Welcome to Harry A. Sprague Library

Montclair State University’s Sprague Library serves the educational and lifelong reading needs of the University community and the public.  This brochure presents an overview of the policies and services governing the use of Circulating Books, Reserves, and certain Government Documents for extended-community borrowers.

The Circulation Department facilitates access to the Library’s Circulating Books, Reserves, and Government Documents collections by offering a variety of services to Library patrons that includes registering for borrowing privileges, checking out and returning circulating books, requesting searches for books that may be missing from the Stacks, and paying library fines and fees.  Patrons may also receive assistance in locating books in the Stacks Areas or Sorting Room. 

The Department, located in the Lobby on the Main Level, is open during Library hours and may be contacted at (973) 655-4288.

Eligibility and Identification

Individuals eighteen (18) years of age or older who reside in municipalities outside Essex or Passaic County can register for borrowing privileges at the Circulation Desk for an annual fee of fifty dollars ($50.00).  At registration, NJ residents will be required to provide their name, home address, home telephone number, NJ Motor Vehicle Commission driver's license number or non-driver photo ID card number, and a current public library card.  Patrons must present their public library card and NJ Motor Vehicle Commission driver's license or another form of identification to verify residence each time they want to borrow library materials.  Library cards are not transferable.  Borrowers must present their own library card to check out books.  Borrowers are responsible for all materials checked out on their library card.

New Jersey businesses can obtain borrowing privileges for their employees for an annual fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00).  When registering at the Circulation Desk, the company representative will be required to provide the name of the business, its address, telephone number, and Federal Tax ID number, along with the name of a contact person.  A company Guest Library Card will be issued to the representative upon registration.  Employees must present the company Guest Library Card and  their company ID card, business card, or a letter of introduction from the company for verification each time they want to borrow library materials.  The Company is responsible for all materials checked out on its Guest Library Card.

The Library reserves the right not to extend borrowing privileges to any individual or business that refuses to satisfy the eligibility and identification requirements.

Loan Period and Renewals

The loan period is twenty-eight (28) days with no renewal privilege.

Limit

Individuals can check out a cumulative, maximum of three (3) books at any given time.

Businesses can check out a cumulative, maximum of ten (10) books at any given time.

Generally, library materials in other formats cannot circulate unless they accompany other items being checked out, for example, books with accompanying CD-ROMS.

Recalls and Holds

The Library can recall books in circulation if needed for Reserves or requested by another patron.  Recalled books must be returned immediately.  Failure to return books that have been recalled will result in the suspension of borrowing privileges.

Extended-community borrowers may not recall books currently checked out or place Holds.

Fines and Fees

A fine of $.25 will be charged daily for each overdue book.

A fee of $70.00 (average book price of $60.00 plus $10.00 for processing) will be charged for each lost book.  The Library, however, retains the right to determine the value of any lost book.  No refunds will be given for books returned after payment has been made.  Costs will be assessed for damage to library materials.

Payment may be made in person or via mail.  Bring cash payments, along with notice received, directly to the Circulation Desk at Sprague Library.  Remit checks or money orders, along with notice received, to the Circulation Department, Harry A. Sprague Library, Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043.  Please make checks or money orders payable to: Montclair State University.  Individuals should indicate the borrower’s driver’s license number in the memo area.  Businesses should indicate the company’s Federal Tax ID number in the memo area.  Unpaid fines and fees will be referred to a collection agency.

Borrowing privileges will be suspended until overdue books are returned or the library obligation is paid.  Frequent abuse will result in borrowing privileges being revoked.

Restrictions

Reserves are for the exclusive use of Montclair State University students.

 

 

Last Modified April 21, 2006