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Distance Learning: Borrowing Books

How to Borrow Books

How to Borrow Books for Distance Learning


Students living within one hour's drive of Florence, Alabama, are encouraged to visit Collier Library personally to borrow books. A current validated UNA ID (MANE Card) is required for borrowing.

The library's online catalog is available through the Internet. For assistance in identifying resources in the local collection, contact either the Reference Desk (256-765-4469) or Leigh Thompson, Instructional Services Librarian (256-765-4466) for assistance.

Distance learning students needing books for their research have several options:

  • Use one of our eBook databases to locate electronic books.
  • Locate books using nearby libraries.
  • Ask your local public library to request items from Collier Library through Interlibrary Loan.

Contact Leigh Thompson, Instructional Services Librarian, for assistance in searching UNA's catalog. Up to five books (at a time) selected from the UNA collection can be checked out and sent directly to the home or business address of a registered UNA distance education student who resides more than one hour's distance from campus. This service does not apply to students outside of the continental U.S. or to Advanced Placement high school students.

The library absorbs the initial mailing costs, but return of the materials is the responsibility of the borrower. Materials may be returned in person to the Collier Library Circulation Department. Books mailed back to the library should be packaged in a cardboard container and returned to the Instructional Services Librarian by insured mail. Material that has been recalled by Collier Library must be returned immediately.

Borrowers are responsible for payment for any lost or damaged library materials. All notices of overdue materials, fines, and recalled items will be sent to the student's local address. Any "financial hold" placed on a student record for library fines will prevent the receipt of transcripts, registration for subsequent courses, or access to any further library services.

Checks for payment of any library fines should be made payable to the University of North Alabama and sent to: Instructional Services Librarian, Collier Library, UNA Box 5028, University of North Alabama, Florence, AL 35632-0001.