Question: How do I borrow library materials?

ANSWER:

• How do I borrow a book from the library?
  First-time borrowers need to establish and confirm the information in the Library circulation system. Students may need to provide:
  • Confirmation of existing system information
  • Proof of school registration
  • Your student identification number ("C" number).

• How many books may I borrow at one time? How long can I keep a book that I borrow?
  Up to 5 books can be checked out at any one time. Books are checked out for 2 weeks at a time. A book may be renewed unless another patron has placed a hold on it. Books may not be checked out over semester breaks unless you are registered for classes for the following semester.
   
• Can I return books to any Ivy Tech Library or do they have to be returned to the same library I borrowed them from?
  All items must be returned to either the South Bend or Elkhart campus libraries.
   
• How do I renew a book?
  Books may be renewed in one of 3 ways:
  • Visit the library in person
  • Call your campus library:
    • Ivy Tech South Bend at (574-289-7001 ext. 5343)
    • Ivy Tech Elkhart (574-380-0375 ext. 4407)
  • Go to the South Bend-Elkhart Library website and follow these directions:
    • Click on IvyCat located under the Discover! search
    • Click on the "My Account" tab at the top of the screen
    • Sign in using your Ivy Tech Id number (C number) and your Library PIN
    • Click on the Checkouts tab to view a list of currently borrowed items
    • Click on the check box next to the item(s) to be renewed or Select All. Click on the "Renew" button.
    • On the "Renewal Confirmation" box click on the "Yes" button to confirm the renewal of the selected items
    • A new due date will appear to the right of each renewed title
    • If any items are not renewable, your renewal limit has been reached.  Please return the book to the library.

• Are there fines for overdue books? What if I lose or damage a book?
  A book that is 15 – 28 days overdue will have a $3.00 fine assessed. Books that are returned 29 or more days late are considered lost and will each incur a $5.00 overdue fine. If a book is lost or heavily damaged you will be charged the replacement cost of the book. If the book is no longer available for replacement purchase, the minimum charge is $45.00. Fines and/or fees are paid at the Bursar’s Office. PLEASE NOTE: If you fail to pay your fines and/or fees, your borrowing privileges will be suspended and you will not be able to register for classes or graduate until your account is paid-in-full.
   
• Can I check out DVDs, videos, or magazines?
  Some DVDs and videos may be checked out, but most may be used only in the library. Magazines and journals may be checked out for three (3) days if the issues are not the most current.
   
• If you don't have the book I need, can you get it for me?
  Books and journal articles not available in our library may be requested from other libraries. The delivery time varies depending on which library has the book:
  • From other Ivy Tech libraries, 3-8 days. Please use the Ivy Tech Interlibrary Loan Request Form for this service.
  • From non-Ivy Tech libraries, 1-2 weeks. Please see a librarian to arrange for this service.        

• Does the library have the textbooks for my classes?
  The library does not usually purchase current textbooks. Some textbooks, however, are on reserve for short-term use in the library. Materials kept on reserve may not be checked out. They are meant for short-term in-library use only. Please check with a librarian to see if we have one for your class.