Borrowing Library Materials
Library materials may be borrowed by NU students and employees, as well as by members of the broader community (please see the Visitors section of the website for details). The library is open to the public on a walk-in basis.
Books and other materials may be renewed online, by email (library@northwestu.edu) or by phone (425-889-5266). Materials cannot be renewed if there is a hold or recall on them.
Holds can be placed through the library catalog. If there is an immediate need for a specific item, library staff can place a recall which will require the current borrower to return the item after a shorter loan period. Recalled items must be returned promptly to avoid fines at a higher rate (see below).
Authorizing Others to Use Your Account
In order to authorize a family member or other person to check out library materials, the account holder must provide written notice prior to the transaction. Written notice may be given by sending an email from the email account on file for the account holder. An explanatory note with the name(s) of the authorized person(s) will be placed on the account holder’s record by library staff. The authorized person must provide photo ID when picking up items. All items checked out on the account holder’s record are the responsibility of the account holder. Written notice must be given to the library to remove any authorized person from the account holder’s record.
Loan Periods:
Students
- Standard Circulation: 28 Days — 4 renewals
- Software, Videos, Music, Children’s, etc: 7 Days — 4 renewals
- Library use only: 2 Hours — 8 renewals
- Curriculum Materials: 7 Days — 4 renewals
- Circulating Periodical: 7 Days — 4 renewals
- 3-Day Reserves: 3 Days — 0 renewals
- 2-Hour Reserves: 2 Hours — 0 renewals
Employees
- Standard Circulation: 90 Days — 1 renewal
- Software, Videos, Music, Children’s, etc: 28 Days — 4 renewals
- Library use only: 2 Hours — 8 renewals
- Circulating Periodical: 7 Days — 4 renewals
- 3-Day Reserves: 3 Days — 0 renewals
- 2-Hour Reserves: 2 Hours — 0 renewals
Affiliates
- Standard Circulation: 28 Days — 4 renewals
- Software, Videos, Music, Children’s, etc: 7 Days — 1 renewal
- Library use only: 2 Hours — 8 renewals
- Curriculum Materials: 0 Hours — 0 renewals
- Circulating Periodical: 7 Days — 1 renewal
- 3-Day Reserves: 3 Days — 0 renewals
- 2-Hour Reserves: 2 Hours — 0 renewals
Fines and Fees:
Overdue Fines
- Main Collection: $0.25/day
- Recall – Main Collection: $2.00/day
- Reserve: $0.25/hour
- Recall – Reserve: $2.00/hour
You will not be allowed to check out materials if your fines total over $30.00.
Please speak with the Circulation Staff if you have a question or concern about your fine. Fines may be paid either by cash or check in the library or by requesting that the charge be placed on your NU student account. Fines not paid will be charged to your NU student account.
Please note that whether you receive an overdue notice or not, you are still responsible for returning on time all materials that have been checked out on your identification card.
Lost Book Fees
- Main Collection: $30/item
At any lending library, there is the possibility of materials being lost or damaged beyond repair. Due to the increasing cost of materials the Library must attempt to recover the costs of replacement from those responsible for the loss. As a general policy, the Library will charge a standard uniform per title cost, periodically reviewed for appropriate current price levels. Faculty and students will not be charged the additional costs involved in ordering and processing the title for replacement.
If the patron wishes to obtain a replacement copy and donate that in lieu of paying replacement costs, suitability and acceptability of such a copy (condition, publication date, edition, etc.) will be determined by the Library.
If a replacement cannot be obtained fines will be determined by the Library Director based on scarcity, perceived value to the collection, etc., not to exceed $120.
Borrowing Privileges at Other Libraries
Northwest University students, faculty and staff have borrowing privileges at NAPCU libraries with a current NU ID card. Current academic year stickers are available at Hurst Library.
