Library and Learning Resources Policy

Rasmussen University Library team, in accordance with the mission of the University, is rooted in a tradition of student support and driven by a desire for academic excellence. They are passionate about empowering the university community and cultivating lifelong learners who are prepared to thrive in a diverse and digital society.

In support of this mission we:

• Extend our resources and services to all students and employees of the University;
• Empower students to access information independently in the changing world of technology;
• Support faculty by providing professional development and instructional partnerships;
• Engage in responsive collection development by collaborating with faculty to select resources; and
• Provide direction and recommendations to help guide our users to the resources and online tools that will work best for their learning.

A. Borrowing Materials: General
The following persons are permitted to check out materials owned by our library system:

• Rasmussen University students and alumni in good financial standing with the University
• Rasmussen University faculty and staff in good standing with the library
• Consortia patrons in good standing with the library

A patron in good standing with the library is defined as a person who has no overdue items and owes no fees toward damaged or lost items. A library user is responsible for any items checked out in his or her name. Rasmussen University retains the right to deny borrowing privileges to any person in violation of this or any other library policy.

B. Loan Periods
Loan periods vary depending on the database and content. E-books from the databases can be checked out and used offline for up to seven calendar days. Digital materials are loaned for 21 calendar days from the Cloud Library and may be renewed up to two times if there are no outstanding holds on the material. Library materials must be returned to the library on or before the end of the loan period; if they are not returned by the user, then the system will automatically recall the material.

C. Fees and Restriction of Borrower Privileges
Users will receive a reminder two days in advance of an item’s due date.

Following the grace period (5 days for circulating items; 10 hours for special materials), items are considered overdue and borrower privileges will be restricted until items are returned or fees are paid for lost materials.

After 30 days past the end of the grace period, the material is considered lost. The library reserves the right to charge for replacement costs. Replacement costs are assessed per each individual item. The library will charge $55.00, or the cost of replacing the item plus a $5.00 processing fee.

In the event that a library material is returned damaged, the borrower will be assessed a fee to repair or replace the damaged item. In the event that an irreplaceable item is damaged, the library will assess a $55.00 fee.

Rasmussen University cannot override fines incurred at other libraries, including fines for Interlibrary Loan items lost or returned late.

Library fees are assessed through the Department of Student Financial Services. Rasmussen University reserves the right to withhold the release of academic information, and other records, pending settlement of any amount due to the University.