Important Changes in Library Policies Begin October 1^st!

The UAMS Library has developed two new policies in an effort to ensure that materials are more readily available in the Library when needed. These policy changes should result in better access to the printed information resources in the Library.

These changes have been discussed with, and approved by, the Library Advisory Committee, and Dr. Larry Milne, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

1). The Library will NOT check out journals beginning October 1, 2004. With this decision, the UAMS Library joins many other major health science and undergraduate libraries that do not circulate journals.

The non-circulation of journals will save researchers and library staff a great deal of time and effort. Many people have expressed frustration with not being able to obtain journal articles when the journals they need are checked out. This problem is magnified when journals are not returned by the due date.

The Library frequently has to incur the cost of obtaining articles on interlibrary loan because the needed journals are checked out. In addition, the Library staff spend significant time and effort retrieving overdue materials.

If you would like to discuss this or any other UAMS Library policy, please contact Mary Ryan, the Library Director, at RyanMaryL@uams.edu (686-6730).

2) The Library WILL CHARGE FINES for overdue materials beginning October 1, 2004.

Fine: The Library will assess a fine of $1.00 per day, with a two day grace period, for all overdue books and LRC materials.

The same fine will apply to all recalled items and to overdue materials borrowed from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan.

Additional fees: A $15.00, non-refundable invoice/billing fee will be assessed after three overdue notices have been sent. This fee will be in addition to the fines accrued for the overdue item.

Please contact Dena Plaisted, Chair DAS at PlaistedDenaK@uams.edu (686-6734) or Libby Ingram, Head of Circulation, at IngramLibbyE@uams.edu (686-6741) for additional information, or for questions regarding the new policies.