Circulation Services: Borrowing Information

Who Can Borrow What and For How Long

Currently enrolled College of Charleston students, faculty, staff, who have a valid College of Charleston ID may borrow circulating materials, as well as Friends of the Library and affiliate members with valid identification. Students may borrow circulating material during the summer and between the fall and spring semester if they have not graduated and present an identification card from the previous semester.

*CofC Students, Faculty, and Staff​ (Affiliate borrowing information can be found here.)

Library Borrowing Policy

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Fines

Before materials are checked out, a patron’s status is checked (including fines, lost material, number of overdue materials, bad check-ins expiration date, inactive borrower, manually delinquent, number of claims returned, and valid class code). If any of these checks show a delinquency, the patron may be blocked from checking out any more materials. Fines are charged for circulating materials returned after the due date. Fines are calculated when items are returned.

How to Pay

Cash, Check, Cougar Cash, Credit Card (Online $45)

When a student accrues $3.00 or more in fines, no further check out is permitted until all fines are paid. Students who fail to pay fines or charges for lost or damaged books will be billed through the Treasurer, and the Registrar will be notified not to release documents until all library charges are paid. Students with long overdue book fees may be sent to the Honor Board.   

All patrons are personally responsible for the loss or damage to the books that are checked out in their name. The library is not responsible for returned books that are left in boxes unattended in hallways, doorways, tables, or delivered anywhere except the circulation desk or the official College of Charleston book drops. The library charges a replacement fee for lost or damaged books. The fee varies based on the value of the book.  Books that are not returned within 90 days of check out are presumed lost and the patron will be billed appropriately. If the patron returns the book(s), the book replacement fee will be waived, but the patron still owes the $10.00 late fee. If a patron loses five or more items, lending privileges are automatically reviewed and may be suspended. Exceptions will be made in cases of inclement weather.

Loss or Damage

All patrons are personally responsible for the loss or damage to the materials that are checked out in their name. The library is not responsible for returned materials that are left in boxes unattended in hallways, doorways, tables, or delivered anywhere except the circulation desk or the official College of Charleston book drops. Media should be returned to the Circulation desk and not placed in the book drops. The library charges a replacement fee for lost or damaged material. The fee varies based on the value of the material.  Books that are not returned within 90 days of check out are presumed lost and the patron will be billed appropriately. If the patron returns the book(s), the book replacement fee will be waived, but the patron still owes the $10.00 late fee. Media has a shorter loan period and a higher maximum fine.  If a patron loses five or more items, lending privileges are automatically reviewed and may be suspended.

Disputing Fines

Before disputing your fine, remember that:

• All books are stamped as patrons checkout at the Circulation desk. It is the patron’s responsibility to know when all items are to be returned.
• You are responsible for any library materials checked out on your record, even if your card has been lost or stolen.
• You may contact the Circulation department and make arrangements before an item is due. 843.953.8001

If you feel that you have a valid fine dispute claim, complete the fine dispute form and the Library will be in touch with you.

You cannot appeal a fine because of:

• A lack of knowledge of our policies (borrowing policy)
• Being out of town
• Failure to receive library notices of any kind
• Failure to notify the library and Cougar Card Services of a lost Cougar Card/library card in a timely manner
• Checking out books for someone else

Renew

CofC Libraries' Patrons may renew materials online through their My Library Account or by contacting the circulation desk by phone (843.953.8001) or in person. If items are overdue, patrons must return them and pay all fines before renewing. 

Return

Circulating books from the general and browsing collections may be returned to the Circulation Desk or one of the book drops located at the Rivers Greene entrance and the AD parking lot off Pitt Street.

All other items (technology, reserves, etc.) must be returned to a staff member at the Circulation Desk.