Circulation Policies: Borrow & Renew

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To check out Stafford Library materials, students, faculty and staff must present a valid ID from Columbia College (or a participating MOBIUS institution), and be in good standing.*

Most circulating books may be checked out for 30 days by students and 90 days by faculty and staff. Compact discs, videos and other non-book items may be checked out for one week. Some items are non-circulating and are for library use only. 

* Patrons are responsible for returning or renewing materials on or before the due date indicated on each item. Patrons with overdue items will be notified and are not allowed borrowing privileges until items are returned.

Non-overdue items may be renewed unless a hold request has been placed on them. Renewals may be done by bringing the materials to the library, by calling the circulation desk (573-875-7381) or by using the library catalog on the Web. A valid Columbia College ID card is required to renew by any of these options.

You can renew items or check your account through the library catalog:

• Renew or Check Account

Please note the following:

• You will need to provide your first and last name as well as your Columbia College ID number with "CC" added to the end.
• Items cannot be renewed if they are already overdue, if you owe a library fine, or if someone has placed a hold on the item.

You may also Contact Us and we can assist you with any circulation problems.

A recall means that the patron is instructed by library staff to return an item before its due date. No item will be recalled during the initial checkout period unless an instructor requires it to be placed on reserve for a class. All item(s) that are overdue are subject to immediate recall. Students who fail to return recalled items within the stated period of time are charged a $25 penalty fee.

The library staff mails an overdue notice if items are not returned by the due date. This notice is a reminder to return or renew the materials immediately in order to avoid a charge from the business office. At the time the overdue notice is generated, borrowing privileges at Columbia College and throughout the MOBIUS consortium are suspended. Overdue items must be brought to the library for renewal, as it will no longer be an option to renew through the online catalog or over the telephone. Seven days after the date on the notice, the computer system generates a charge to cover the replacement cost of the material (an average of $70 per item), as well as a non-refundable billing fee of $5 per item. A billing notice is then mailed, and if the item is returned in good condition a credit will be allowed for the replacement cost, but not for the billing fee.