University of Virginia Library

Double Check

We still hear complaints from
students about missing volumes
from Alderman Library, yet we fail
to gain the cooperation of those
students in our efforts to reduce
the losses.

Since the instigation of the
computerized check-out system,
and the installation of a physical
Door Check a few years ago, losses
have been appreciably reduced.

However, there still seems to be
a misconception of the purpose, or
necessity, for the Door Check. A
few hyper-sensitive individuals feel
it is a reflection upon the Honor
System, or even upon their personal
honor.

To clear up this point; the
primary function of the Door
Check is to compare the call
number on the book with that
written on the check-out card.
Being only human, those at the
check-out counter are prone to
error. If the numbers do not agree
it means you get charged out with a
wrong book, which in turn means
that you may be fined for the
non return of a book you never
charged out! It's just a double
check.

All Library patrons, students
and faculty alike, should realize
that the main purpose of all library
activities is to render the best
service possible. We cannot do so
without your wholehearted
cooperation.