Circulation Policies

Checkout Information

• Books & Bound Periodicals
• Special Materials
• Renewals
• Holds and Recalls
• Fines and Fees
• Lost Item Charges
• Additional Information
• Returning Materials

Checkout Information

Books & Bound Periodicals

 Current Periodicals may be checked out for a 2 hour period to UNT teaching faculty and to UNT librarians.  Approval from the collection where the periodical is located is required.

An item cannot be renewed if a Hold has been placed on it.

Books that are initially checked out for 6 weeks or for the semester term will have a reduction of the checkout period to 3 weeks if someone else request the books.

Special Materials

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Renewals

Books are eligible for renewal if:

• Requestor record is current
  
• Requestor is not blocked
• Books are regular circulating books
• Books are not at recall or hold status

There are no telephone or e-mail renewals.

 
Regular circulating library materials may be renewed in the following ways:

• By bringing the books in person to a circulation desk.  You must have your current, valid ID card with you to renew materials.
• Through the UNT Library Catalog.  Click on the "View Your Account/Renew Materials" button and follow the instructions given.  UNT faculty, staff and students will use their EUID and password. 
  

Questions regarding renewal should be referred to the Access Services Desk at 940/565-2413 or circ@unt.edu

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Holds and Recalls

If a regular circulating item is checked out, you may request a hold/recall on that item via the catalog, by email, or in person.  To place a hold/recall on an item please follow one of the two steps below:

• Go to one of our Circulation Desks.  Be sure to have your current ID card.
• Send an e-mail request to the Circulation Department .  Please be sure to include your name, your ID number, the call number and the title of the book.
• Click on the Recall/Hold Icon next to the item in the library catalog.

When a hold or recall is placed on an item, the user of the item will be asked to return the item at the end of a period three weeks from the initial checkout of that item.  Items on hold or recall cannot be renewed.  You will be notified by email when the item you recalled is available for checkout.

Items needed for faculty reserves may be recalled immediately.

Therefore, books that are initially checked out for 6 weeks or for the semester term will have a reduction of the checkout period to 3 weeks if someone else request the books.  Users who fail to respond to recall requests may be fined $2.00 per day in addition to the accrued regular fine.

If you are unable to locate an item on the shelf, you may request a locate by inquiring in person at the appropriate Circulation Desk.  A valid ID is required to place a locate.  If the item is missing, library personnel will attempt to locate it for you by searching for the item several times.  You will be notified when the item is available.

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Fines and Fees

Fines are assessed for all days that the materials are overdue regardless whether or not the Libraries are open.

Individuals who have been assessed a fine are responsible for payment of that fine regardless of whether or not a notice is received.

How to Pay a Fine

·         In person at the Access Services Desk located on the first floor of Willis Library

·         By phone at 940-565-2414

·         By mail.

Fine payments are accepted up to thirty minutes before the Access Services Desk closes.

To request a fine adjustment due to extenuating circumstances, please fill out the UNT Libraries Fine Waiver Request Form .

*Fine payments by check are now accepted at the Discovery Park Library (Circulation), the Eagle Commons Library and the Media Library during their hours of operation.

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Lost Item Charges

If you have lost an item in general circulation, the charges are computed as follows:

Lost item charges consist of 2 parts:

• The cost of the item (from "Books In Print" or from the average "NEW" price for books in that subject area if the book is no longer in print)
• A processing fee of $30.00
  

 Damaged materials:

• For writing in or marking the pages of library books, the charge will be $10.00 per item. If the book is not usable due to the number of pages marked, or additional damage, the full Lost Book Fee will be charged.
  
• Materials that are returned damaged but salvageable:  You will be billed $15.00 for mending/rebinding.
• Materials that are returned damaged and not salvageable:  You will be billed for the cost of the item plus the $30.00 processing fee and in some instances, all or a portion of the fines due may also be charged.
  

    Lost item charges for reserve materials, periodicals and other special collections:

• The cost as determined by the Libraries
• A processing fee of $30.00
• A $26.50 service fee
• The maximum fine for the material type
  

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Additional Information

• The location of  Fines & Blocks  is:  Access Services Desk, 1st floor of Willis Library
  
• The mailing address for  Fines & Blocks is:
  

University of North Texas Libraries
Fines & Blocks

1155 Union Circle #305190
Denton, Texas  76203

• Items may be checked out at any of the circulation desks by presenting a current ID card that is honored by the UNT Libraries.
• All IDs are non-transferable.
• You are responsible for all library materials checked out to your ID number and for any fines incurred.
• Patrons who willfully steal, destroy, or damage library property may be subject to university disciplinary action, resulting in possible loss of privileges, replacement fees, probation, suspension, or further action.  Theft of library books or other property is a criminal offense.  Damage to library materials includes, but is not limited to:  spills from food and drink or other substances, damage to the cover or spine, cutting or tearing pages, dog-earing pages, or writing on the pages with pencil, pen, or other markers.
  
• You are responsible for the security of your ID card.  You will be responsible for materials checked out on the lost/stolen ID if it has not been reported lost prior to the unauthorized use.  Report lost cards immediately to the University ID Office (ESSC 105, 940/565-4481).
• The Libraries may block you from checking out additional library materials if you have overdue or lost items or other financial obligations to the Libraries.
• You will be blocked from checking out additional library materials if we have an incorrect address.

 

Returning Materials

Regular circulating items may be returned to any of our book drops. 

Book drop locations:

• Willis Library first floor Access Services Desk
• Willis Library outside book drop
• Highland Street book drop
• Eagle Commons Library Service Desk
• Eagle Commons Library outside book drop
• Discovery Park, M130

Special collection items need to be returned to the desk where they were checked out.

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