Bethel College Library FAQs: How do I check out library materials?

Bring material/s you want to check out to the circulation desk.

You do not need a library or ID card to check materials out of the Bethel College Library.

If you are a student/staff/faculty, you should already be in the library database.  Just tell us who you are--that's all we need!

If you are a community patron, your patron information will remain in the database for three years, at which point you may need to re-register with us.

You may renew library materials several ways:

1.  Reply to the email overdue notice you received.  There's no need for you to come to the library to renew--just click "Reply."

2. Bring the item/s in to be renewed.

3. Call the library circulation desk at 316-284-5361.

4.  You can renew materials yourself in the online catalog. 

• Login to your account at the top right of the screen.  Use your Bethel ID number (selection "Institution ID" from the list) and your last name.

• Click on "My Account" and select the books you want to renew. 

• Click "Request Renewal."

RESERVE materials may NOT be renewed.

All other items are eligible for renewal unless someone else has requested it/them.

STUDENTS:  All library materials are due at the end of fall and spring semesters.  Please renew or return all items before you leave for break.

Library patrons will be billed for "lost" items (overdue at least 60 days).  Most replacement charges start at $50.00/item.  Reserve materials incure lost fees within a day of non-return.

Reserve materials are usually required or recommended readings for specific classes. 

Reserve items are located behind the circulation desk on the main level of the library.

They are shelved alphabetically by the name of the class.

You can also search the library catalog by your instructor's name, academic department, or the name of the class to find out what is on reserve.

Check the orange band or file folder label on reserve items to find out what kind of reserve applies. Please adhere to the circulation period on the band; other students in your class will want to use the same material. Types of reserve include:

2 hour/library use only: Material is not to leave the library at any time.

2 hour/overnight:  Material must be used in the library until 2 hours before closing (that is usually 10 PM).  At that point, the material may be taken out of the building.  However, it needs to be returned the next morning by 8 AM

2 day

1 week

For clarification, the orange band states:

"Open Reserve" materials checked out overnight must be returned to the library by 8:30 AM the next morning. Do not check out Open Reserve materials before 10 PM if you want to keep them overnight.

Closed Reserve items are never to leave the library.

Fees of at least $10 may be applied as soon as material as overdue.

Overdue reserve materials incur lost/replacement fees very quickly.  In-library and overnight materials incur fees the morning after the material is due.