Library Books: Checkout Policies and Requesting New Items
The Basics!
What do you need to check out a book?
Just your employee ID! If you've already checked something out, we'll have you on file.
How does it work?
Like any public or university library you're used to! Just come in for the book you need, bring your ID if you're a new patron, and we'll get you into the system and check the book out for you
How long are checkout periods?
6 weeks, to start. 12 weeks, if you need an extension. I will make exceptions for longer projects (as long as no one else urgently needs the book). PE exam checkouts are also longer, from 3-4 months, though due to a limited supply you may be asked to share with co-workers who are also taking the exam. You must also be taking the next exam (if you are taking the exam in October, you may not check anything out until the April exam has passed)
DVDs may be checked out for a period of 5 days.
What Can Leave the Library? And What Can't?
What books can you check out?
- Books/studies from our general collection (AASHTO, DDOT, etc.)
- TRB serials
- CDs/DVDs
What can't be checked out?
- Reference items (unless there is an urgent need for a highly-used item and all other copies are checked out).
- Some historical/archival items. This is dependent on the fragility of the item in question, and usually only books (and not photos or documents) maybe removed from the library
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Requesting New Books
What's the process for requesting new books?
- As of right now, the library does not have it's own book budget, so we often must ask for funds from PSD (where the library is housed) or from the division requesting the book
- If you're looking for a book for any exam (The PE, FE, ACIP, PMP) Training will often buy books for the library
- If you have a book in mind, please see our request form, and submit it to the librarian at kathleen.crabb@dc.gov
What About the Public?
Public rules and regulations
The public are welcome and encouraged to visit the library! They may do so by appointment with the librarian in advance. Members of the public may not check items out of the library, but they may use our materials for research (ask for scans within reason, take photographs of needed materials, take notes, etc.)