Due Date Stamping FAQ
The Libraries discontinued stamping due dates on borrowed materials in January 2006. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How will I know the due dates?
Circulation staff will typically inform you of due dates at checkout. You may also request a loan receipt (similar to the self-checkout
receipts). The most accurate way to track your due dates is to use your online library account. Click the
my account link on the
Libraries home page at
http://www.lib.umd.edu.
What if I don't use My Account very often?
The Libraries email courtesy reminders 7 days before each UMCP item is due (you will likely receive reminders only for materials owned by UMCP Libraries).
How do I make sure I get these email reminders?
First, verify your email address in My Account. If you need to add an email or change the existing one, you must update it in Testudo and/or Ares . You should also contact a circulation desk if you need the change to take effect immediately or if you have any questions.
Second, UMCP email accounts should not automatically send library notices to the junk folder. However, if you see this or have a non-UM email account listed in Testudo/Ares or with the Libraries, you will want to keep emails from “umlibnotices@umd.edu” from being sent to your junk folder. Contact a circulation desk or go to the Updating Your Contact Information web page for more details.
What if I don't check my email often or have regular access to a computer? Am I still responsible for returning/renewing my books on time?
Email communication is a university-sanctioned mode of communication for official university news and information. Nevertheless, email reminders are courtesies only. You are still responsible for keeping track of your due dates. We recommend checking my account regularly. You may also request loan receipts at checkout if you are not able to track your due dates electronically.
Why did the Libraries discontinue due date stamping?
To speed up checkout and be consistent with online renewals and self-check, which do not provide stamps. Hopefully, this will also encourage borrowers to use my account, which provides other services as well.
What if I want to stamp or write the date on the due date slip myself?
Stamps will not be provided. You may write the due date on an existing slip in the back of the book.
Will there still be due date slips in the books?
New books may not have slips at checkout. If not, slips will be added later for return stamps. Any existing slips will not be removed.
Will the Libraries stop stamping return dates?
Not for the time being. Return stamps are currently used to facilitate questions related to fines and collection management. This question will be revisited in the near future.
Will the Libraries save any money doing this?
The major savings will be in terms of time saved at checkout. Savings in the cost of materials will be negligible.
Were library users asked about this before it was decided to stop stamping?
Yes. There was a survey conducted in May 2005 at all circulation sites on campus. The majority of respondents supported discontinuing date stamping. Many also supported the possibility of email reminders if this moved forward.
How would you address some who might say that this will lead to an increase in overdue books and fines?
One of the Libraries' goals is to ensure that materials are returned or renewed in a timely fashion, thus facilitating better access to all our community members. By ceasing due date stamping and providing email reminders and education on using My Account, we hope to encourage library users to keep better track of borrowed items and avoid overdue fines whenever possible.
Prior to this change, due dates that were stamped on materials did not represent the final dates the materials were due. Recalls can shorten due dates and online renewals can prolong them. We understand that there may be a period of adjustment, and are willing to work with our customers if problems arise.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Ask a staff member at one of the Libraries' circulation desks. UM Libraries Circulation Contacts
