Library Policy - Membership and Borrowing

2. Borrowing

2.1 Borrowing Conditions

2.2 Short Loans

Short loan items are held behind the staff desk and can be identified by a red label on the spine.

These items have been identified as core texts for NTI subjects and have a loan period of 1 day to ensure all students have an opportunity to access the materials.

Five short loan items can be borrowed at a time, and renewals are only permitted if no other students have reserved the item. Please ask staff for assistance with short loan materials.

2.3 Postal Loans

Students and staff who live outside the area may request to have loans delivered by post (this excludes large Items).

Postage is free, however students and staff will cover any costs for return postage.

2.4 University of Wollongong reciprocal borrowing agreement

NTI and UOW share a reciprocal borrowing agreement by which NTI staff and students are eligible to register for 'guest' membership to UOW Library. Borrowing conditions can be found on the UOW library website.

NTI staff and students may visit the UOW library website to access the membership form, and should include 'Nan Tien Institute' in the 'place of employment' field.

2.5 Inter-library Loans

NTI academic staff and Masters students producing a research project are able to request inter-library loans from other libraries around Australia, for items not held at NTI.

Borrowing conditions are set by the lending library. The Library will inform members of any conditions attached to the loan.

2.6 Reserves

Members are able to place a reserve on an item to ensure they are next in line to borrow. This applies to items that are available for loan, or items currently out on loan.

The item will be set aside for one week to await collection. After 7 days the reserve will expire and the item will be returned to the shelf and available for loan to other members.

2.7 Renewals

See section 3.1 for renewals available to each membership category. Items can be renewed via a member's Library Account, or via phone, email or in person.

Items cannot be renewed if they have been reserved by another member.

2.8 Returns

Items may be returned to the Library during opening hours, or by post.

Items cannot be returned to Nan Tien Temple. Individuals who are unable to return items during opening hours or by post may contact the Library to make alternative arrangements.

3. Overdue Items and Fines

3.1 Overdue Items

Members will receive five emails notifying them of their loan status:

1. An advance notice of items soon due
2. A notice that items are now due
3. First notice that items are a week overdue
4. Second notice that items are over a week overdue
5. Third notice that items are four weeks overdue and borrowing is now restricted until the overdue items are returned

Overdue items may be renewed to remove overdue status and reinstate borrowing rights if the maximum number of renewals has not been exceeded. The Library recognises circumstances where members may have difficulty returning items, particularly in circumstances where students travel to NTI for study or study online. Extended renewals may be permitted for extenuating circumstances at the Librarian's discretion.

3.2 Lost/Damaged Items

The Library charges fines for:

• Lost or very overdue items (items not returned within 6 months of due date)
• Damaged items

Items that fall into these categories will incur a fine of:

• Replacement fee equal to commercial value of item, plus
• $10 processing fee

Fines apply to all Library members, regardless of member category.

Queries regarding fines should be directed to Library staff.

3.3 Invoice and Payment

Invoices are generated by Accounting and delivered by the Library. Members may pay fines via:

Members may wish to appeal a fine by providing reasons for extenuating circumstances. Appeals may be addressed to the Library via email.