University Libraries

Circulation

Our libraries are open to members of the University community and the general public. Students, faculty and staff of the University may check out materials from the libraries. For other circulation policies, please see below.

• Check your account information online
• Contact George Mason University Libraries Circulation Departments
• Borrowing Materials
• Loan Periods
• Book Renewals
• Book Returns
• Recalls
• Fines
• Lost or Damaged Library Materials
• Suspension of Library Privileges and University Suspension
• Reserves
• Questions

Contact George Mason Libraries Circulation Departments

Arlington Campus Library -- 703-993-8188

Fenwick Library -- 703-993-2240

Johnson Center Library -- 703-993-9060

Mercer Library (Prince William) -- 703-993-8340

Borrowing Materials

• The University photo ID serves as a valid library card for Mason students, faculty and staff. Authorized non-Mason patrons receive a library card with barcode, which should be presented at the circulation desk along with a picture ID.
• Because patrons become financially responsible for items checked out on their library account, materials will not be checked out to any person who does not present a valid Mason ID or library card. The University Libraries do not permit any person to check out materials on anyone else's ID. This policy includes spouses and other family members. The only exception is for faculty/graduate student proxy arrangements, which must be set up in advance.
• Only items from the circulating collections are loaned. Periodicals, reference books, microforms, and some media materials normally do not circulate.
• Members of the general public may obtain borrowing privileges by joining the Library Passport Program. Information on this program and applications are available at the circulation desk at any Mason library.

Loan Periods
Standard loan periods for items from the Fenwick, Johnson Center, Mercer Library/Prince William Campus, and Arlington Campus Libraries circulating collections are:

Undergraduate - 4 weeks

Graduate - 6 weeks (Items may be recalled after four weeks)

Faculty/Staff - 1 term (Items may be recalled after four weeks)

Affiliates - 3 weeks

In order to provide access to library materials for as many patrons as possible, the Libraries reserve the right to recall an item from any patron after the minimum loan, or immediately if the item is needed for Course Reserve.

Book Renewals
Patrons may renew items three times (except affiliate members who may renew once.) Books requested by other patrons will not be renewed. Items may be renewed online, in person at any library circulation desk, by telephone (voice mail) at 703-993-2243. Voice mail renewals require one working day to process. When renewing, please provide:

1. your library barcode number from your Mason ID or library card;
2. the barcode number from the book(s) you wish to renew.

Book Returns
Materials borrowed from any Mason library or from any WRLC library may be returned to any George Mason University Libraries circulation desk or at the information desk at the Johnson Center, regardless of where they were checked out. The University Libraries do not have any drop boxes where materials may be returned when the libraries are not open. Current hours for the University Libraries are posted here

Recalls
Mason students, faculty, and staff may recall an item that is checked out to another patron. Items may be recalled by going to the online catalog, searching for the item that is needed, and clicking the Request button at the top of the page. The patron who has the item will be notified to return it after they have had it in their possession for a minimum of four weeks or the remainder of their loan period (whichever is shorter), regardless of the patron's standard loan period. Recalled items cannot be renewed by the person from whom they are recalled. Patrons who receive a recall notice must return the item to any George Mason University Libraries circulation desk by the adjusted due date to avoid a substantial fine. Items needed for reserve will be recalled by library staff.

Fines
In order to ensure prompt return of library materials, fines are charged on overdue items. Fines accrue at $.25 per day per item for normal circulation. Fines for recalled items accrue at $5.00 per day per item.  See below for fines on reserve items.

Lost or Damaged Library Materials

• Patrons are responsible for replacement of lost or severely damaged library materials. The current replacement charge for lost books is set at $67.00 per book, plus an additional $30.00 processing fee. These charges are in addition to any overdue fines already owed on the materials.
• Items that are damaged but not destroyed while in a patron's possession will result in fines consistent with the degree of damage.
• In some cases, a patron may be permitted to offer a new copy of a book to replace one that was lost or destroyed while in their possession. Patrons should check with the circulation department to find out if this may be an option for their circumstances.

Suspension of Library Privileges and University Suspension
Students with unpaid library fines in excess of $25.00 and/or with more than 5 overdue items are not permitted to borrow any more library materials and are also placed on University Suspension. Suspension prevents the student from graduating, registering for classes, or obtaining official University transcripts. Once the student has returned all overdue items and paid all outstanding library fines and fees, the library will process a release from suspension. Patrons should allow one business day for release of a suspension after all fines and fees have been paid.

Reserves
The Print and Media Reserve Collections, located at the Johnson Center Library, Mercer Library, and Arlington Campus Library, contain class reading assignments and materials temporarily placed on reserve by faculty for student use. Loan periods for these materials are established by the library in cooperation with the professor and are generally 2 hours (for In Library Use Only), 1 day, 3 days or 7 days. A valid library card must be presented at the desk to use these materials. Overdue fines accrue at a rate of $2.40 per hour per item and are prorated by the minute.

Print and media reserve items are kept behind the circulation desk at the Johnson Center, Mercer, and Arlington Campus Libraries. To use a reserve item:

1. check the Library Catalog to locate the call number;
2. take the call number to the Reserve Desk.

Items must be returned to the Reserve Desk where they were borrowed. University Libraries E-Reserves are items that have been digitized and made available through the University Libraries' website by request of a faculty member for the use of a specific class. Students in a class which has assigned readings that are on e-reserve will receive a password from their instructor that will permit them access to the materials online.

Questions
If you have questions about circulation or other library policies, please stop by or call any of our libraries.