Mission College Library accepts payments in cash, money order and by check. Money orders and checks should be made out to Mission College or West Valley College, according to which library owned lost/damaged material or provided a fee-based service. Library staff are required to check official photo I.D. and record District I.D. numbers on all money orders and checks. Returned checks will be subject to a $15 fee charged against the student’s account as stated in the Mission College Catalog and Schedule of Classes.

 

The Library cannot make change for large bill denominations $20 and over.

 

Telecourse related vouchers are treated as cash and are redeemable for cash at the College Cashier’s office within six months. Duplicate vouchers are not issued. Students reporting lost vouchers will forfeit their telecourse deposit.

 

Mission College Library does not accept ATM or credit cards.

 

To avoid disruption of Library services and/or freezing of student college records such as transcripts or the ability to register for classes, users should report the possibility of having lost or damaged materials promptly to Check Out Desk staff. 

 

A lost item is an item that has been reported lost and unsuccessfully traced weekly by Library staff for a period of 3 weeks.

 

In the event a Borrower claims an item was returned within the grace period, Library staff will note and trace the item in question weekly for a cumulative period of 3 weeks. If the item is not found by Library staff, it will be assumed the item was not returned properly and the Borrower will be responsible for all fees assessed. Objections may be made in writing to the Library Director.

 

In the event a Borrower believes the Library is at-fault for losing or damaging materials, the burden of proof lies upon the Borrower. Payment and return receipts may be requested at any time when items are returned or bills paid.

 

If Library staff determines that an item has been returned damaged, the Library reserves the right to freeze student records until billing fees have been paid in full.

 

The Library endeavors to provide free, open and equitable access to Library materials. In order to assure timely return of borrowed materials, it is the Library's policy to provide courtesy overdue notices. If notices are not effective in assuring materials return or renewal, users will be billed for the current replacement cost of each item plus a $5 billing fee plus a $10 processing fee per item.

 

Overdue courtesy notices are sent 7 days (1 week) following item due dates according to the following categories: 

 

1. 3-Week Loan: Notices are sent to individuals weekly, or until overdue items are properly returned to a designated Library Return chute. Courtesy overdue notices will be generated and sent to individuals weekly for a maximum period of two weeks before billing statements are issued after 21 days.

 

2. In-Library Use Only Loans: During Academic Year 2001-2002, In-Library Use Only loans are due 1 hour after checkout. A 10-minute grace period was instituted on 2-25-04. Courtesy overdue notices are sent within 24 hours if Reserve items have not been returned on time. A second courtesy overdue notice is sent within 48 hours. 

 

3. Media Reference Loans (faculty only): Notices will be sent weekly to instructors for a period of two weeks. After 21 days, Library staff will attempt to telephone the instructor to effect return. No billing notices nor late fees are levied for late returns, but faculty are responsible for paying replacement costs on lost items. 

 

Exceptions to financial policies may include unusual circumstances that will be referred to the either the Library Director or the Acquisitions Librarian for consideration. The Library Director has final decision authority on all billing exceptions.

 

Library Fee Reimbursements 

Mission College Library will refund replacement costs paid for items that were found and returned within six months of billing. Billing and processing fees will not be refunded.