Eligibility: People who are not Valparaiso University students, faculty, or staff may apply for a Valpo library card. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the application. Proof of address is required. By applying, you agree to the borrowing and use privileges set forth in this policy as an “Affiliated Borrower.”

Cost:

  • $20/year for a family card (one or two parents and minor children)
  • $15/year for an individual card
  • $2/year for Valpo alumni
  • No charge to spouses and minor children of current Valpo faculty and staff; the Valpo courtesy card must be presented at the time of application.
  • No charge to students, faculty and staff from other Indiana universities who present an ALI Borrower's card.

Identification for Borrowing: As an Affiliated Borrower, you must present your Valpo library card to check out materials. If you are an ALI Borrower, you must present your ALI card along with an ID displaying your current address.

Loan Periods and Lending Limits:

  • Books and government documents: 28 days, or the expiration date of your card, whichever comes first.
  • LPs and CDs/CD-ROMs: 14 days
  • Ebooks, DVDs, videos, rare books, maps, journals, reference, and reserve materials: these items are not available for loan to Affiliated Borrowers but you may use them while in the library.
  • A maximum of 20 items may be checked out at once.

Returns:

  • Materials can be returned to either the first or second floor Circulation Desks or to one of our book drops. Book drops are located outside the first floor entrance on the east (Chapel) side or by the staff entrance on the southwest (College of Arts & Sciences building) side.
  • LPs and CDs should be returned to one of our two circulation desks (1st or 2nd floor).

Renewals: One remote renewal through is allowed for items that are not overdue (email Circulation at moecirc@valpo.edu for this). For all other renewal requests, you must present items at a circulation desk. We are unable to accept subsequent renewal requests by email, telephone, or U.S. mail.

Recalls: Items may be recalled at any time if needed by Valpo students, faculty or staff. If an item is recalled, you will receive a notice indicating a new due date, usually seven days after the date of the notice. If a second notice is required, you will be fined $1/day per recalled item until that item is returned.

Lost Items: After the third overdue notice, the library will assume that an item is lost and bill you for the replacement cost plus a $15 service charge. Borrowing privileges are blocked for all Affiliated Borrowers who fail to return library materials or to pay charges.

It sometimes happens that a library patron reports they have already returned an item that the library circulation system indicates is checked out to them. If you find yourself in this situation, file a claim (after thoroughly searching your belongings), and the library will make every effort to work with you to locate the item.

Service Limitations: Certain Valparaiso University computer services, interlibrary loans, and recall privileges are not available for Affiliated Borrowers.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, or any other library matter, please contact a Circulation Manager at (219) 464-5500 or via email at moecirc@valpo.edu.

Resources:
Visitor’s Guide
Guest Policies