CIRCULATION FOR SI STAFF

Circulation Privileges, Policies and Procedures for SI Staff

Requirement for Checking Out Books
A Smithsonian Institution Libraries (SIL) library card is required to be able to check out books. Click here for a link to a PDF of Borrower Registration Form to get a library card. Only Smithsonian Institution identification badge-holders may apply. Please note that if you are not considered permanent staff, emeritus staff, or permanent affiliated agency staff you MUST have your SI supervisor or sponsor endorse in the designated area on the form. Bring or fax the completed form to your servicing library.

Once you have your library card you will be able to manage your library account online by clicking the My Account tab on SIL’s web-based catalog.

Types of Material That Can Be Borrowed

• Books in general circulating collections
• Microforms and audiovisual material
• Bound journals (with some exceptions—see staff at your servicing library)

Book Limit
None

Loan Period
Books checked out by permanent, emeritus and permanent affiliated agency staff have a six-month loan period. Other categories of borrowers generally have a one-month loan period. Non-book formats generally have a one-month loan period, regardless of borrower category.

Requesting a Book
Books may be requested using the assistance of library staff at any SIL library. You may also request items online via the SIL’s web-based catalog. Using this method will require a brief registration with the SIL's online borrowing system. A “request to pull” will be sent to the holding library for a book that is on the shelf; a “hold” will be put on a book that is checked out to another borrower. Please do NOT use My Account for requesting articles from periodicals. See below.

Recalls
All books are subject to recall after they have been checked out for at least 14 days. You will receive a notice that a book you have is being recalled for another borrower; the notice will advise you of a new due date.

If a book required for your research is checked out and you need it sooner than its current due date you should ask the staff at your servicing library to recall it for you. This function is not available through My Account.

Renewing Books
All books may be renewed in a variety of ways, including online using the My Account feature, email, and phone. There is no limit to the number of times you may renew books. There may be circumstances that will block renewal. If you have questions contact your servicing library.

Overdue Notices, Fines and Lost Books
When your books go overdue you will receive a printed notice and there will be a tally in the Number of Blocks online in your My Account. You are expected to renew or return the books as soon as possible after receiving notification.

SIL does not charge overdue fines. However, if a book is considered lost or damaged beyond repair you have the option of replacing it or, if replacement is not possible, a charge of $150.00 plus a processing fee will be levied.

Requesting Articles from Periodicals
Check the SIL catalog to find out which library has the periodical. You may visit, phone or fax the library or send an email. Be sure to have as complete a citation as possible.

Returning Material
You may drop off library material at any SIL library or send it through interoffice mail.

Material Not Held by SIL
Please see the information on Interlibrary Loan for material not owned by SIL. If you have questions contact your servicing library.