Library Borrowing Information

Loan Periods and Limits | Borrowing From the Library | Overdue Fines and Fees | Renewals | Returns | Holds | Missing Items | Reserves | Photocopiers | Study Carrels | Booksale | Food and Drink Policy | Miscellaneous Information | Contact Circulation

Loan Periods and Limits


  • Books and media sets, 21 days

  • Individual media items (videos, audiocassettes, etc), 7 days

  • Periodicals (current and bound), 3 days

  • Reference materials do not circulate


A limit of fifteen (15) total items may be checked out under the borrower's name. This may include no more than three (3) media items and three (3) bound or current periodicals.

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Borrowing From the Library

Each patron is responsible for keeping track of items and due dates. All materials are property of the library and the borrower is responsible for noting due dates and returning materials on time. Overdue notices are considered a courtesy. Patrons are responsible for providing their current mailing address to the library and notifying us of any changes.

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Overdue Fines and Fees

Fines are calculated at $.10/day per item. Our minimum standard replacement charge is $50.00, which includes a $10.00 processing fee. Up to $15.00 in late fines may also be charged. Reserve items are fined at $.25/hour or $3.75 per day.

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Renewals

An item may be renewed twice unless it has been requested by another patron. To renew, a list of call numbers must be provided by the borrower. Renewal options include:

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Returns

A book drop is available in the circulation area while the Ridderhof building is open. An after hours drop is available in the foyer at the east (Quad side) entrance to the library, just inside the glass doors.

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Holds

Items that are checked out may be placed on hold. These items cannot be renewed by the current borrower. You will receive notification when the item has been returned if contact information has been provided. The name of the borrower cannot be divulged for any reason. Items are held for one (1) week.

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Missing Items

If a book is not on the shelf, please inform the Circulation Department. We will conduct a search and contact you when the item is located.

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Reserves

Items are placed on reserve at the Circulation Desk by instructors for use by class members. A complete listing of items on reserve is available there. Reserve items are available only to students and faculty. See also our Course Resources page or consult your instructor about your CIU Online page.

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Photocopiers

Two photocopiers are available at Circulation. Patrons may use coins or dollars to load copies onto a copy card or student ID or to directly operate machines at a charge of $.10/copy. Copy cards may be purchased using our automated machine.

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Study Carrels

There are over 180 study carrels available in the library. Most Carrels can be reserved beginning the first day of the Fall and Spring semesters. See the circulation desk for a list of carrels that have internet access. All carrels must be cleaned and vacated by the last day of the semester.

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Booksale

Used books for sale are located just inside the circulation entrance to the library. Hardbacks are $1.00 and paperbacks are $.50. Please purchase books at the circulation desk.

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Food and Drink Policy

Drinks are permitted in the library only in covered containers. Snack food (only) is allowed when following these guidelines: Avoid snacks that may disturb other patrons with either noise or smell. You are responsible for cleaning up after yourself. Please keep food and drinks away from the computers. You will be responsible for paying for any damage to library-owned materials.

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Miscellaneous Information

  • Circulation closes during chapel (Fall/Spring, Tues-Fri, 10:40am-11:50am) and ½ hour before the library closes at night. Books may not be checked out during these times.
  • When closed, including during Chapel, the circulation area and all book trucks are off-limits.

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Contact Circulation

Please contact our Circulation Supervisor with any questions or comments.

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© 2008 Columbia International University | PO Box 3122 - Columbia, SC 29230 - 800.777.2227