Loan Periods, Requests & Fines

Notes:

• Books* : Books are subject to recall and loan periods for books with multiple requests may be shortened to 7 days; some books in the lending collection are designated as 'Library Use Only'.

All Reference items and Journals are not for loan (use in library only)

Renewals

Loans (books) can be renewed, excluding Reserves, via My Library Account:

• Undergraduate students may renew their loans for up to 42 days.
• Masters/JD students may renew their loans for up to 56 days.
• Faculty/PhD/Post-Doctoral students may renew their loans for up to 224 days.
• Admin/Research Staff can renew their loans for up to 56 days.

Requests

Requests are triggered for items that are currently on loan, i.e., borrowed by another user. You will be notified by email when the requested item has been returned and is ready for pick up. 

• Books which are already borrowed by another user can be requested, with the exception of items in Reserves and Special Collections.
• Online requests can be made via the Library Search. Find the item you want and click “Request”.
• Users will be notified by email when the item(s) is ready for pick-up.
• All requested items should be collected personally at the Service Desk.
• Requested items will be kept for 5 working days, after which, the items will be returned to the shelf or passed on to the next person who has requested the same item.
• To cancel a request, please use My Library Account.

If an item you have borrowed has been requested by another user, you will receive an email notification from SMU Libraries to return the item.

 Shortened Loan Period for Borrower with Requested Item
Items that are requested will have the due date reset to 14 days from the date of request. 

Shortened Loan Period for Borrower with Recalled Item
All items on loan are subject to recall by the Libraries. For such items, the loan period will be shortened to 3 working days from the date of recall. Users will incur fines if they return the books after the revised due date. 

IMPORTANT: Continuation of the existing loan privileges is dependent upon the timely response to requests and recalls by all our users. Requests are triggered for items that are currently on loan, i.e., borrowed by another user. You will be notified by email when the requested item has been returned and is ready for pick up. 

Requests are triggered for items that are currently on loan, i.e., borrowed by another user. You will be notified by email when the requested item has been returned and is ready for pick up. 

Fines

• All loans are deemed valid till they are returned. Users are encouraged to check My Library Account regularly.
• Fines are instituted to encourage the prompt return of library items for the convenience of all our users.
• Library privileges may be suspended till all fines are settled in full.
• Payment is via CashCard / NETS / NETS Flashcard / EzLink Card
• It is the responsibility of all library users to return / renew materials on time. Non-receipt of notice(s) is not an acceptable reason for late returns/renewals.
• Academic transcripts / degree scroll will be withheld if library loans and fines are not cleared.

Overdue Fines

Lost or Damaged Items

Users are responsible for all loans charged to their accounts. They are liable for the cost of repairing or replacing lost or damaged items.

The replacement fee for lost or damaged item includes:

• The current cost of replacement;
• A non-refundable administration charge of S$25.00 per item (inclusive of GST);
• Overdue fines incurred from due date to the date when the item is reported lost; or when the item is returned (if subsequently found).

Appeal on the Imposition of Fines

For appeals, please email library@smu.edu.sg. Appeals will be dealt with on a case to case basis.