Library Access Services: Services + Policies

Our Information Desks are the general reception desks for the University's Library and provide many services for patrons. There are three in total and they can be found on the main floor of the Library.

At the Library's front information desk, patrons may check out and check in materials, locate items on reserve/teacher reserves, pick up items on hold or Interlibrary Loan (ILL), purchase flash drives, and pay library fines. For these services, you'll need your Holy Family ID card.

Questions? Please visit the library's front desk or contact the Access Services Coordinator.

*Please note: Item(s) not returned or are very overdue will be given a grace period of 1 week to be returned/renewed.

After the grace period has ended and the item(s) are not returned, the library system will mark the item as "Lost" and a replacement & processing fee will be created to the patron's account (the fee amount will vary depending on the cost of the item(s) lost). A "Library Hold" will also be placed on the patron's university account which may prevent the patron from being able to receive their diploma, register for classes, or use other Library Services.

If an item is checked out, and you want the item when it is returned to the library, you can place a hold on that item. Holds cannot be placed on items that are reserved or in the reference section.

How do I request library materials?

• Log in to your library account on our catalog page (Library's Catalog)
• Once logged in, search for the desired library material within our catalog and select “Place Hold”
• Follow the instructions for completing the request form and wait for a confirmation email notifying you that the materials are ready for pickup. ​​​

How do I return library materials?

• All library materials can be returned to the book drop box slot located outside the library building at the Philadelphia Campus. 

How do I renew library materials?

• Items that have not been requested by another patron may be renewed by calling the Library, visiting the front desk, or through the Library's Catalog

• A maximum of 2 renewals per item may be made unless there is an outstanding hold or request for the item.

How do I know when my item is overdue?
Patrons will be notified via email before their items are due and once they are overdue.  

What if I lost or never returned my Library material(s)?

All patrons are responsible for replacement fees for lost or nonreturned items. Charges will be based on the cost of the lost item(s) plus a $10.00 processing fee.

What does it mean if I received a Hold/Block on my account?
If a patron either has an overdue item more than 2 weeks old or has an outstanding replacement fee for a lost item(s), a hold/block will be placed on the patron's university account. Blocks/Holds on patrons' accounts will result in a block on future class registrations and transcript requests as well as the use of Library services until the issue is resolved.

Who can I contact about lost or overdue items?

Contact the Access Services Coordinator for more information on overdue materials.