Library News

Issue 2, march 1991

Welcome to LIBRARY NEWS. This first issue for 1991 highlights the main features of the Library's new circulation system and the penalty points/late fees system. Further information is available from the branch libraries.

THE NEW CIRCULATION SYSTEMS FEATURES EXPLAINED

What it can do for you

The new circulation system on the Library's SESAME2 system now operating at all Monash University Libraries is accessible to all academic staff with terminals and PC's connected to the University's networks through MONET. (Instructions for this connection are provided on the last page of this newsletter). This circulation system has enhanced the way one borrows, retrieves and returns books and publications. More importantly it allows you to keep track of all your own loans. The expanded services allow you to:-

access up to date information on the current status of library materials
place your own holds on items shown to be out on loan
access the current information on the status of your own personal loan record.
An essential feature for your own information to ensure you do not accrue any penalty points.

In fact the following tips will assist you to avoid chalking up penalty points:-

check what books are out on loan to you
note when all the books you have on loan are due back
return all items on or before the due date
and if all this fails and you do receive a number of points accumulated is larger.

A bookmark explaining Penalty Points/Late Fees and how to avoid them is attached to this newsletter. The details are as follows:-

60 points per day for short loan or overnight books;
60 points per day for items overdue after a recall notice has been issued by the library requesting its prompt return;
30 points per s are accumulated at the rate of 30 penalty points per item for each day that item is overdue. However for some books that are in greater demand the number of points accumulated is larger.

If a book, periodical or other library item is lost returned damaged, or not returned after a reasonable period of time, the borrower will have to pay the University the cost of replacing it plus an administrative fee of $20.00 per item. Neither of these payments is refundable if the item turns up at a later date.

Further information is available from the Loans staff at your branch library. you are not required to commence paying library fines until they total $10.00 (i.e, 1000 penalty points) or more.