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University of Maine at Fort Kent
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Blake Library

Circulation Services

Borrowing Privileges:

Borrowing privileges vary according to patron status (student, faculty/staff, or community borrower) and material type (book, DVD, etc). The Library reserves the right to recall any overdue materials at the request of a student or faculty member with a special need. All recalled books must be returned as soon as possible. Please be aware of the due dates of your materials.

Number of items that can be checked out at one time:

Student: 50
Faculty: 50
Staff: 50
Community patrons: 10
Public School patrons: 5
Special (retired faculty/staff, etc.): 50

All UMFK patrons can check out up to 10 media items (VHS, DVD, AudioCD, etc.). All community patrons can check out up to 3 media items (VHS, DVD, AudioCD, etc.).

Media items count toward the total number of items patrons can check out.

Online viewing of patron record:

Patrons can view their library record online by going to the library page and clicking the renew books online link or the View Patron Record link in the sidebar menu. Here, patrons can view due dates of checked-out items, renew items, and follow the status of requested items.

Fines:
All items checked out must be returned by their due date to avoid fees.

Many, but not all, items have a one-time renewal option (see loan periods below). For patron convenience, Blake Library staff sends electronic notices via email when items are due and past due. Bills are sent by USPS mail. For campus patrons, the staff uses the contact information provided in MaineStreet. It is up to the campus patron to update any information in their MaineStreet account to ensure accurate notification. Patrons without email receive paper notifications by USPS mail. Community patrons are responsible for providing circulation with up to date email and mailing information.

Though there are no overdue fines, materials are billed within a short time after the due date.

Lost or Billed items:

  • $35.00 per item, or the cost of the item, a $5.00 processing fee, and a $5.00 billing fee.

Some materials have different loan rules. Please be aware of the due dates.

Fines on accounts prohibit the borrowing of additional items. Restitution can be made to the staff at the circulation desk.

Students: Replacement charges due for over two months may result in a hold on the student's university account.

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Library Card:

Campus Patrons:
Campus patron ID's are used as library cards. You must have an ID to check out materials at the library, to request materials online, and to use the UMFK databases off-campus when not using the portal. Students, faculty, and staff may apply for their ID's in the Student Services office during office hours. 

Community Patrons:
Community patrons may apply for a free library card at the circulation desk or click here for the online application: https://library.umfk.edu/forms/librarycard/ A valid driver's license, state ID card or proof of residence is required. The community includes the Saint John Valley and all surrounding towns including Madawaska, Van Buren, etc. 

Vacationers:
People who are vacationing during the summer in the Fort Kent area may apply for a free temporary library card. A driver's license, home address and vacationing address, and other contact information will be required.

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Loan Periods:

Item Type Loan Period
Hard Copy Items:
   • General materials (also known as "stacks"): 4 weeks with a 2 week renewal
   • Juvenile Collection: 2 weeks with a 1 week renewal
   • Young Adult Collection: 4 weeks with a 2 week renewal
   • Curriculum Collection: 1 week with a 1 week renewal
   • Periodicals: 1 week with no renewal
Media:
   • DVD's and VHS: 3 days with no renewal
   • Audio Books and Music CD's: 1 week with a 1 week renewal
Equipment (limited to UMFK patrons only):
   • Laptops: 1 week with no renewal
   • DE Equipment (cameras, webcams, etc.): 3 days with no renewal

Reference, reserves, and Special Collections items cannot be checked out but are available for in-library use.

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Requesting Books Online:

Patrons may request materials from other University of Maine System libraries electronically through the online requestor function in URSUS or from participating statewide libraries using the MaineCat function.

  • Once you have found the book you want, you simply click on the "Request" button at the top or bottom of the URSUS screen.
  • You will need your library card handy in order to enter your 14 digit barcode number.
  • For students, staff, and faculty, you will input only the numbers (no A and B - for those who have an older card).
  • For community patrons, you will input all the numbers without spaces.
  • Please note that your record must be free of fines and holds in order to request materials.
  • Once the transaction is complete, you should see the on-screen notice: "your request for XXX was successful" and a statement regarding where the item will be delivered.
  • Should you receive the response on the screen that 'Items from this location cannot be requested', please ask a librarian for assistance. You may still be able to receive the item.
  • Once you have placed the request, you may expect the item to arrive within 3-4 days (in general).
  • Once the item has arrived, you will be notified by either email or regular mail. Otherwise, you may call or come by the library to see if the requested materials have arrived or check your patron record online.
  • The materials are held at the circulation desk for no more than two weeks.

Other services:

At the circulation desk:

  • All borrowed materials, whether those from another system or MaineCat library or from Blake Library, can be picked up and dropped off at the circulation desk. Materials other than media (VHS, DVD, AudioCD, etc.) can also be returned at the library drop box located at the Acadian Archives entrance. 
  • Reserve items are located at the circulation desk. Ask for items either by instructor name or class.
  • Hold shelf: As a courtesy, books or papers other than those needing library processing can be left at the circulation desk hold shelf to be passed along to another patron. This is intended as a short term transfer of materials only, for convenience. Items not retrieved will be discarded.
  • See circulation staff for fax, laminating and photocopying assistance. For pricing on these services, see pricing page.
  • Cash purchase of hot beverages (coffee, tea, and cocoa) are available weekdays and on the weekends when library staff are available. Hot beverages can be obtained anytime with a prepaid beverage card. Ask library staff for assistance.

 

Lockers: Weekly and semester-long locker loans are available to UMFK students. Some of the lockers have combination locks installed, but others require students to provide their own locks. Please keep in mind:

  • The library is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • All items must be removed by the expiration date and the borrower is responsible for letting circulation staff know the locker is cleared.
  • Failure to clean out the locker contents may result in a fine on the student’s library account.
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