Borrowing and Access

Borrowing and Access Policy 

Library material is available for borrowing and access by current SMC students, faculty, and staff, as well as Christian Brothers, alumni, affiliated scholars, and the general community.

Identification

All students, faculty, and staff must present a valid SMC identification card to borrow from the collection. All Alumni, community borrowers, families of college employees, and affiliate borrowers must obtain a library card from the Service Desk. Loss or theft of an identification card should be reported immediately to the Service Desk and contact the business office for a replacement.

Borrowing Privileges and Loan Periods

See our FAQ page on loan periods for a detailed breakdown of how long items can be checked out. 

Please note that some material does not circulate. Some examples of materials that do not circulate are reference books, periodicals, and special collections. All materials are subject to be recalled if needed for course reserve or if requested by another borrower.

Remote access to most electronic resources is limited by licensing agreements to current Saint Mary's faculty, staff, and students. Community users may use electronic resources on-site using a guest computer station. 

Borrower Responsibilities

Library borrowers are responsible for all materials checked out on their card. All eligible borrowers are expected to have a current postal and e-mail address on file with the library.

Borrowers are responsible for returning material by the due date. If circumstances require individuals to leave town, they should make arrangements for the prompt return of library material. Items charged to an individual must be returned in good condition, without evidence of defacement, mutilation, or other damage.

View or renew materials checked out, and check the status of books or DVDs on hold through your library account.

Books Not Found in the Stacks

Patrons may request library staff search for a missing book. A full search for missing material may take several days. Patrons will be notified of the results of the search. 

Recalls

All patrons are responsible for honoring recall requests. If a library item is checked out to another borrower, you may place a recall on it for your use. In the event an item is recalled, an email notice is generated with the new due date and sent to the current borrower. The current borrower will have up to 14 days from the date on which the recall is placed to return the recalled item. Failure to return a recalled item by the new due date will result in a loss of borrowing privileges until the item is returned.

Confidentiality

St. Albert Hall Library records relating to an individual patron's use of the library and its resources are confidential. Please see our Confidentiality Policy for more information.