College Central

CIRCULATION POLICIES 

Most physical library materials (print books, CD's, DVD's, etc.) are available on open shelves for self-retrieval. Ask at the circulation desk at your respective campus for materials that are in a restricted area, such as reserve items.

Digital Materials (eBooks, streaming videos, electronic journals, etc.) are available via any device connected to the internet. Accessing these resources from any Minnesota West campus computer does NOT require special login credentials.  Accessing from off-campus requires an authentication process --- login with your Star ID and Star ID password.

Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a service that allows Minnesota West students, faculty, and staff to request books, videos, DVDs and periodical articles from other libraries. Allow 3-10 days for materials to arrive. The loan period is established by the lending library. Electronic delivery of articles is done when possible.

Library staff will notify patrons (usually via email) when an ILL item arrives. ILL items should be picked up at the library circulation desk soon after their arrival. 

Some items may be renewed but that decision is made by the lending library. Renewals must be requested prior to the due date. Log into “My Account” on MnPALS to request a renewal or contact your campus library staff for assistance.

Library Cards
Students, faculty, and staff with a valid Minnesota West photo ID card may check out library materials.  A library barcode is located on the ID card. If you are an off-campus only student, please contact a librarian to have a barcode number issued. 

Your library card is valid as long as you are a Minnesota West student. After leaving Minnesota West, your card may be validated as a community patron. Community patrons may use Minnesota West libraries and check out materials. Staff will issue a courtesy library card or they will barcode the patron's public library card. 

A lost library card should be reported immediately so that you are not responsible for items borrowed using your card.  The business office charges a $5 fee to issue a new student ID/library card.

Loan Periods 
Loan periods vary according to the type of material borrowed. Students may check out books from the general circulating collection for 21 days. Faculty have an extended loan period for books until the end of the semester. Reference books and newspapers do not circulate. Periodicals may be checked out for one week by all patrons. Non-print media checkout times vary.
 

My Borrowing Record
To display a list of items linked to your record, go to MnPALS and choose the "My Account" link at the top of the page. You will be prompted to enter your barcode and password. Your password is your last name. (Try your entire last name, but if that doesn't work use only the first 8 letters of your last name.) This will display all library information linked to your record.

Overdue Fines
You are responsible for returning library materials on time. Reminder notices may be sent via email or U.S. mail; however, the library is not obligated to notify you when an item is overdue. Items not returned will be billed a $5.00 per item non-refundable fee plus the replacement cost of the item. All fees must be paid at the campus Business Office during regular Business Office hours. A hold/block will be placed on your registration and transcripts until items are returned and fees paid. To avoid fines, please renew or return your items on or before the due date.

Placing A Hold
Placing a hold adds your name to a waiting list for an item that is currently checked out. When the item is returned, it will be held for you for 7 days. Holds can be placed after you are logged into “My Account” in MnPALS.

Recalls
Recalls may be initiated by library staff only. A hold becomes an "automatic" recall if the checked out item has been in circulation for 14 days. Materials needed for Reserve use will be recalled immediately. Recalled items may not be renewed. Failure to respond to a recall notice may result in a daily fine and/or revocation of library privileges.

Renewals
You may renew library materials by going to MnPALS and logging into the "My Account" link at the top of the page.

Reserves
Books, articles, videos, or other items needed by an entire class for a class assignment may be put on reserve in the library by the instructor. This assures the item's availability to a larger number of students. The instructor will designate the check out time of the reserve item. Check out periods range from 1-hour, to seven days, to the entire semester.

Ask for reserve items at the library circulation desk. Reserve items do accrue fines if they are not returned within the designated checkout periods.

Questions?
Contact your campus library during regular library hours or email your campus librarian.

OFF CAMPUS LOG-IN

Accessing digital/electronic resources (eBooks, streaming videos, databases, electronic journals) from off-campus requires an authentication process ---login with your Star ID and Star ID password.

​OTHER LARC SERVICES INCLUDE:

TUTORIALS & FEATURED RESOURCES 

Browse the Library and Academic Resource Center Tutorials & Featured Resources page below: