Questions About Borrowing
Who may use the library?
Currently-enrolled students, faculty, and alumni may use the library.
Who may borrow from the library?
Circulating books are charged out with a currently-validated St. Francis College I.D. card. Students with Academic libraries of Brooklyn (ALB) cards must also have a currently-validated I.D. card from their home institution. You must have a valid I.D. card or you will not be allowed to borrow material. The Circulation Desk is located at the entrance to St. Francis College library. All items borrowed at the Circulation Desk must be returned to the Circulation Desk.
How long may I check out a given item?
The standard loan period for most books is, with few exceptions, twenty-one days or the last day of the semester, whichever comes first. Extended loan periods may be arranged for students using items for their Senior Theses. Some items have a more restricted loan period. Videos circulate for one day. Reserve Textbooks and other Reserve material circulate for two hours.
How many items may I check out at one time?
The maximum number of items that may be checked out at any one time is 25.
What is the policy regarding renewals?
Books may be renewed for up to two additional three-week periods if no other library borrower has placed a Hold on them. Reserve Material may be renewed for an additional loan period. Senior students working on their Thesis may renew books a total of three times. Additional renewals may be arranged with special permission only. Renewals using the library catalog's Renewal Function are allowed. Renewals by telephone or by mail are not allowed.
How can I put a hold on an item?
If a book is checked out to another library borrower, a Hold may be placed on that item. The prospective borrower will be notified by telephone and by mail of its return and given one week to borrow it.
What are the charges for overdue items?
For currently-enrolled students, the fine for an overdue circulating book is $.05 per day. The maximum overdue fine is $4.50 per circulating book. For students who are not currently enrolled, the maximum fine for an overdue circulating book is $10.00. The fine for overdue videos is $1 per day. The maximum fine for a video is $25. The fine for overdue Reserve Material is 10 cents per hour or any part thereof and $1 per day. The maximum Reserve Material fine is $10 per item. The overdue fine for BEETET Collection Reserve Textbooks is $1 an hour for every hour the library is open. The maximum fine for BEETET Reserve Textbooks is $50.
What are the charges for damaged or mutilated items?
If a library item is returned in such poor condition that it no longer can be circulated, the borrower is responsible for replacing the item. The charge is the replacement cost of the item plus a $10 processing fee.
What are the charges for lost items?
Any library item that is lost must be reported immediately. The charge for a lost item is the replacement cost of the item, a $10 processing fee, plus any overdue charges accrued to the date the item is declared lost. The maximum fine for lost material that is out-of-print and not available from the usual out-of-print vendors is $45.
Will I get a refund if I found a previously lost item?
If a lost item is found and returned within three months after payment has been made and a replacement for the item has not been ordered, an adjusted refund will be given. The adjusted refund is the price of the item; you are still responsible for any late fines.
What are the penalties for outstanding fines?
Failure to return library materials or to clear outstanding records will result in the holding of students' grades, official transcripts, and diplomas. Students will be blocked from borrowing library material if they have $20 in outstanding fines or overdue items.
What are my options for using other libraries?
As an extension of the resources St. Francis College library offers students, faculty, and staff, we provide a range of other options: