Using the Services Offered by the Slagelse Public Libraries
The facilities and services provided by the library service are available to everyone.
You have to be registered as a borrower to be able to borrow library materials and to book the library computers.
Some of the materials may only be used at the library.
The library service lays down the rules for the use of IT equipment and other devices, and also sets the prices for copying, making transcripts, etc.
The library service lays down the rules of order, including the rules for expulsion and suspension which apply to borrowers who do not respect our rules or do not follow the staff’s instructions.
Registration
A medical insurance card must be presented at the time of registration. The card’s data will be entered in the library service’s borrower records.
Foreign borrowers must present a passport, residence permit or other form of identification.
An e-mail address or mobile phone number will be requested, as the library service primarily contacts borrowers by e-mail or by sending text messages.
A parent (or guardian) must sign a registration form for borrowers under 18, thus assuming liability for all library materials lent under the child’s library card and for the payment of any compensation for damaged or lost materials.
Businesses may be registered as borrowers in the library. A library card is issued to the business and signed by the person with managerial responsibility for the business.
If so determined by the library service, it may be possible to register a few borrower categories on special terms.
Municipal institutions may be registered as borrowers on special terms. A library card is issued to the institution, and signed by the person with managerial responsibility for the institution.
The borrower is responsible for ensuring that the personal information given to the library service is correct, and the borrower is obliged to notify the library service of any change of street address, e-mail address, mobile phone number or other changes.
The borrower may receive a transcript of the borrower data recorded under his/her name by presenting an ID.
Library card
The borrower’s medical insurance card is used as library card unless the borrower wishes to use a separate library card.
A four-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number) of the borrower’s own choice is assigned to the card. The PIN ensures unequivocal identification of the borrower and prevents the card from being abused. The PIN is personal and should not be given to anyone else.
A borrower number and PIN are necessary for being able to borrow material, renew, reserve and see one’s status.
A borrower number and PIN are used for self-service activities via the library service’s website.
The library card/medical insurance card must be presented each time an item is borrowed.
The card is personal and the borrower is responsible for all the items he/she borrows.
If the library card or medical insurance card is lost, the borrower must inform the library, and the library will subsequently block the use of the card for borrowing.
Until this happens, the borrower is responsible for any misuse of the lost card.
A replacement library card may be purchased from the library service (see price list).
Borrowing rights
The library card is valid at all libraries in Slagelse Municipality.
The right to borrow material may be suspended if the borrowing rules are not observed, e.g. if a borrowed item is damaged when returned, or if fines, charges or bills for compensation are not paid.
If a borrower owes the library DKK 200 or more in fines and/or charges, he/she will not be allowed to borrow material from the library.
Lending procedure and loan period
All materials must be registered as on loan in the library system before the borrower leaves the library.
All materials are equipped with anti-theft protection. Contact a member of the library staff immediately if you trigger the alarm as you leave the library.
The loan period for each item is specified on the receipt which is printed whenever an item is borrowed.
The borrower is responsible for checking the item(s) at the time of borrowing and notifying the staff of any errors or deficiencies.
The borrower is responsible for ensuring that all items borrowed are specified on the receipt.
If the receipt is lost, it is possible to check the due date on the borrower’s account page at the library service’s website on the Internet or to call the library service for this information.
Renewal
Normally, all items on loan can be renewed. The loan period for reserved items and short loans (kviklån) cannot be extended, however.
Items borrowed via your library from another library and items that are overdue can only be renewed by contacting the library service.
Items on loan may at most be renewed twice in addition to the normal loan period (i.e. for a total of three loan periods).
Reserving
Material on loan can be reserved.
The libraries will send an e-mail, text message or postcard when the material is available to the borrower. The final deadline for borrowing the item concerned will be specified in the message.
If an item is not found in the Slagelse Library System, an effort will be made to obtain it from other libraries.
Returns
An item is regarded as being returned on time if it is turned in no later than closing time on the final due date. Closing time is defined as the closing time of the library to which the material has to be returned.
For returns in an outdoor self-service machine (currently in the town of Slagelse only), a library card and PIN are required.
Returns made to self-service machines are regarded as being on time if the item or items are deposited by midnight on the final due date.
After closing time, items may be returned through a library’s letter box. Items are returned at the borrower’s own risk. In this instance, a receipt will not be issued and the return will be registered on the next opening day.
The library service may decide to close letter boxes and outdoor self-service machines between Christmas and New Year to avoid vandalism.
A receipt will be printed for all items returned directly to the libraries.
The borrower is responsible for ensuring that each of the items returned is specified on the receipt.
In addition, the borrower can view his/her borrowing details on the Internet at all times.
The receipt should be kept for at least two (2) months.
It is possible to register for a service (for a fee) whereby notification of the final due date is sent via e-mail or as a text message (see price sheet).
Fines
If the due date is exceeded a fine must be paid. Recalls and bills are sent as a reminder to the borrower independent of the charge rates.
For returns/renewals made using self-service machines, the fine will be indicated in the borrower’s account details.
The fine will be calculated as per the return date, regardless of whether one or more items have been borrowed.
The following fines apply as per 1 January 2007:
Children (0–13 years)
Overdue Period/Fine
1–7 days overdue 10.00
8–14 days overdue 25.00
15–30 days overdue 55.00
31 or more days overdue 120.00
Adults (14- years)
Overdue Period/Fine
1–7 days overdue 20.00
8–14 days overdue 60.00
15–30 days overdue 120.00
31 or more days overdue 230.00
If fines above DKK 200 are not paid, the outstanding amount may be transferred for collection and possibly by attachment of wages via Slagelse Municipality’s Collection Department.
The costs arising from of this (e.g. collection charges) will be charged to the borrower.
Fines and charges may be paid using Dankort via the library service’s website.
Compensation
The borrower is responsible for the items on loan.
If an item is damaged, lost or not returned, it must be replaced.
The library service will invoice the borrower for such items, plus a charge.
The amount of compensation is determined by the libraries. The charge will usually be the purchase price plus DKK 50.00 for binding/preparation.
For old or rare items or items which are no longer available, the library service is entitled to charge a higher compensation rate.
If part of a work composed of more than one volume is lost, the library may require compensation for the entire work if it can only be repurchased as a complete set.
The compensation prices for videos, DVDs, CD-ROMs and other electronic media are usually significantly higher than ordinary retail prices (often more than DKK 1,000.00), as the library service pays for the right to lend this type of material.
If the replaced item is returned undamaged within six (6) months after payment has been made to replace it, the compensation sum will be refunded upon presentation of a receipt. Fines and charges will not be refunded.
Liability for devices, computer equipment, etc.
The library service cannot be held liable if an item on loan damages personal computer equipment, DVD/CD players or the like.
The library service cannot be held liable for any charges if an item cannot be returned or renewed due to operating disruptions on the library service’s website, or due to the breakdown of outdoor self-service machines or the like.
Self-service
Borrowers may borrow, return and reserve items using the self-service system at the libraries of Slagelse Municipality.
In addition, the library service’s website – www.slagelsebib.dk – may be used to view the borrower’s account details, change e-mail address and PIN, renew items on loan and reserve materials.
The Regulations for the Slagelse Library Service were prepared in conformity with the Act on library activities (Act No. 340 of 17 May 2000).
