​Checkout & Return

 

Learn about borrowing and returning library material. View details about checkout periods, notices, & fines.

Who May Borrow

  • Students, faculty, and staff from Minnesota State Mankato - must present MavCard.
  • Students from other colleges and universities in Minnesota - must present student ID.
  • Minnesota State Mankato Alumni & Emeriti with MavCard.
  • Community members who have completed application and received a Community User library card.

Checkout periods

  • Undergraduate & graduate student loan period for books: end of semester
  • Faculty & staff loan period for books: end of academic year
  • Community & alumni loan period for books: end of semester
  • For items with shorter loan periods, such as videos and music CDs (14 days), loan period is the same for all patron classes.

How many items can I check out?

  • Undergraduate & graduate students - 250 items
  • Faculty & staff - 250 items
  • Community & alumni - 10 items

Loan periods will vary per item.

Types of notices

  • Courtesy Notice -- reminder of upcoming due date
  • Overdue Notice - return or renew immediately to avoid late fees
  • Loan Recall Notice -- A recall means that someone else has requested the book. Please
    return book by the due date listed.
  • Overdue/billed Notice -late fees and default replacement cost have been billed to your account.
    Please return items immediately.

You are responsible for all materials checked out with your MavCard. This includes reviewing receipt or checking online library account to confirm due date.

Notices will be sent to your email address. Please follow the instructions in the email to avoid late fees. Email notices are sent as a courtesy. Failure to receive a notice does not change the obligation of the borrower to return or renew the material on time. It is the responsibility of the borrower to update their contact information.

Renewals can be done from within your online library account or in person at the library. Materials cannot be renewed if they have been requested by another library user.
Overdue materials cannot be renewed online.

Once an item is late enough to be marked overdue/billed, you will be charged the full default replacement cost. If you are billed for replacement costs, bring back the overdue/billed item; replacement charges will be cancelled. If replacement cost is paid, payment can be refunded if item is found and returned within 6 months of original due date.

If item is damaged, a repair fee may be charged. Amount depends on the value of the item and extent of damage as assessed by the Library. Borrowers may also receive fines for misuse of materials or services or damage to materials. Misuse can include ignoring recall notice or failure to leave a group study room in a timely fashion.

Why haven’t I received emails from the Library?

Notices may be ending up in your junk mail. 
White List the email address to fix this problem :
Go to your “Junk” email folder:
junk email.jpg
Right click on the email that should not have gone to the “Junk” email folder:
On the drop-down menu – choose Junk then Not Junk 
a screenshot of a computer
A dialog box appears:
a screenshot of a computer error message

Click on OK!
Then go to your “In Box” to find the email.

Returns

Library materials can be returned in a number of places. All items can be returned to the Circulation Desk whenever the library is open. When the library is closed, materials can be turned in at book drops on either side of the library (see map for locations). The book drop on the south side of the library, near the fountain, is in the alcove near the bike racks. The book drop on the north side is across from Preska Hall, in the alcove next to the receiving door.
Book drop locations

Note: Equipment and other oversized items can only be returned to the front Circulation desk. They will not fit in the book drops.

Memorial Library circulation desk

Holds and Recalls

Holds (Request Item)

Patrons may use the MavScholar to place holds on materials checked out by another person using the Request Item button. When the requested materials are returned, you will receive an email notice that the materials are now available for use. Materials will be held for one week only. Alternatively, you can request the unavailable item via InterLibrary Loan - include note that item is unavailable. (Please note: textbooks being used in Minnesota State Mankato courses are not available through ILL.)
Recall
If you receive a Due Date Change Notice, it means someone has requested that book. Please return book by the due date indicated on the notice. Books can be recalled after three weeks. If recalled materials are not returned by the new due date, a block will be placed on your library record.

Billing Charges

CollectionFine or FeeReplacement Charge
Books - General Collection, Best Sellers, New Books, Scores, etc NA $100 - $200
Books - ERC Juvenile Collection NA $30
CD, DVD, VHS, LP NA $200
Interlibrary Loan Materials NA $100
Reserve Materials (books, DVDs, CDs, keys) $15.00/ hour fine $200
Equipment-- Laptop Computer, Tablet, Video Projector, etc $25 per day fine $1000
A/V Media-- Cameras, Tripods, etc $15 per day fine $200
Other formats -- maps, etc. NA $100

Late fees and replacement charges appear on your library account and are reported to Student Financial Services. Payments must be made to the university cashier's office. Payment options


Unpaid bills:

  • will block your library privileges
  • will block your course registration
  • will block graduation
  • will block transcripts
  • will be sent to a collection agency by the university business office

Questions?

Reply to email notice or contact a staff member listed below to inquire about library fines, charges, or overdue notices.

Circulation Services Staff

Service Contact
Engagement and Fines Darcy Strode Phone: (507)389-1343 Email: darcy.strode@mnsu.edu
Fines and Document Delivery Kelly Nelson Phone: (507)389-5472 Email: kelly.nelson@mnsu.edu
Interlibrary Loan Cliff Colby Phone: (507)389-1473 Email: cliff.colby@mnsu.edu
Course Reserves  Steve Johnson Phone: (507)389-5065 Email: steven.johnson.2@mnsu.edu
Media Equipment Nell Musolf Phone: (507)389-5943 Email: nell.musolf@mnsu.edu
Public Access Librarian Barb Bergman Phone: (507)389-5945 Email: barb.bergman@mnsu.edu