Library Policies

Library Classroom Use Policy

The Computer Lab/Training Classroom Yager 413 on the fourth floor of the library is the only classroom space for library instruction. Scheduling of the space for non-library use is contingent on the needs of the library instruction program and is limited to two consecutive weeks at a time. The Computer Lab is available for student use during library hours when classes are not scheduled for the space. The class schedule is posted daily by the door. Computer Lab users should leave the space no later than 5 minutes before the scheduled class.


Library Patron Policies

The primary purpose of the Stevens-German Library is to support the research and study needs of Hartwick College students, faculty, and staff. The computers in the library are for authorized Hartwick affiliates and require a network user name and password.

In general, the library computers are for research purposes only. When the library computer workstations are in heavy use, please refrain from using them for recreational purposes.

Printing is reserved for Hartwick students, faculty and staff and should only be used for research purposes. Printed multiple copies (such as printing class handouts) is prohibited.

Minors must be accompanied by a guardian at all times. Unaccompanied minors will be asked to leave the library.


Circulation Services

The circulation desk is located on the fourth floor (main floor) of the Stevens-German Library. Our staff is dedicated to providing timely, helpful and friendly service to the Hartwick community. Our circulation polices support the curriculum needs of the campus.

Hartwick faculty, staff, students, and alumni have no limit on the number of items that they can check out. Borrowers are financially responsible for all material charged out on their library account.

Borrowers may view their current checked out items, holds and library fines from their Library Account.

Circulation policies, loan periods and fines apply to individuals when they are away from campus for vacation, research, sabbatical, etc. To find out what the library owns, please search the online catalog or contact the reference desk for assistance 607-431-4440.


Borrower Eligibility, Fines & Fees

Hartwick Students, Faculty, Staff & Alumni

The Stevens-German Library extends borrowing privileges to Hartwick students, faculty, staff, and Hartwick alumni. To borrow library materials, individuals will need to stop by the circulation desk and present a valid Hartwick ID. Alumni should present a valid state ID or driver’s license. The library will issue alumni a library borrower’s card.

Community Borrowers

Community members who are interested in checking out library materials may obtain a library card from the circulation desk. A valid state ID or driver’s license required to obtain a library card. For community borrowers there is a limit of 3 items that can be checked out at a given time.

SUNY Oneonta Students and Faculty

The Stevens-German Library extends borrowing privileges to SUNY Oneonta students, faculty, and staff who possess a valid SUNY ID card. Items may be returned to either Milne Library SUNY-Oneonta or the Stevens-German Library Hartwick College.

Borrower Period
Hartwick Faculty & Staf One Semester
Hartwick Student Six Weeks
Community Borrower 30 Days
SUNY – Oneonta Faculty One Semester
SUNY – Staff 30 Days
SUNY – Student 30 Days

Loan Periods, Fines, and Processing Fees

Fines are charged only for times that the library is open. Items may be returned 24/7 in the Book Depository Box to the left of the Yager Hall entry doors facing Dewar and Frisbee Field.

Material Loan Period Fine Per Item Processing Fee Replacement Costs
Book from Juvenile Collection Refer to
chart above
$.25 per day $15.00 $25.00 minimum
Book from Circulating Collection Refer to
chart above
$.25 per day $15.00 $50.00 minimum
CD Two Weeks $.25 per day $15.00 $25.00 minimum
DVD & VHS Tape Two Weeks $.25 per day $15.00 $50.00 minimum
Closed Reserve Item Two Hours $1.00 per hour $15.00 Determined by Item Type

Fines for Non-Returned & Lost Material

When any item is not returned, the library will assess a non -refundable processing fee plus a replacement fee as listed above. Community borrowers with overdue fees of $5.00 or more will not be allowed to checkout or renew books. Student bills for lost items and library fines are submitted to the business office at the end of the school year. Students who withdraw or begin a leave of absence are billed on the date they leave the college. We encourage all borrowers to return or renew materials on time. Borrowers may renew items by calling the circulation desk at Ext. 4441 or online.


InterLibrary Loan (ILL) Policies and Procedures FAQ

When the needed book or periodical article is not available at the Stevens-German Library or the Milne Library at SUNY Oneonta, we can borrow the materials from other libraries.

Q: Who can use this service?
A: The Stevens-German Library will borrow materials for any Hartwick student, faculty or staff. Community borrowers must use their public library.

Q: What can be borrowed?
A:
Books, journal articles, government documents, newspapers and some audio-visual materials. Certain types of materials such as reference books, rare books, videos, just published titles and dissertations may not be available.

Q: How do I request materials?
A: Log on to ILLiad with your Hartwick network username and password and then select the appropriate request forms in the left frame. First time users of ILLiad will need to add their personal information on the page following successful login. Please complete the forms as fully as possible.

To avoid delays please check the library catalog before ordering: Use a title search to locate the book or the journal that has the needed article and verify that we do not own the item.

Note that students have a limit of 15 active loan requests. Once one or more items are returned a new request can be submitted. There is no limit on article requests.

Q: When will the material arrive?
A: That depends on which library is supplying the material. The average turn-around time is 3-4 days. This means some items may be here the next day while others may take up to 3 weeks. Please be patient and plan ahead.

Please note that the loan period is usually for one month and not for the whole semester. In some cases it is possible to renew an item, but check with the interlibrary loan department first to see if the book has been recalled (in those cases we might be able to get the item from another library). Articles will be either available for download from your ILLiad account or sent to your mailbox. Articles are for you to keep.

Q: What is the cost?
A: In most cases this service is free of charge. Please note that some libraries charge a lending fee. We will make every effort to obtain materials free of charge, but we are not always successful especially when the requested item is not widely held. In these cases we will return the request electronically and you then have the option to resubmit the request stating your willingness to pay.

Q: How will I be notified?
A: You will receive an email notification that your requested item has arrived. If the request is for an article, the item will be available for download from your ILLiad account for 90 days. If the request is for a loan (book, video, score, etc.), the item will be available for pick-up at the interlibrary loan office. If the office is closed check with the reference or circulation desk to let you in. Please return your loan to this area by the due date indicated on the inserted slip.

Q: Why was my request cancelled?
A: The most frequent reason is that the item is already available either here or at Milne Library at SUNY-Oneonta. Please see the notes included in your email cancellation on why the request was denied