Circulation Policy

All current City University of Seattle faculty, staff, and enrolled students (hereafter referred to as patrons) may borrow online materials and use online resources available through the City University of Seattle's Vi Tasler Library (hereafter referred to as CityU Library). Patrons in the U.S. and Canada may borrow physical materials from the CityU Library. Patrons outside the U.S. and Canada may access the library’s print collection via e-delivery in compliance with U.S. Copyright law.

City University of Seattle Alumni and members of the public are welcome to use our library's physical materials and online resources, including article databases, on-site at the CityU Library in Bellevue, Washington.

Patrons are responsible for:

  • All material checked out in their names;
  • Knowing and adhering to due dates;
  • Maintaining current contact information in the CityU portal, including email and mailing address;
  • Renewing or returning materials on time;
  • Returning items in good condition.

Circulation Period

Materials in the CityU Library circulate for the following time periods:
  • Print and audiovisual materials circulate for six weeks;
  • Curriculum materials circulate for six weeks;
  • E-books circulate for a time period that is determined by the vendor;
  • Interlibrary loan materials circulate for a time period that is determined by the lending library;
  • Materials placed on course reserve circulate for a time period up to one quarter that is determined by the instructor for the course;
  • Reference materials and print periodicals do not circulate.

Returning Items

Patrons may return library materials in person or by mail at their expense to the CityU Library in Bellevue. Items may also be placed in the book drop located outside the library.

Renewing Items

Print and audiovisual materials may be renewed one time if no one is waiting (see “Holds”). Course reserves may not be renewed. Requests for renewal can be submitted in person, by phone, fax, e-mail, or Web form. Patrons may renew their own materials through the library’s online catalog. Materials borrowed through interlibrary loans may be renewed at the discretion of the lending library and renewal request should be made at least (5) days before the due date.

Holds

If a patron needs an item that is already checked out, he/she may place a hold on the item. Hold requests may be submitted in person or by phone, fax, e-mail, or Web form. Patrons may place their own holds through the online catalog. Holds cannot be placed on items that are on reserve for specific courses.

If an item has been placed on hold by another patron, the original due date is still valid.

Overdue Items

Library materials are overdue if not returned by the due date. Overdue notices are sent as a courtesy two weeks after an item’s due date. Patrons are responsible for returning or replacing materials whether or not an overdue notice has been received. The CityU Library does not charge daily fines for overdue materials.

Lost or Damaged Items

A Library Materials Invoice is sent four weeks after the item’s due date, listing the replacement cost for the item. An item is considered lost if it has not been returned by the time an invoice is sent.

Upon receipt of an invoice, a patron must do one of the following:

  • Return the item;
  • Furnish the library with a new copy of the exact item that was lost;
  • Furnish a substitute, accepted by the collection development librarian as equivalent;
  • Pay the default replacement cost for the item.

Materials are to be returned in the same condition they left the library, except for normal wear and tear. If an item becomes damaged, a patron may either furnish a replacement copy that is equivalent, or pay the default replacement cost for the item.

The library reserves the right not to accept the return or replacement of an item that is one year or more past its original due date. If you elect to furnish the library with a new copy of a lost item or a copy of an accepted substitute item, the library will not refund your purchase price if you locate the original item.

Default Replacement Costs

Books - $50
Curriculum - $100
Audiovisual materials - $100
Interlibrary loan materials - $80

Suspension of Borrowing Privileges:
When a Library Materials Invoice is issued, borrowing privileges are suspended until the item is returned, a suitable copy has been provided, or the invoice is paid in full. In the event of an outstanding balance for library materials, City University of Seattle will hold school transcripts or diplomas, or refuse to accept registration for future classes. In the event of repeated disregard of due dates, borrowing privileges may be suspended for an extended period of time.

Patrons are to indicate on their payment that it is for library materials. Payment for invoices should be sent to the following address:

City University of Seattle
Business Office
11900 NE First Street
Bellevue, WA 98005

Confidentiality of Library Records

Circulation records are confidential. Confidentiality extends to information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed, and acquired. Library staff will not disclose who has borrowed an item or which items have been borrowed, except for library administration purposes, or unless required to do so by a court order.

Additional Services

Students taking courses outside the U.S. may be provided with local library services through arrangements made by the Albright School of Education, the Division of Arts and Sciences, or the School of Management. For example see: Canadian Services, VSM Library in Slovakia.


Need more help? Ask a Librarian!
Contact Us | Site Map | CityU Home