Borrowing

Borrowing

General

The Medicine Hat College Library is open to everyone and all may consult our materials or with library staff for help using our collections or services. 

Borrowing Terms exist to ensure continued access to library collections by all who need them. This page details our loan periods, restrictions on circulation for select library materials, and the definitions of borrower privileges. Failure to adhere to these Borrowing Terms may result in the suspension of borrowing privileges.  

Information about the activities of borrowers, including materials used, is not released to any person, institution, or agency except where required by law.  

Borrowers

*One Community One Card: In partnership with the Shortgrass Library System, MHC students, staff, and faculty can use their College ID cards to borrow material from any of the twelve public libraries in the Shortgrass Library System. 
 
Patrons from any of the Shortgrass Library System libraries may use their cards to borrow material from the MHC Libraries. A photo ID is required on the first visit. OCOC members can also choose to pick up Shortgrass Library holds at MHC Library locations. 

• A valid library card must be presented to borrow and renew library materials.  
• Borrowers are responsible for all materials signed out to their card.  
• Borrowers are responsible for reporting lost or stolen cards immediately to the library either in person or by calling 403-529-3867 in Medicine Hat or 403-362-1690 in Brooks. 

Loan Periods

Loan periods for library materials are established to provide reasonable access to all members of the community. 

• Books, magazines, journals, DVDs, and curriculum materials may be renewed twice unless the item has been placed on hold or recalled. 
• To renew eligible items, you may visit us in person, go to your Library Account, or phone us at 403-529-3867 in Medicine Hat or at 403-362-1690 in Brooks. 

Library Fines

Borrowers are responsible for returning all materials on time and in good condition. Library fines are assigned to your account when an item is not returned by its due date, is damaged, or is lost.  

• Fines accumulate per item for each day overdue (or each hour overdue for short-term loans). 
• Fines are charged as soon as items are overdue. 
• Fine payments are non-refundable.  
• The College charges a $25 fee for NSF cheques. 
• Borrowing privileges are suspended for the following reasons: 
  • Owing fines of over $25. 
  • Misuse/abuse of library equipment, items, property, staff, or services.  
• Lost and Damages Materials:
  • Lost or damaged materials must be reported to staff.
  • Items are assumed lost after being overdue for 28 days.
  • Borrowers will be charged for the replacement cost of a lost/damaged item, a $10 processing fee, and any overdue fines accrued. 
  • Interlibrary loan materials that are lost will be billed based on assessment from lending institution.
  • Replacement charges will be refunded if a lost item is returned within one year, excluding interlibrary loan materials. The processing fee and overdue fines will not be refunded.
• Students with charges of over $25 will be blocked (“encumbered”) from registering for classes and/or have graduation parchments and transcripts withheld, as per the College Calendar. Encumbrances will be lifted within one business day of charges being paid.
• Fine rates: 

How do I avoid late fees and lost items? 

• Review your Library Account to ensure you know what items you have borrowed, when to return your items, and to renew an item if you know you want it longer or know you will not be on campus to return the item. 
• The library sends email notices about overdue items, fines, recalls, and lost charges. Communication with staff and students is via college email; community borrowers are responsible for ensuring a current email address is on file.  
• You can also renew items by visiting us in person or phoning us at 403-529-3867 in Medicine Hat or at 403-362-1690 in Brooks. 

Where can I pay my library fees? 

• Bring cash to the library service desk. 
• MHC students, staff, and faculty can pay online. This link can also be found within your Library Account. Once you are logged in, click on "Resources" in the top left and choose "Online Fine Payments." 

What do I do if I feel a fine or fee was applied unfairly to my library account? 

If you have questions about your fines or if you feel a fine and/or fee was charged unfairly, you should speak to library staff. A Fines Appeal Form is available online or at the Library Service Desk. All borrowers have the right to appeal their fines. 

• Reasons why fines cannot be appealed include, but are not limited to: 
• Lack of awareness/knowledge of these Borrowing Terms. 
• Failing to note due dates. 
• Failing to renew on time. 
• Failing to receive courtesy and overdue notices. 
• Failure to return materials because the borrower was out of the city/country.