Circulation

Purpose

The MUSM Library/LRC circulation policy is designed to make library and LRC materials equally accessible to all eligible borrowers. Full borrowing privileges are extended to faculty, staff, students, and residents of MUSM. Mercer University faculty members may also check out materials. Other Mercer staff and students may check out some materials as specified in the Circulation Policy section below. Community members may use materials only while in the library. Library users must have established a library account before checking out materials. When circulation assistance is requested, such as for checkout or renewal, the library staff requests that you have your Mercer ID card (BearCard) with you.

Circulation Policy

• Audiocassettes 7 Days (MUSM faculty & students only)
• Books
  • MUSM Students 14 Days
  • Clerkship students, MUSM residents, MUSM faculty & staff, MU faculty 30 Days
  • Mercer University students 7 days
    
• National Board review books 3 days - check out to MUSM students, faculty, & residents only
  
• Monographic Series 7 days (Faculty only)
• Journals No checkout
• Reference Materials No checkout
• Reserve Materials
  • Reserve 1 4 Hours or overnight (MUSM faculty & students only)
  • Reserve 2 30 Days or length of rotation (MUSM faculty & students only)
  • Reserve P & Reserve M 4 Hours (MUSM faculty & students only)
• Audiovisuals* 1 Day (MUSM faculty & students only)
  
  * Audiovisuals may not leave the medical education building except in special cases.

Materials may be renewed up to 6 times if no other patron has placed a hold on the item(s).

Overdue Or Lost Materials

Instead of charging cash fines for overdue items, the Library charges Penalty Points for Reserve materials and for National Board Review materials. Points accrue at the rate of 1 point/hour overdue for Reserves, and 4 points/day for National Board Reviews. When enough points accumulate, borrowing privileges are suspended. If there is a question about the number of points accumulated or why a suspension has gone into effect, check with the Circulation Manager (478-301-2541) during business hours.

Patrons with other overdue materials may not check out additional items until his/her circulation record is cleared by Library staff. Overdue notices are sent out on a regular basis. The staff asks that you make every attempt to help keep materials available for all users. If you have a special need to keep material, please speak with the Circulation Manager (478-301-2541).

Lost or misplaced books should be reported to the Circulation Desk. Borrowers are responsible for payment of replacement charges for lost or damaged materials. Replacement charges include the current price of the item plus a $10 processing fee. Refunds cannot be made for any lost and paid materials which are subsequently located and returned.