Budapest Christian Library

.. a resource center open for everyone

Circulation

Circulation Policies

The library facilities are open to the general public, but one must have a valid library card to borrow materials.

As a condition for use, it is the responsibility of the user to read and abide by the policies and regulations herein.

Loan periods for most materials will be three (3) weeks.

Materials may be renewed for an additional loan period provided they are not on hold for another library patron. Materials may be renewed only once. They must then be returned to circulation for a minimum of one week.

Library materials may be renewed in person, by phone, or by E-mail.

If a desired item is checked out by someone else, you may request that a "hold" be placed on it. You will be notified when the material is available for checkout.

The number of items a single user may check out at a given time is four (4).

Reference books are for use only in the library.

The registered borrower is responsible for all materials borrowed. No materials should be lent to others. Cards are non-transferable.

A refundable deposit may be required to check out certain items based on high replacement value.

Certain books may be placed on reserve for use during special workshops or lectures held at the library.

Application Process

All who wish to have borrowing privileges must complete an application form and pay the appropriate fees. These fees help to cover the cost of service.

Each applicant must provide two (2) passport size photos and proper identification (i.e., passport, residency or citizenship card, or other form of picture ID).

User Fees

Description of Categories

• Individual - Persons who do not qualify for other categories and pay for either a full or partial year's borrowing privileges.
• Family - Limited to members of an immediate family. Children 6 years and under do not need individual cards. Older children may request an individual card.
• Full-time student - Persons who are enrolled in full-time studies at a recognized high school or university. Individuals must have current identification and proof of enrollment.
• Pensioner - Persons who are age 65 or older or who currently draw a pension. Proper identification is required.
• Disabled - Persons who are permanently disabled. Proper identification is required.

Overdue Materials and Fines

Fines will be charged for overdue materials at a rate of 20 HUF per day for each resource overdue. Resources are due back at the close of business for the date stamped on the date due slip. The maximum fine possible will be limited to the replacement value of the item plus processing fees of 20%.

If the material is returned within two (2) days of being overdue, there will be no fine. If it is not returned during this time period, then the fine will be charged for the entire period including the two (2) grace days.

Fines will continue to accrue daily, even for days the library is not open.

If there is a problem returning the material due to an emergency, please contact the Library Director.

Materials may not be checked out if the borrower has outstanding fines or overdue material.

Care of Library Materials

To insure efficient service and availability of materials, library policies must be observed by all users.

Smoking is not allowed in the library.

Hooks are provided in the hallways for coats and bags.

Library users are requested to show courtesy and respect for the rights of others. They should take responsibility for proper use of books and other library property.

All overdue materials must be renewed or returned to the library before further checkouts can be made. In the case of damaged or lost materials appropriate arrangements for reimbursement must be made before other materials can be checked out.

Damaged resources are defined as those which are non-readable or non-usable, with pages removed or torn beyond repair or otherwise disfigured.

Any patron who has lost materials or caused damage due to neglect or mis-handling of materials belonging to the library will be responsible for reimbursing the cost of the item. This includes rebinding and/or processing costs. Damaged materials remain the property of the Budapest Christian library.

Frequent loss of materials or failure to comply with any of the rules in this User's Guide may result in the loss of checkout privileges.

Locating Library Materials

Books are classified and shelved according to the Dewey Decimal Classification System.

If you need assistance in finding a particular book, please ask library personnel.

Reference Shelves Individual searches as well as more extensive bibliographic searches can be made by library personnel.

Reference books are marked with "REF" on the spine label and with a red dot. These are for use only in the library.

Collections for each language are maintained and shelved separately.

Please return materials you have been using to the office desk. Do NOT re-shelve them yourself.