Keywords

Circulation; Academic libraries; Fines; Recalls; Circulation periods; Circulation policies

Abstract

As part of an assessment of its patron circulation policies, Brigham Young University's Harold B. Lee Library Circulation Committee studied the circulation policies of ARL members and like-sized academic institution's libraries. Access Services Department Heads or their equivalent at 165 academic libraries were surveyed. This paper reports on policies relating to circulation, renewals, fines, and recalls for these libraries. The majority of circulation policies are traditional (typical circulation periods, low numbers of renewals and traditional fines), though non-traditional policies (longer circulation periods, more renewals, and elimination of fines) provide better service and satisfaction for patrons. Libraries should examine their policies to determine if non-traditional policies would work at their institution.

Original Publication Citation

Duane Wilson, Cynthia Frazier, Diana Harter. Circulation Policies in Major Academic Libraries. The Journal of Academic Librarianship. Volume 41, Issue 6, Pages 798-803.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015-11

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/3519

Publisher

Elsevier

Language

English

College

Harold B. Lee Library

University Standing at Time of Publication

Administration

Download

Share

COinS