Library Policies and Procedures

The main focus of the U.S. Grand Lodge Library (USGLL) is to provide greater opportunities for the membership to access information in a cost effective way. See the library catalog for a full listing of our collection.

In order to provide for the efficient and equitable circulation of materials, the USGLL sets the following policies regarding borrowing eligibility, length of loan materials, limits of the number of items that can be borrowed, renewals, reserves, overdue materials charges, and damage replacement assessments.

Eligibility for borrowing

All U.S. O.T.O. members in good standing and of at least the VI degree (or a Lodge master), are eligible to borrow materials from the USGLL by complying with the following:

1. New borrowers must complete an application form and provide a current address. (Please contact the Librarian at (librarian [at] oto-usa.org for an application).
2. Library e-cards will be issued to the authorized individual. The borrower will accept all responsibility for the use of that card. (There are no charges incurred with the issuance of this e-card).

Borrowers

By signing/completing the application form the borrower aggress to comply with all library rules and regulations; to pay all fines; to be responsible for any loss or damage to materials; to provide immediate notice of change of address; and to provide notice if the e-card is lost, stolen or misused.

The library reserves the right to deny/revoke borrowing privileges to any member.

Sub-lending is strictly prohibited.

Lending

The USGLL makes the following materials available for lending for the stated length of the loan period (the loan period begins the seventh day after the material is shipped and ends the day the materials are received by the Librarian).

• Books, Pamphlets & Periodicals: 21 days, limit 2 items (total)

Shipping

All items will be shipped to the borrower via USPS Media Mail at the cost of the Library. Expedited shipping is available for a fee; please contact the Librarian for specific shipping rates on expedited options.

The cost to return the item(s) will be the responsibility of the borrower. The borrower should make sure that the method of return shipment will allow receipt of the items by the due date.

Items that are lost or damaged in return transit are the responsibility of the borrower. Shipment insurance and tracking is encouraged.

Renewal

All USGLL materials can be renewed one (1) time, unless on reserve for another borrower. Materials presented for renewal, which have reserves on them, must be returned by the due date. Renewal requests should be made far enough in advance for the borrower to avoid late charges should the renewal not be permitted.

Renewal requests are only authorized by the Librarian and should be made electronically via email. You will be notified if the renewal was approved or if another member has reserved the materials.

Reserve

All USGLL materials can be reserved. The borrower will be notified as soon as the reserved material is available for borrowing. Once notified the borrower will have two (2) days to confirm the interest in the material of the material will become available for any borrower.

Returning

All USGLL materials should be returned (in the Librarian's possession) on or before their due date to avoid penalty. Again it is highly recommended to send materials back using a shipping method that allows for tracking and insurance.

Failure to return item(s) in a timely fashion can result in any or all of the following:

1. Fines: when a materials is returned late. The fine will be added to the members’ annual dues via notice for the Grand Treasurer General.
2. Suspension of privileges: when multiple fines are imposed or an item is returned thirty (30) days or more after the due date, suspension of borrowers’ privileges may occur.
3. Loss of privileges: when item(s) are not returned or returned damaged a loss of privileges may occur.
4. Referral to the Grand Tribunal: evaluated on a case-by-case basis.