Library Handbook

Download a pdf of the handbook by clicking here.

Circulation Policies

Registration

All library users must renew their registration cards each year. See a library staff member for details.

• Students from ACTS (Association of Chicago Theological Schools) schools need to have a valid ACTS card and a student ID in order to register.
• Individuals from the University of Chicago need to show a U of C ID. Registration is also subject to verification of status with the University Libraries.
• UCC and local area ministers are given limited borrowing privileges.
• Alumni and clergy are requested to limit their use to ten books at a time.

Checkout Procedures

Circulating Books
Circulating books are checked out to patrons by library staff members.


Reserve Materials
Reserve items are shelved behind the Circulation Desk and must be obtained and checked out for you by a library staff member. Reserve books may be checked out of the library 30 minutes before closing and are due 30 minutes after opening. Overdue fines for reserve material accrue at $3.00 per day.

Non-book materials and Special Collections
Any item with a color coded overlay in the card catalog must be retrieved by staff. Please allow one day for such retrieval. Extremely fragile material will not be loaned.

Circulation Periods

Reference materials and periodicals do not circulate. Due dates for interlibrary loan items are set by the lending library.

Books: 90 Days
Reserve Books: Overnight (from half hour before closing)
Cassette Tapes, Kits, Videos: One Week
AV Equipment: Overnight
Curriculum: Special Arrangement
Lowenbach Materials: Special Arrangement

Fines

Patrons are responsible for remembering when their materials are due. Failure to return, renew or pay fines on overdue materials will result in a hold placed on the student's registration and transcript. The student will not be permitted to borrow from any other ACTS libraries.

Reserve Books: $3.00/day
Recalled Books: $3.00/day
Interlibrary Loans: $0.25/day
Circulating Books: $0.25/day
Once a book has been overdue more than 30 days, the fine will be the cost of the book, plus a $10 processing fee

Recalls

Any book may be recalled after 2 weeks; books needed for reserve can be recalled at any time. A recalled book is due within 1 week; fines accrue at the rate of $3.00 per day.

Renewals

Books: Books may by renewed starting ten days before the due date. A list giving author, title, and call number must be submitted to the Circulation Desk. There is a limit of three renewals for CTS students and staff. Books that have been out for a year must be returned to the library. They can usually be re-checked out at that time. Non-CTS patrons may renew materials only once.

Interlibrary Loans: Interlibrary Loan items may possibly be renewed, but a request must be made to the Library Assistant one week before the due date. Renewals are at the discretion of the lending library.