Library Policies

Patrons with billed items totaling more than $10 will not be allowed to borrow materials until these items are returned or fees paid. If patron accrues fines totaling more than $10, the patron will be unable to register for classes or to obtain grades and transcripts. Return of the materials will not negate the posted fee. To restore campus privileges, the patron must pay all fees to the College Cashier.

If billed items are returned within 6 months of the due date in good condition, replacement charges will be credited to the borrower's account.

Overdue and replacement charges

Books 

• There is a 5-day, business day grace period.
• Items not returned by the end of the grace period will accrue fines at the rate of $.50 per day.
• Items not returned by the 6^th week after the due date will be billed for replacement costs.
• Replacement charge - Cost of book or $45, whichever is higher. A identical replacement copy may be substituted. The replacement must be in new or "like new" condition. (For Family Literacy and Adult Literacy books, a $25 replacement charge will be assessed.)

Media (Including Videotapes, DVDs, and Blurays)

• There is a 5-day, business day grace period.
• Items not returned by the due date will accrue fines at the rate of $.50 per day.
• Items not returned by the 6^th week after the due date will be billed for replacement costs.
• Replacement charge - Cost of item or $45, whichever is higher.  A identical replacement copy may be substituted. The replacement must be in new or "like new" condition.

Reserve items

• There is NO grace period for Reserve items.
• Items not returned by the due date will accrue fines at the rate of $1.00 per day.
• Items not returned within 48 hours of the time due will be billed for replacement costs.
• Replacement charge - Varies

Electronic devices, models and other library material

• There is no grace period for these items.
• Items not returned by the due date will accrue a fines at a rate of $1 per hour, not to exceed $15 per day.
• Items not returned within 36 hours of the time due will be billed for replacement costs.
• Laptop Replacement charge - $1,900.
• Other item replacement charge - Cost of item or $100, whichever is higher
• Non-refundable processing fee - $10.
• Damage charge - $75 up to replacement charge.

Damaged materials

All borrowers are responsible for returning materials in the same condition in which they were checked out and will be charged for damaged or lost materials. Damaged materials that can be repaired on site will carry a $10 processing fee. Materials that are damaged beyond on-site repair will be billed for the replacement cost of the item.  See item type for costs associated with replacement.

Electronic devices, models and other library material will have separate damage policies.

Appeal of Library Charges

You may appeal if you believe the library charges are mistakenly assessed or extenuating circumstances warrant reduction or cancellation of the charges. Appeals should be made within one semester of the original charge.

A notice of overdue items is sent as a courtesy reminder to your official MATC email account. Non-receipt of an overdue notice does not exempt you from fines or charges. You may appeal by completing an Appeal of Library Charges form online. 

Initial decisions are made by the Manager of Library Services.  The decision may be appealed to the Manager of Library Services within two weeks of receipt of the initial decision. The appeal will be sent to a quorum of the Campus Librarians, who will make a decision via email within two weeks of receipt of the appeal.

Reasons generally not regarded as valid for canceling or reducing charges:

• Lack of knowledge of library policy
• Disagreement with library fine or fee structure
• Material loaned to a third party
• Non-receipt or late receipt of library reminder notice
• Returning items to libraries other than the MATC Library
• Being out of town
• Forgetting the due date
• Classes not in session

The following loan policies apply to all MATC students, faculty and staff members. Five items may be checked out at one time with a maximum of ten items total per user. All library users must have a current MATC Stormer Pass to check out materials at any of the four campus libraries.

Checking out Materials

   Loan Periods

Materials may be checked out of the library for the following time periods:

o   Books                         28 days

o   Audiobooks                  28 days

o   CDs                            28 days

o   Videotapes/DVDs          28 days

o   Reserve items              Loan periods vary

o   Laptops                      Due at the end of the day

o   Calculators                  Due at the end of the day

All materials are due back on the due date.

Renewing materials

Patrons may renew checked out materials in person or online at http://book.matc.edu/.  Items may be renewed one time unless requested by another patron. For more information on renewing materials, click here for the My Account LibGuide.

Placing a Hold

If a book or other item is currently checked out, you may place a request to have the item held for you when it is returned.  Hold requests may be completed in person or online. The item can be sent to any MATC campus library for pickup.  Hold requests may not be placed on InterLibrary Loan, Reserves or Non-circulating materials. For more information on placing items on holds, click here for the Finding a Book LibGuide.

Returning Library Materials

Library materials may be returned at any of the MATC Campus libraries.  Drop boxes are available outside of the library for materials that are returned after library hours.  See more information on drop boxes here.

Overdue Materials

It is the responsibility of the borrower to return materials promptly. Items not returned promptly will be subject to overdue fines and replacement charges. The Library may send courtesy reminder(s) of overdue materials. Delinquent accounts will be turned over to the College Cashier.