Library Policies 

Policy for food, beverages and art materials in the Library

In order to maintain a clean environment appropriate to the housing of books and magazines, the MIAD Library has officially adopted a "Leave No Trace" policy.   "Leave No Trace" means that food, beverages and art materials may be brought into the Library, but there should be no evidence of their presence left behind.

Borrowing Materials

A valid MIAD I.D. is required to check out library materials, including Reserve materials. Borrowers are responsible for all materials checked out on their cards until the items are returned. Cards may only be used the person to whom they are issued. MIAD alumni will be issued an Alumni Card upon request. Courtesy Cards are available for continuing education instructors.

Loan Periods

Books circulate for four weeks, and may be renewed for up to two additional 4-week periods unless recalled. Patrons may renew items online at: topcat.switchinc.org. Videos and DVD’s generally circulate for one week. Books borrowed from other SWITCH schools have a four-week loan period; loan periods for videos / DVDs borrowed through SWITCH vary from one to four weeks. Library Reserve materials circulate for two hours or overnight.

Charges & fines

Overdue notices (paper and email) are sent out as a courtesy reminder to library patrons. Items are due back to MIAD or the given SWITCH library on the specified due date whether a notice was received or not. Courtesy reminder notices are emailed or placed in patron mailboxes the day after an item is due. MIAD library has a 9 day grace period. A Replacement Fee of $100 or more for books and $40 for magazines will be automatically applied to patron accounts for items 10 days overdue, until item is returned.     The same charges apply to books and periodicals returned in damaged condition. Library Reserve materials that are returned late incur a fine of 25-cents per hour until returned. 

Items borrowed from SWITCH schools incur late fines and replacement fees according to their policies. 

A block will be automatically generated on patron's accounts with outstanding fines.  A block will prevent patrons from checking additional items out and may prevent a student from registering for classes, or receiving a transcript. Off-site access to databases and other services usually available through TOPCAT may also be limited. Any questions about fees or fines should be directed to the Library Circulation Manager.