Purpose

The purpose of circulation policy is to provide a list of guidelines to maintain standardized and an efficient circulation service.

Policy

Definitions

Policy Statement

Central Library provides circulation services to students, faculty, administrative staff and external visitors. Users can borrow the items of their interest from Central Library. Following are borrowing privileges of users to borrow the general books:

Note:

Borrowing rules of reference sources, print journals, textbooks, CDs/DVDs, coop-reports, thesis, and iPads are different. Please contact circulation section of the central library for more details.

Procedure

• Borrowing and returning books at Central Library are performed personally through self-check machines using the library provided card/barcode.
• Already issued books can be reserved using OPAC or visiting the libraries.
• PSU students, faculty and staff are ex-officio members of their respective libraries. They just need to visit their library to get their library barcode.
• Users are not allowed to share the library barcode with other users. They will be held responsible for any material borrowed on his/her card by other users.
• Before leaving the university, users are required to return borrowed books. The libraries will sign the clearance form only when all the borrowed items are returned to libraries.
• Teachers recommended textbooks are kept in reserve section and are available for borrowing for limited time.
• Long overdue items with high demand from users can be recalled.
• Before leaving the library building, users must ensure that the items are checked out properly. Users are responsible for any mistake in transactions on self-check machines.
• Central Library uses RFID technology for circulation and security of its holdings. Illegally taken items from libraries are identified at security gates.
• Following steps are needed for circulation of library material to external visitors:
  • Checking ID/residency card of visitor
  • Filling out the library visitor borrowing form
  • Depositing refundable amount of 1000 Saudi Riyals. The amount is taken as insurance and be deposited in accounts department
  • Creating user account in symphony ILS with ID number and name
  • Circulating the material
  • Circulation of library items using the self-check machine involve the following process:

    Check-out

    • Place the library barcode under the scan line.
    • Press ENTER
    • Place the book on gray square at self-check machine
    • Remove the book
    • Print receipt
    • Repeat the action for each book in case of multiple books Check-in
    • Place the book on gray square at self-check machine
    • Press CHECK-IN button
    • Remove the book
    • Print receipt
    • Put the book in the trolley beside the self-check machine

Applicability

Library staff, faculty, students, administrative staff and external visitors.

Sanctions:

Users are liable to return the borrowed items in due time. Borrowers will be held responsible for any damage or loss of books issued in their accounts.

Appendices

Appendix B: Library Visitor Borrowing Form