Student Circulation Policies and Frequently Asked Questions

Loan Period and Overdues

Books (both Mainstacks and TLRC locations)

Undergrad Students have a loan period of 14 days and overdue fines of .10/day

Graduate Students have a loan period of 28 days and overdue fines of .10/day

Audio Books and Videos (both DVD and VHS)

Undergrad Students have a loan period of 7 days and overdue fines of .10/day

Reserve Items

The loan period varies according to what the instructor has set for the materials.  The fine varies according to loan period.  Look for a paper wraper on the outside of the reserve materials.  The loan period and overdue fine rate will be stated on the wrapper.

These items do not circulate:  CDs, Reference Books, and Archive materials.

 

Frequently Asked Questions for Circulation

I can check out books with my student ID, just scan my ID like the Caf, right?

Not exactly.  We have to enter your information in our library system first.  This year, we're going to enter all freshmen via forms filled out in FIRST CLASS, your OR-100 class. 

Once we have you in our system, yes, we can scan your ID like the Caf does.  We can also find a record of your library account with your name, or CU ID number.

I got an overdue notice, but it didn't tell me how much the fine is.  Why not?  

As far as the computer system is concerned, you're still accruing fines until you bring the book back, so it won't give you a total.  You can call the library to confirm when the book was due, and then multiply the number of days by the fee to get an estimate.

I need more time!  How can I extend my due date?

Ask to have your items "renewed."  The system will let you renew an item IF it is not already overdue.  If the item is overdue already, you have to:

• Turn the book back in.  Pay the fine.  Check it out again.

Can I renew items over the phone? 

Yes.  If the person who answers cannot renew items, ask to be transferred to Patty McDowell.  She can help you.

I'm just turning a book back in.  Do you need my ID for that? 

No.  In fact, handing someone an ID at the Circulation Desk will lead them to assume that you want to extend the due date.  We only need IDs for check out, not check in.

The library was closed on the due date, so I don't have to pay the fine, right?

We take the position that you should always note your due date, and call to extend it if it falls on a date that you can't come, or that the library is closed.  Any time you want to question your fine, you'll have to talk with the Circulation Manager, Patty McDowell. 

I lost the library book.  How much am I going to have to pay?

The cost for a lost book varies, but here are the usual fees:

• $25 lost book fee (cataloging and processing fees)
• + Replacement cost of the book
• + Outstanding overdue fees.

This can add up to a great deal of money.  Always check with Patty McDowell first to see if there are any ways that you could defray the cost, such as providing the replacement copy yourself, saving us from having to process a book order.