Community Patron Courtesy Card
PURPOSE STATEMENT 
Thomas Library welcomes community patrons. This policy defines community patrons, establishes their rights and responsibilities, and outlines procedures regarding community patron access. It is informed and framed by the University and Library mission, vision, diversity, and other statements and principles, and reflects the goals and values of the University. 
COMMUNITY PATRON DEFINITION
A community patron is defined as someone who does not have Wittenberg ID or login credentials but wishes to use Thomas Library resources. Members of the local community, including Wittenberg graduates, may apply for a Thomas Library Community Patron card.
Visitors from other OhioLINK libraries may use their university ID to borrow our materials as long as their record is in good standing at their home institution.
OBTAINING A COMMUNITY PATRON CARD
A community patron may apply for a community patron card in-person. In addition to the application, all applicants must provide a valid federal or state photo ID. Accepted valid photo IDs include: passports, driver’s license, state ID, Alien Registration, or Military ID. Thomas Library reserves the right to make photocopies or scans of this ID for our records each calendar year. School and/or expired IDs will not be accepted.
Apply for a Community Patron Courtesy Card -- Print out the Community Patron Application Form
Patrons under the age of 18 must apply with their guardian.
Thomas Library Circulation will retain a copy of the application and photo ID. Information on file will need to be confirmed annually. Applications may take up to one business day to process.
BORROWING PRIVILEGES
Community patrons may borrow a total of 10 items at a time and are allowed to borrow only 5 books from the CRC collection at a time. The loan period for most items is 21 days.
| Loan Period (days) | Maximum Number of Renewals | Renewal Period (days) | Maximum Number of Items Checked Out | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wittenberg Main Circulating Collection | 21 | 1 | 21 | Total 10 items all collections |
| Curriculum Resource Center | 14 | 1 | 14 | 5 items |
| Leisure Collection | 21 | 1 | 21 | |
Restrictions
Community patrons do not have access to
Fines
Overdue notices will be sent to the address on file for a community patron. Thomas Library does not assess overdue fines; however, on the 3rd overdue notice, if an item has not been returned, or is lost or damaged, the borrower will be assessed a replacement cost of $75.00 per item.
BUILDING AND INTERNET ACCESS
Community patrons are welcome to use the library during regular operating hours. Please see the Thomas Library website for most current hours.
Community patrons may use their own devices and the guest wireless internet in the library to access the library electronic resources. Users of the guest wireless must follow the Wittenberg ITS policies and terms of use.
If you wish to use the Wittenberg-owned computer stations, please see the Circulation Desk for the daily login information. Currently, Thomas Library does not have the ability to provide guest access to printing.
Thomas Library cannot provide off-campus access to electronic resources to community patrons due to contract stipulation with the electronic resource vendors.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
All library and university policies apply to community patrons using Thomas Library.
Violations of local, state or federal laws will be reported to the appropriate authorities. The University may temporarily suspend or block access to an account or remove files, when reasonably necessary to do so in order to protect the integrity, security or functionality of University or other computing resources or to protect the University from liability. It is the intent of the University to maintain a campus environment that facilitates access and sharing of information without fear that an individual's work will be violated by misrepresentation, tampering, destruction and/or theft. The privilege of using these resources carries with it the responsibility for ethical behavior.
Wittenberg University and Thomas Library reserve the right to revoke all privileges and ask any individual to leave the premises. Notes regarding any violations and restrictions will be included on the internal copy of the community patron application and/or their library account.