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Visitors Policy

Visitors Policy

Philip Weltner Library’s primary purpose is to meet the needs of the students, faculty, and staff of Oglethorpe University. We also regularly serve alumni, family of faculty and staff, and ARCHE and GPALS interlibrary use patrons. Study areas and study rooms are for the Oglethorpe community only. Access to the 24 Hour Room is restricted to currently-enrolled Oglethorpe students.  Visitors may access the building only during regular hours. Breach of any of the Philip Weltner Library’s visitors policies, may result in a permanent ban of the use of the library.

Visitors are required to introduce themselves at the Circulation Desk by showing a valid photo ID and an Interlibrary Use card. They must sign the guest registry each time they visit the library. Special limitations on the use of library workstations are addressed in the library’s Computer Access Policy.

Visitors who are not from ARCHE or GPALS institutions are asked to utilize local public libraries, though they will be accommodated for a one-time use only.

Use of the library by visitors is at the discretion of the supervisor on duty and subject to limitation during the academic cycle. We reserve the right to limit use of this facility in order to meet our primary purpose.

Questions about this policy may be directed to any Circulation Supervisor or to the Library Director.

Borrowing Privileges for Visitors

Who may check out materials at Philip Weltner Library?

1) Oglethorpe University Alumni who live in the Atlanta area:

  • Alumni who are residents of the Atlanta area can receive borrowing privileges upon presentation of a current Alumni card. See the Alumni Association for details on obtaining this card.

2) Students, faculty, and staff from the following ARCHE schools may check out books:

  • Agnes Scott College
  • Brenau University
  • Clark Atlanta University
  • Clayton State University
  • Columbia Theological Seminary
  • Emory University
  • Georgia Gwinnett College
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Georgia State University
  • Interdenominational Theological Center
  • Kennesaw State University
  • Mercer University–Atlanta Campus
  • Mercer University
  • Morehouse College
  • Morehouse School of Medicine
  • Savannah College of Art and Design–Atlanta
  • Southern Polytechnic State University
  • Spelman college
  • University of Georgia
  • University of West Georgia

Patrons from these schools must present a valid school ID and a current ILU (Interlibrary Use) card in order to borrow materials. ILU cards are obtained from a designated librarian at your home library. More information about Interlibrary Use Policy.

What materials can be checked out?

Most books, movies, sound recordings, and reserve materials circulate, though some reserve items are limited to library-use only. Items that do not circulate, unless by special arrangement, are:

  • periodicals (magazines, journals, and newspapers)
  • reference books
  • microfilm and microform
  • special collections materials
How long is the check out period?

Alumni

  •  Books: 30 days, 2 renewals
    Audiovisual materials: 7 days, 2 renewals

ILU users: 

  • Books: 30 days, 2 renewals
Where can I return items?

Books can be returned at the Circulation Desk or in the book drop located in the parking lot behind the library. Reserve items, videos, and sound recordings should be returned at the Circulation Desk to avoid damage. Borrowers will be responsible for AV materials damaged in the book drop.

Borrower Responsibilities:

The borrower bears all responsibility for materials checked out on his or her card. Receipts for returned items are available upon request. Patrons are encouraged to take an active part in ensuring the accuracy of their contact information and library record.

Fines and Fees

All Alumni and ILU borrowers:

  • Overdue fines on standard items are $1.00 per day. Replacement costs are assessed and your patron record is blocked once items become 40 days overdue.
  • Overdue fines accrue on recalled items at $1.00 per day.
  • Students at other schools may find their registration and transcripts blocked due to outstanding fines and books that are more than 40 days overdue. Items that are over 40 days overdue are billed to borrowers to cover replacement costs and fees.

Lost or damaged items are assessed according to actual replacement or repair costs. Fees are:

  • Replacement cost of the item
  • Processing fee: $25.00
  • Lost or damaged items will be replaced after one academic year. Patrons not returning items within that period will be billed for the cost.