Checkout Policies

Patrons must use a valid ONU or community user ID to borrow library materials. Loan periods vary by patron and material type.

Heterick Memorial Library maintains a collection of some older audiovisual equipment. Contact the Archives at 419-772-2181 or archives@onu.edu if you have questions or would like to use this equipment.

The rooms in Heterick Memorial Library are also equipped with a variety of audiovisual devices. For more details on the specific equipment in each room, visit our Reserve a Room page.

Provided another patron has not placed a hold on an item, patrons may renew items up to six times (two times for community users). Patrons can request renewals online through My Library Account, by calling the circulation desk at 419-772-2181, or in person at the Information Desk.

Heterick Memorial Library is fine free. The library only charges for items that have been assumed lost. Bills are issued through the ONU controller's office. Items are assumed lost based on the following guidelines:

For Heterick Items:

After two overdue notices have been sent, items are assumed lost and patrons are billed for the cost of the item. If the item is returned, the library will waive the replacement costs.

For OhioLINK Items:

After an item has been overdue for 30 days, patrons are billed a $20 replacement charge. If the item is returned, the library will waive the replacement charge.

In most cases, for both Heterick and OhioLINK items, the library accepts replacement items purchased by the patron in lieu of the replacement charge. Please check with the library before purchasing a replacement item.

Ohio Northern University retirees are entitled to the following library benefits:

• Borrowing of ONU Library and OhioLINK materials.
• Use of databases in the library building only.
• Borrowing of items through interlibrary loan.

Residents of Hardin County and the surrounding counties (Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Logan, Marion, Putnam, Union and Wyandot) may apply for a community user card. To apply for a card, you must have a photo ID with a local address. If you do not have a photo ID with a local address, you may apply with any photo ID and proof of local residency such as a utility bill or a signed lease. The signature of a parent/guardian is also required for patrons under the age of 18. Community user cards are valid for one year.

Policies and Privileges:

• Borrowing of physical items from the Heterick collection, and through OhioLINK and SearchOhio.
• Use of the ONU public WiFi with personal devices.
• Use of the library building for personal study.

Call or visit the Information Desk for more information about becoming a community user.

Ohio Northern University licenses electronic resources to support the research and teaching of our current students, faculty, and staff. Users are responsible for complying with the terms and conditions of each resource.

Our licenses generally prohibit:

• Access by anyone other than authorized users
  • Authorized users consist of current students, faculty, staff, and walk-in users
• Violation of copyright, including removing copyright notices
• Using resources for commercial purposes
• Excessive downloads, including downloading significant portions of electronic books
• Sharing of passwords
• Scraping using automated downloading programs
  • Some databases provide an exception for data analysis. Please contact the Electronic Resources Librarian.

If you have any questions about authorized use of the library's electronic resources, please contact the Electronic Resource Librarian.