I-Card and Community Library Card Information
A current I-Card or Community Library Card is always required to check out library materials.
- If you are a student, faculty, staff, or administrator and have just received your I-Card, it will take one business day for your university data to be automatically updated in our library system, enabling access to library services.
- If you have a Community Library Card, make sure to speak to a supervisor at the Circulation Desk to have your card registered in our library systems. Community Library Cards will expire if not used for an extended period of time; but they can be renewed, free of charge, by a supervisor at the Circulation Desk.
- The I-Card and Vending Services office is located in the lobby of Clark Hall, 1090 South Drive. Hours may vary from one semester to another. For current hours and other information, please contact the I-Card Office at 724-357-1314 or by emailing icard-assistance@iup.edu.
Borrowing Privileges
- IUP students, faculty, staff, and administrators can borrow all physical and digital circulating materials including books, e-books, media, and equipment.
- Community Library users (with a Community Library Card) can borrow physical circulating books and media.
Book Limits
- Community patrons may have a total of 25 books checked out at one time.
- Undergraduate students may have a total of 50 books checked out at one time.
- Graduate students and employees (faculty, staff, and administrators) may have a total of 100 books checked out at one time.
Loan Periods
Loan Periods for students are subject to change based on enrollment. A student library account is only active while enrolled in classes or when a student has registered for credit(s). A library account expiration date has been established to ensure that graduating students or those leaving the university receive all library communications via their IUP email account before the account is deactivated 60 days following commencement/end of semester/departure from the university.
- Undergraduate students and community patrons generally have a 30-day lending period with two 30-day renewals.
- Graduate students generally have a 90-day lending period with two 90-day renewals.
- Employees: faculty, staff, and administrators generally have a 90-day lending period with three 90-day renewals.
- Employee accounts are only active while employed
Renewals for Library Books
When your checked-out items are nearing their renewal date, the library system will automatically renew the item for you. Once your maximum number of renewals (two for undergraduates, graduates, and community members; three for faculty, staff, and administrators) is reached, you will be required to return the materials.
Automatic renewals are not guaranteed. It is important that you read all email communication from the library. Emails from access-services@iup.edu will contain the most up-to-date information regarding due dates and renewals. These automated email messages supersede the handwritten due date slip received at checkout.
Damaged or Incomplete Library Materials
Damaged library materials are reviewed on an as-needed basis. You may be responsible for rebinding or replacement and processing costs.
Borrowers are responsible for returning all components of borrowed items by the due date. Examples of components include a book with an accompanying map or workbook or a laptop with a charger and bag. Borrowers will be billed for the replacement cost of the missing component(s).
Standards of Patron Behavior
While we do our best to make your library experience a good one, sometimes situations arise that cause tension between our desk attendant and the patron. We ask that all parties maintain a calm composure and be civil in their interaction with each other—worker and patron. Foul language and threats of any kind will not be tolerated.
Please review the IUP Libraries Conduct Policy for more information.
Overdue, Fine, and Fee Notices
We do charge fines and fees for overdue and lost items. Notices are sent via email to our patrons to remind them to return items; the schedule of notices is described below. Due date notices sent via email supersede the handwritten due date slip received at checkout.
- A first notice is sent one day after the item is due.
- A second notice is sent when the item is 5 days overdue.
- A third notice is sent when the item is 10 days overdue.
- After 15 days overdue, the item is declared lost, a notice is sent to the borrower, and a replacement fee is transferred to the Office of Student Billing.
- You can keep track of your loans, requests, notices, and fees in your library patron account. View the Accessing Your Library Account video to learn how!
If you think you returned the book and have received a fine or fee in error, please contact the Circulation Desk, and we will work with you to address the issue.