Library Policies

Students are considered Alumni of Albright College if they have graduated from the college with an A.B., B.S., M.A. or M.S. degree.

Alumni Borrowers' Policy

Alumni are welcome to use the library's collection within the library. The following information is provided for those wishing to borrow materials.

Who may apply?

Anyone who has graduated from Albright College may apply for borrowing privileges by presenting current identification and proof of graduation (verification in the College's Alumni Directory or  library circulation records). Students who cannot be verified by these methods must wait until verification from the Alumni or Registrar's Office is available.

What is the cost?

There is no cost to becoming an alumni user of the library.

How long am I registered to use the resources at the Albright Library?

Alumni membership/borrowing cards are issued for twelve months. Alumni will be asked to present a driver's license or other ID card in order to validate the application. If the patron remains in good standing, he/she will be able to renew the membership. Patrons are reminded to retain their library card since there is a $5 replacement card charge if the last one was issued less than 5 years previously.

When do borrowing privileges begin?

Borrowing privileges can begin immediately after completing and signing the registration form and receiving a bar coded Alumni Library Card (or we can use an Albright College ID if that is available). This borrowing card must be presented at the Circulation Desk whenever materials are checked out.

Library hours

Information is available at (610) 921-7219 and 610-921-7517 (Circulation desk)

What materials circulate? What are the loan periods?

Alumni may borrow up to six circulating books. Most circulating materials are loaned for 28 days with popular reading books loanable for 14 days and popular DVDs for 7 days. There may be up to two renewals for the general circulating materials. Materials currently on reserve have a 3 hour loan period and must be used in the library. Items can be renewed in person or online.

Non-circulating materials include reference books, reserve items, periodicals, microforms, special collections and designated media.

What happens if I am late returning materials?

The overdue fine for circulating books is $.10 per day for books and $.50 per day for popular DVDs. Overdue and fine notices are generated automatically and sent via email as a courtesy to our borrowers. It is the borrower's responsibility to check the due date stamped on each item or by checking their personal account. Courtesy borrowers will also be blocked from further borrowing if they have outstanding fines.

What is a recall?

A recall is a request made by an Albright faculty/staff  member to retrieve material charged to another borrower.

Materials charged to non faculty/staff  borrowers that are recalled are due upon receipt of the notice. There is a grace period of two business days before fines accrue.  Notices specifying the new due date will be issued when items are recalled. Penalties (fines) of $5 per day will accrue for litems returned after the grace period.

Students do not have recall privileges, however,  they may make an ILL request for the needed item or the item may be  placed  on hold for the next available copy.

Recalled items are due upon receipt of the recall notice. There is a grace period of two business days before fines accrue.  Notices specifying the new due date will be issued when items are recalled. Penalties (fines) of $5 per day will accrue for late returns.

What other costs may be incurred?

Borrowers are charged replacement costs and processing fees for lost items that are more than 21 days overdue.  Damage costs will be assessed depending on the condition of the item.

Alumni Services

Alumni patrons can use the library services and materials in the library when it is open. All general services as listed in college services for visitors apply. Unfortunately, many of the services such as interlibrary loan and remote database searching cannot be continued after graduation due to costs and legal contracts.

Effective Date: August 20, 2005
Last Revised: January 9, 2014
Last Reviewed: January 9, 2014