When it comes to lost or damaged materials from public libraries in Fairfax, Virginia, there are certain policies that must be followed. It is important to understand these policies in order to ensure that you are not charged for items that you have not damaged or lost. At George Mason University, only items from the circulating collections are loaned out. This means that current periodicals, microforms, and some multimedia materials are not available for borrowing.
Your Mason ID card or library-issued borrower card is not transferable and must be used by the same person each time. To ensure that as many people as possible have access to library materials, libraries reserve the right to remove an item from any user after the minimum loan period or immediately if the item is needed for a course reservation. Materials taken from any Mason library or from any WRLC library can be returned to any George Mason University library, regardless of where they were collected. There are outdoor mailboxes available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for returning materials.
Reserve items must not be returned to mailboxes. If you think you have returned an item that is still showing as removed from your account, you can fill out a return claim form. Recalled items cannot be renewed by the person from whom they were removed. Users who receive a recall notice must return the item to any George Mason University Library circulation counter before the adjusted expiration date in order to avoid a substantial fine.
Items needed for course reservations will be picked up by library staff. Users are financially responsible for items removed from their library account. Fines can be paid with Mason Money at the circulation desk of any library (cash or credit cards are not accepted). In some cases, a user may be allowed to offer a new copy of a book to replace one that was lost or destroyed while in their possession.
Customers should check with the circulation desk to find out if this may be an option for their circumstances. This option is not available for multimedia or reference items. Once all expired items have been returned and all outstanding fines and fees have been paid, the library will process an exemption from the suspension. Users must wait one business day for the suspension to be released once all fines and fees have been paid. Teachers can reserve class homework and reading materials for use by students. Printed and newspaper stock items are kept behind the circulation desks of the Fenwick, Mercer and Mason Square libraries.
If you have questions about circulation or other library policies, visit or call any of our libraries. If proof of address is not available, the registrant can receive a card and pick up 10 items. On their next visit or within 60 days, whichever comes first, the person must provide proof of address or the account will be deleted from the system. No late payment charges for overdue items have been eliminated. Fees are charged for lost or damaged materials.
Items are considered lost 21 days after the expiration date. If you have lost or damaged an item, you will be charged a fee based on the degree of damage done to it. Materials left for public collection or published without the knowledge and approval of the library staff at each branch will be discarded without notice. The materials available at Frederick County Public Libraries serve to meet the diverse needs and interests of the community and represent a variety of viewpoints in accordance with the mission, vision, and core values of Frederick County Public Libraries, the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights (see Annex B) and the ALA Declaration on Reading Freedom (see Annex C). Library users should use judgment and discrimination when evaluating material found on the Internet. Frederick County Public Libraries are a place for everyone, shared by the community and used by many people for very different reasons. Priority is given to library programs and services first, government publications and local events dated second, and all other publications third.
These policies seek to reflect the mission, vision, and values established by library staff and approved by the Board, and serve to help staff provide the best possible service to citizens of Frederick County. Frederick County Public Library meeting rooms provide an opportunity to bring together county resources and community activities. Frederick County Public Libraries take security and confidentiality of personal data very seriously. The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that basic policies should guide their services. The Library Board of Trustees (Council) will consider naming Frederick County public library facilities in accordance with criteria and procedures set forth in this Policy.
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