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 Non-MSU faculty, staff, and students.

 

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

 

Faculty, staff and graduate students at participating members of VALE (Virtual Academic Library Environment), a consortium of academic libraries in New Jersey, can borrow library materials from Sprague Library.  A Guest Library Card will be issued upon presenting a photo ID and an authorized VALE Faculty Reciprocal Borrowing Application Form from the Library.  For convenience, a list of participating VALE libraries is available at the Circulation Desk and on the VALE Web site.

 

Students enrolled at The College of New Jersey, Kean University, New Jersey City University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Richard Stockton College of NJ, Rowan University, and William Paterson University can borrow library materials upon presenting a current, valid ID card from their home institution.

 

An additional form of identification (e.g., driver’s license, etc.) must also be presented.  A driver’s license cannot be substituted for the institution’s ID card.

 

Non-MSU borrowers are subject to the circulation policies of Sprague Library.  Borrowers are responsible for all library materials checked out on their card.  Materials must be returned directly to Montclair State University.

 

Loan Period and Renewals

 

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

 

Limits

 

A cumulative, maximum of three (3) books can be checked out 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.

 

Non-MSU borrowers may not recall books currently checked out or place Holds.

 

Fines and Fees

 

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

 

A fee of $70.00 (average book price of $60.00 plus $10.00 for processing) will be charged for lost books.  However, the Library 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.

 

Notification of delinquencies and fines/fees will be forwarded to the home institution.  Borrowing privileges will be suspended until overdue books are returned, or the library obligation is paid.

 

Payment may be made either in person or via mail by cash, check, or money order.  Make checks or money orders payable to Montclair State University and indicate the borrower’s driver's license number in the memo area.  Bring or send payment, along with notice received, to the Circulation Department at Sprague Library.  Unpaid fines and fees will be referred to a collection agency.

 

Restrictions

 

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

 

 

 

Last Modified September 1, 2005