Library Policies

Collection Development Policy: 

See attached document for the policy regarding selection criteria for all items purchased for or donated to the library.

Gift Policy:

See attached document for the policy regarding specific criteria for all items donated to the library.

Borrowing Policy

WAtKins Library Resources may be checked out by Watkins faculty, staff, degree-seeking Students, Alumni and Community education Instructors. Fisk university students may also check out Watkins library materials with a student ID. We apologize, but our Community Education students are welcome to only peruse our materials in the library; they are not allowed to check out materials. See Library staff for more information.

Up to 10 Books may be checked out for a period of 3 weeks.

Up to 3 DVDs can be checked out for a period of 1 week.

Fines after the check out period: fines of 10 cents per day for books and $1.00 per day for DVDs will be applied to each item.

Renew Circulating items may be renewed up to 4 times if they are not requested by another patron. To renew contact a librarian via email [email protected] or phone (615-277-7427), or just come by the Library to renew items by the due date. You do not have to have the item with you to renew.  Failure to return library materials in a timely fashion or to pay fines of $20 dollars or more will result in the suspension of borrowing privileges.

Reminders regarding unreturned items will be sent regularly via email. Four weeks after the due date, unreturned materials will be considered “lost” and you will be billed for the cost of replacements.

Lost Items

Bills for unreturned materials will include the replacement cost of the item plus a processing fee of $40 for in-print materials. For out-of-print materials, a $50 processing fee will be added to the replacement cost. Please keep in mind that many items cost between $50 and $100 to replace, with some titles considerably exceeding this amount.  This money can be refunded to you if you find the item within 6 months.

Patrons are encouraged to return all items in a timely fashion, but if you do lose an item you do have the option to replace the item yourself. Processing fees will be waived, however, the item must be the same edition or version.

course reserves

Items selected by professors may be placed on reserve for a specific class.  These items are found on the Library reserve shelves according to class.  Depending on expected demand, items may be designated “library use only”, “1 day check out”, or “3 day check out”.  See the Course Reserve page for more information and the Course Reserve Request form.

Items on course reserve are due by noon on the day due.  Fine for late returns is $5 per day.

Grade or Transcript Holds

Unpaid bills for lost items, failure to return items, or fines of $20 or more will result in a hold on your academic record. You will not be able to register, request transcripts, or receive your grades until the bill is paid.

damages

Students will be billed for damaged items. Intentionally damaging library property will result in disciplinary action.