Lending Library: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to borrow from the Facing History Library?
We offer loans of library resources, free of charge, to individuals in the United States or Canada who have completed one of Facing History's 2-day workshops, week-long seminars, or online courses. Each teacher borrows under his or her own name, not through their school or institution. Not sure if you qualify? Please contact the library at library@facing.org, or learn more about how to join.
Does it cost anything to borrow from the library?
No, loans of materials from the Library are provided free of charge. However, we do require all individuals wishing to use the library to submit a credit card number, through our secure server, as a form of deposit. A school or institutional credit card may be used. The credit card would be used to charge replacement costs for any materials that are damaged or not returned within 30 days of the due date. No materials will be lent out until the credit card information is received and verified at the time of the borrowing request. Complete terms and conditions governing library borrowing are here.
How do I borrow from the library?
Individuals must submit requests through Facing History’s Online Lending Library. You will get a confirmation email after successfully submitting your request, as well as emails indicating when materials have been checked out to you.
What do I do if I cannot find the video or book I need?
If you are unable to find the item you need when you search by title, try a keyword search. For example, you will not find the video about the Milgram Experiment under “M” because the title is Obedience. However, if you do a keyword search for Milgram your results will include Obedience.
What is the shipping time for resources after they are sent out to me?
Materials sent to a school or home address are usually sent via UPS so that they may be tracked. Most requests should be received within a week after materials have been checked out to you.
Does it make a difference whether I use a school or home address for my shipping address?
Yes. UPS will not deliver a package unless someone is at the address to sign for it--they will not leave packages at the doorstep and the package will be returned as undeliverable. If you know that it is unlikely that someone will be at your home address, it is better to use your school address. Please note, however, that you will be asked to verify your shipping address each time you submit a borrowing request, so if you need to use a different address (such as a home address if the school will be closed during a vacation) you will be able to change the address easily.
What if I would like to pick up the materials?
If you would us to hold your materials for pickup, please write a note in the comments section when you check out your library cart. Let us know when you plan to come, and we will have the items ready for you.
What if my address changes, or I switch schools?
It is the borrower's responsibility to notify Facing History of any changes in his/her contact information (email address, school, mailing address and phone numbers). If library materials are sent to an out of date address, and are lost as a result, the borrower will be held responsible for the replacement costs. If any of your contact information has changed, please email us.
How long can I keep the resources that I borrow?
All videos and DVDs circulate for a period of three weeks. Class sets of books circulate for four weeks. If you need to keep your resources for a longer period, please email us to renew them.
Can I renew my library resources?
If you need to renew your resources, please email us.
How much can I borrow at one time?
You may borrow up to 5 videos and 2 class sets of books at one time. When materials from previous loans have been returned, we can loan you additional resources.
How should I return library materials?
You will receive a return mailing label with your library materials. If you are returning them by mail or UPS, it is important to package the materials securely in a padded envelope or box to ensure they are not damaged in shipping.
How far in advance do I need to request materials?
We recommend that borrowers request materials 1-2 weeks in advance of the desired date of receipt. Providing advance notice enables us to make sure that you receive the resources that you need on the date that you need to use them, and allows for shipping time.
I am a teacher who has taken a workshop or seminar, but I live outside of the United States. Can I borrow resources?
Facing History is able to offer limited library resources to Facing History teachers in Canada. For more information, email library@facing.org.
I am a teacher, but I haven't completed a Facing History workshop, seminar, or online course. How can I become a library user?
While we are unable to loan materials to individuals who have not completed one of our professional development workshops or seminars, the general public is welcome to browse the collection in the Library in Brookline, MA. Teachers who would like to become library borrowers through involvement with Facing History can find out about upcoming workshops, seminars, and courses.
Any other questions?
Please contact the Facing History librarians at 617-735-1670 or by email.
