Circulation policies

The Circulation Desk is staffed all hours the library is open. DeWitt Library collections are available to all Northwestern College students, faculty, staff, and patrons from the surrounding communities.  

All college students, faculty, and staff must display their identification card when checking out books and other materials. Community patrons must register for a borrowing card. There is no charge for borrowing privileges.  

Renewals

Books and media materials may be renewed as long as a hold has not been placed on the item. Renewals may be made at the Circulation Desk, by phone, by email, or -- for students, faculty, and staff -- online. To renew items online, log in to your library account.

Holds

If a book is checked out to another patron, a "hold" may be placed on the item at the Circulation Desk or -- for students, faculty, and staff -- through your library account. Your name will be put on a waiting list for that item, and you will be notified when the book is available.  

Checkout Periods and Fines

DeWitt Library assesses fines for overdue items. For missing items, borrowers will be charged the replacement cost plus a $25 processing fee. For substantial fines or replacement costs, the library will place a hold on a student's account at the business office; once the fees are paid, the hold will be removed. Items that have not been returned for two months or more after the due date are considered theft under the Code of Iowa, chapters 714.5 and 808.12. We reserve the right to prosecute offenders under the terms of this law as well as to deal with student violations through the college's disciplinary system.