failure to receive notification does not relieve the borrower of the obligation to return materials when they are due or to pay all assessed charges.

Borrowing from other Institutions

The University of West Georgia allows users to borrow items from other institutions via Gil Express and Interlibrary Loan, depending on patron status and user group. Gil Express and Interlibrary Loan are available only to currently enrolled undergraduate students, graduate students, UWG emeriti faculty, and university staff. Loan and fine information for items obtained through these systems are outlined in the User Group Borrowing Policies. Information about these loans will be communicated via email. It is the responsibility of the user to return all materials and pay all fines associated with these loans.

Library Fines and Fees

Fines are assessed to ensure the return of materials or to purchase replacement materials in the event that items are not returned or have received damage. Below are explanations of the different fines assessed, how to pay fines, and what occurs if fines are not paid. Charges and fines are cumulative and are not erased at the end of academic terms.

Overdue Fines

Overdue fines are charged for all items that are kept past their set loan period. The chart below details the fines for overdue materials. Library users are responsible for returning and/or renewing materials whether an overdue notice is received or not.

Recall Fines

If an item on a user account has been recalled, that user will receive notification of an updated due date. Failure to return the item by the updated due date will result in a $1.00/day recall fine (per recalled item). All patrons are required to pay recall fines. For more information on the recall process, see the Recalls section.

Replacement Charges

Replacement costs are charged for any item that is lost or is returned in damaged condition. The chart below outlines the current replacement costs for lost materials and all other applicable fees. All lost items will automatically have a holding fine of $100 until the item is assessed and the appropriate fines and fees are determined. The chart below reflects the correct replacement costs, not the holding fine.
Replacement charges will be refunded if the item paid for is returned in good condition within 90 days of payment.

Fine Payment

Fines can be paid by cash, check, or credit card at the library circulation desk during open hours. Check payments are accepted via mail and credit card payments are accepted over the phone. Credit card payments must be over $1.00.

• To pay over the phone call 678-839-6502. 
• To mail payment, use the following address: 

ATTN: Ingram Library
University of West Georgia
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA 30118

Failure to pay Fines and Fees

Fines stay on a patron's account until they are paid. Failure to pay fines and fees can cause delays in registration, transcripts, refunds, etc. University employees are subject to the rules set forth in the employee handbook about financial obligations to the institution. For all patrons, library privileges will be suspended until materials are returned or fines and fees are paid.
 

Renewals

Renewals are subject to library account status and item type. Renewals can be made in person at the Circulation desk, over the phone, or via the user’s online library account. Not all materials can be renewed without bringing items to the library in person. 

Renewals will not be granted if the title has been recalled, the item’s renewal limit has been exceeded, or there is a block on the user’s account. 

Recalls

If a desired item is checked out to another user, a recall can be initiated at the Circulation Desk.  The person in possession of the item that is recalled will be guaranteed a loan period of 28 days (or less depending on its item type). Items needed for reserves may be recalled at any time.  When the recalled item is returned, the requester will be notified.  Recalled items will be held at the Circulation Desk for seven days. 
Materials are not recalled for Community Borrowers.
 

Library Equipment and Reserves

The library offers a catalog of various equipment for checkout on reserve. Ability to checkout these items is dependent upon user account status and item type. Item availability can be checked in the loan period tables of each User Group Borrowing Policies section. If checkout is available, a photo ID is required for checkout. 

Library Equipment includes but is not limited to: laptops (in library use only), wired headphones, headsets with microphones, dry erase marker kits, graphing and scientific calculators, phone chargers, study room keys (2 IDs needed for checkout).

Course Reserves

The library works with University faculty to keep a collection of Course Reserves materials available to currently enrolled students for checkout. Loan periods are determined by the faculty member placing materials on Course Reserves. Only one item from Course Reserves may be checked out at a time and items are not renewable. Ability to checkout these items is dependent upon user account status and item type. Course Reserves materials are checked out and returned at the Circulation Desk.