Library Policies and Services
Loan Periods
Loan periods vary according to the type of material borrowed and the borrower’s status. Borrowers are responsible for returning items on time and in good condition. Loans of one day or longer are due by closing time on the due date.
| Patron Classification | Books & AVs | Reference | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students & Staff | 2 weeks | In library only | In library |
| Faculty | 4 weeks | In library only | In library |
| Alumni | 2 weeks | In library only | In library only |
| Local Pastors | 2 weeks | In library only | In library only |
| Visitors | In library only | In library only | In library only |
Renewing Items
Items may be renewed unless there they have a hold for another patron. Reserve materials may not be renewed.
An automated email reminder notice is sent three days prior to the due date of items checked out.
Renewal requests must be sent on or before due date. Renewals for items may be done in person, over the phone (206-876-6119), by email, or online. If an item is overdue it must be returned to the library. Once it is returned, as long as there are no holds on the item, it may be checked out again.
Placing Holds on Items
If an item is checked out, another patron may place a hold on the item. The patron who has the item checked out will not be able to renew it and the hold requestor will be notified by e-mail when the item has been returned and is available. Holds may be placed in person, over the phone, by email, or online.
Reserves
Reserves are available for in-library use on the open Reserves shelves in the library. They are in order first by course number, then by item call number. These items should always be checked out by a library or front desk staff person. This helps count usage and keeps track of the time due back for other requesters.
Reserve items are designated with a blue “Reserve” sticker. They can be checked out for 3 hours during the day. Reserve items should be returned for at least 15 minutes before being checked out again to allow other students the opportunity to have access to them.
Overdue Fines & Replacement Costs
The Seattle School Library has finite resources and we wish to ensure equitable access to all students. Patrons are encouraged to be prompt in renewing and returning items so that our community can access them.
Overdue fines may be assessed in the following cases:
- Late fines are assessed for Reserve items at a rate $.50 per hour.
- Late fines are assessed for items in the General Collection and AV collection at $.50 per day.
- Lost or damaged items and items overdue for more than a month may be billed for the actual cost to replace the item and a $15.00 fee.
Unpaid fines and fees will be added to the student’s account at the end of each term.
Computer Access
The Library has a computer lab for use by students, faculty, and staff. Personal laptops may connect to the wireless network. Instructions for setting up this access are available in the library. An audiovisual viewing station is available for watching DVD or VHS materials in the library. Headphones are required to use this station; you may use your own or use the set available at the viewing station.
Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy
Printing
A printer/photocopier/scanner is available in the library. Scanning documents is free, and there is a minimal charge for printing/photocopying:
- $0.08 for a single-sided, black & white page
- $0.12 for a double-sided, black & white page
- $0.25 per side in color
Students can access their printing accounts to view their balance, add funds, and print wirelessly while on-campus.
Copyright
Copyright is a form of legal protection provided by U.S, law, Title 17 U.S.C. §512(c) (2), that protects an owner’s right to control the reproduction, distribution, performance, display and transmission of a copyrighted work. The public, in turn, is provided with specific rights for fair use of copyrighted works.
The Library uses due diligence in complying with all of the provisions of the U.S. Copyright Law (17 U.S.C.) and its amendments, as well as the Digital Rights Management Act, as well as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. The library supports the Fair Use section of the Copyright Law (17 U.S.C. 107) which permits and protects citizens’ rights to reproduce and make use of copyrighted works for the purposes of teaching, scholarship, and research.
Unauthorized Distribution of Copyrighted Material on The Seattle School Network
Public Libraries
You are eligible for a free library card in your county of residence. As a student of The Seattle School, you are also eligible for a Seattle Public Library card. Other libraries in the region include:
King County Library System
Pacific Lutheran University
Pierce County Library System
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Public Library
Seattle University Library
Sno-Isle Library System
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma Public Library
Reciprocal Borrowing Program
We are a member of two theological library consortiums that offer reciprocal borrowing privileges. Students and faculty of participating schools may borrow physical items from other participating schools, subject to that school’s circulation times frames. Together, there are more than 300 libraries around the country, so it is worth checking to see if there is a school nearby your home.
Learn more about which libraries participate in these programs:
Atla Reciprocal Borrowing Program
Association of Christian Librarians Reciprocal Borrowing Program