What Circulates?
The majority of books in the Fine Arts Library collection are allowed to circulate. Fine Arts has open stacks, which means anyone may come to the library and use the books found in the stacks. A borrower must have a valid Cornell ID card to charge out a book from the library and the length of time a borrower is allowed to keep a book is determined by the Cornell University Library administration. There are, however, several basic categories:- Undergraduates may borrow books for 42 days (6 weeks).
- Faculty, staff, and Graduate students may borrow books for 180 days (6 months).
- Library card holders may borrow books for 28 days (4 weeks).
Videos: The library owns a collection of of more than 300 videotapes and DVDs. To locate the video display case consult the Fine Arts floor plan at the library. Bring the empty video cases to the circulation desk to obtain the videos you want. Videos may be checked-out for a 3 day loan and can also be viewed at the library. Ask at the circulation desk for assistance.
Reserve books are also allowed to circulate.
Periodicals: Bound periodicals may be checked-out for a 3 day loan.
Books checked out from the library stacks are subject to recall by any member of the Cornell community at any time. If a book is recalled, you may only be able to keep a book for two weeks. A notice informing you of the new due date will be mailed to you, so it is very important to keep your local address current.
Policy sheets, which discuss privileges in detail, are available at the library.
What Is Non-Circulating?
"Non-circulating material" refers to the categories of library materials which are not allowed to be taken out of the library. These materials are restricted to on-site use only. Exceptions may be made (e.g., for classroom use). There are several categories of non-circulating materials in the Fine Arts Library:
Periodicals: Unbound periodicals must be used within the library.
Reference: These books have been selected as particularly good sources for Reference. These books can be accessed near the reference desk, under the dome of Sibley.
Microfilm & Microfiche: Readers are available in the library for viewing the film and fiche. To locate the readers, microfiche, and microfilm consult the Fine Arts floor plan at the library.
Flats: These books are usually very large and are stored laying on their side. Other special format and high risk material is also stored here. Flats are located behind the circulation desk and you will need to ask for assistance to read books in this area of the collection. Photocopying is discouraged (and also quite difficult!) due to their size.
Photocopy machines are housed within the library for your convenience. Please observe copyright restrictions as they apply.