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Frequently Asked Questions and Information
Who is eligible to borrow from the Facing History Library?
Facing History offers loans of library resources, free of charge, to individuals in the United States who have completed one of Facing History’s 2-day workshops, week-long seminars, or online courses. Individual teachers borrow under their own name, not through their school or institution. Not sure if you qualify? Please contact the library at 617-735-1680.
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 fill out and submit a Borrowing Agreement, which must be submitted online through our secure server, using a credit card as a deposit. Purchase orders are no longer accepted as a form of deposit. However, a school or institutional credit card may be used. This agreement authorizes Facing History 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 borrowing agreement and deposit information is received.
How do I borrow from the library?
Individuals may request materials from the library in the national office by contacting the librarians at 617-735-1680 or by email. Orders may also be mailed or emailed to the appropriate Facing History regional office. When sending in an order, please include contact information in case we need to reach you. Teachers in the New England area are also welcome to stop by the national Library in Brookline, Massachusetts. Appointments are encouraged but not required. The national Library is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-5:00 pm EST.
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 by our shipping department. The exception would be when it is requested that materials be sent to a post office (P.O.) box. In that case, materials are sent via the U.S. Postal Service and it is not possible to track them. We are unable to fulfill rush requests and will only send items via FedEx if the borrower provides us with a FedEx account number - no exceptions.
Does it make a difference if I use a school or home address for my default 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 as your default shipping address. Please note however that some school offices are closed during school vacations and no one will be there to sign for them, so it will be necessary to email the library and provide us with a temporary alternate address if you would like materials delivered to your school address anytime the school office will be closed.
What if my address changes, or if I switch schools?
Please note: 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 changes, please email library@facing.org.
How long can I keep the resources that I borrow?
All library resources circulate for a period of 3 weeks. If you are borrowing through the mail, Facing History will send the materials to you, and provide a pre-paid, pre-addressed return label so that you may return them through the mail free of charge. It is important to package the materials securely in a padded envelope or box to ensure materials are not damaged upon return in the mail.
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 far in advance do I need to request materials?
We recommend that borrowers request materials 3-4 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. Our reservations system allows us to schedule materials up to six months in advance. We encourage planning ahead. You may reserve all of your course materials at one time, and we will send them out to you so that you will receive them for the dates you requested.
I am a teacher who has taken a workshop or institute, 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 who reside in Canada or the United Kingdom. For more information, email library@facing.org.
I am a teacher, but I haven’t completed a Facing History workshop, institute, 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 institutes, the general public is welcome to browse the collection in the Library in Brookline. Teachers who would like to become library borrowers through involvement with Facing History can find out about upcoming workshops, institutes, and courses.
Any other questions?
Please contact the Facing History librarians at 617-735-1680 or by email.
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