All Bluffton borrowers are responsible for returning items by the due date, and for paying any replacement charges and fees.
A Bluffton ID card or Musselman Library card is required for checking out materials from the library.
To track your checkouts, renewals, and due dates, use the Check your Library Account link at the library's homepage or choose My Account from the top menu bar when searching the catalog.
Musselman Library sends the following notices by email.
RECEIPT: After checking out an item, you will receive an email receipt showing the item's due date.
COURTESY NOTICE: You will receive a courtesy notice a few days before the due date, reminding you to return borrowed items. Borrowed items will be automatically renewed if the item is eligible for renewal.
OVERDUE NOTICE: When an item is no longer eligible for renewal, you will receive an overdue notice. Please return overdue items promptly.
REPLACEMENT BILL: After 3 overdue notices are sent, the item is declared lost, and you will receive a replacement bill for lost item charges. Your borrowing privileges are suspended, and you will receive a bill by email for replacement of the item.
Notices are a courtesy reminder. The library is not responsible if for some reason you do not receive an email notice, or if the notice went to your Junk/Spam folder). Each borrower is responsible for knowing due dates, either by checking their account online or by contacting the library for this information.
Musselman Library offers automatic renewals on most items. Renewals allow extension of the due date, provided no other patron is waiting next in line for the item.
You may renew materials before any automatic renewal by following the Check Your Library Account link at the library website or from the My Account tab in the library catalog.
Items borrowed from other libraries outside of OhioLINK and Search Ohio do not have automatic renewals. If you have an interlibrary loan item, check the Interlibrary Loan page for information on renewals and contact us to request a renewal (illassist@bluffton.edu or 419.358.3450).
Musselman Library does not charge overdue fines. However, when a checkout has reached the maximum number of automatic renewals, you will receive an overdue notice if the item is not returned by its due date. If the item is not returned after several overdue notices are sent, we will assume the item is lost, and you will receive a bill for the item's replacement.
Replacement charges are reconciled to the actual item replacement cost plus a $10 processing fee. If the item is returned after it is declared lost but before a replacement has been purchased, the replacement charge is forgiven. The maximum charge for any single lost item is $85.00.
Payments should be made at the Circulation Desk - cash or checks (payable to Bluffton University) accepted. If charges have been applied to your university account, payment should be made at the window in the lower level of College Hall.
