All students, faculty, and staff are eligible to use the University Library of Columbus. In order to borrow library materials, you must present a valid library card. You may obtain a library card at the library's front desk (photo ID required).
Borrower's Card
Indiana residents who are 16 years of age or older can get an IU Libraries Borrower's Card by presenting a valid Indiana driver's license or acceptable proof of identity and state residency at the circulation desk.
Lending Periods and Borrowing Privileges
Borrowing materials from the University Library of Columbus is considered a privilege rather than a right.
Lending periods and borrowing privileges vary according to your user status, but using a borrower's card for library materials indicates that you agree to abide by assigned due dates and return all materials in good order. Failure to meet either condition may result in fines and/or the loss of library privileges.
| User status | Loan period | Borrowing limits |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty | 120 days | 500 items |
| Graduate students | 120 days | 250 items |
| Staff | 120 days | 250 items |
| Undergraduate students | 45 days | 100 items |
| Indiana residents | 30 days | 50 items |
Fine Schedule
Items and materials that are not returned before the end of the loan period are subject to fines calculated based on the type of material and the length of time the material is late being returned.
| Category | Fine rate |
|---|---|
| General circulating materials | $0.25/day |
| Course reserves, hourly loan | $1.20/hour |
| Course reserves, day loan | $1.20/hour |
| Interlibrary loan materials | $1.20/day |
| Lost book charge* | $50 or actual replacement cost (which ever is greater) |
| Bill processing charge | $10.50 |
*NOTE
You may receive a refund for the replacement cost of a billed item if it is returned to the University Library of Columbus within one year of the billing date. Refunds for replaced materials returned after one year are not issued. Bill processing charges and fines are not refunded.
Notices
Overdue notices are distributed to the e-mail or U.S. mail address we have on file for you, but these notices are courtesy reminders only. Even if you do not receive a notice, you are still responsible for returning all library materials by the due date and are subject to all fines. It is your responsibility to notify the library of changes to your address so that you may receive courtesy notifications of overdue materials or fines owed.
E-mail subscribers receive reminder rather than overdue notices. Reminders are e-mailed seven days before the items are due, allowing you to renew the materials before fines are issued. We reserve the right to block the system-wide Indiana University library privileges of any user if your e-mail or U.S. mail address on file is no longer valid.
Renewals
Renewal requests are accepted for most items and are usually granted unless the item has been recalled or is needed for course reserve purposes.
- Request renewals early to avoid daily fines.
- Overdue materials may be renewed as long as the materials have no fines associated; however, daily fines will apply if the renewal is not requested before the due date.
- Billed materials will not be renewed.
- The length of the renewal depends upon the status of the borrower and the type of material. Normally, this period is the same as the original charge-out period.
- Items may be renewed in person at the library, by calling the library's circulation desk at 812.375.7510, or online using the MyAccount feature in IUCAT.
