Circulation is the Library’s word for lending and borrowing material from the Cornell collections. The purpose of the Cornell University Library’s circulation policies is to encourage timely and equitable access by Cornell faculty, students and staff to books, journals and other items that they need for teaching, learning and research.

For information about obtaining a Library Card as a guest borrower, see Guest Borrower Eligibility and Fees.

Circulation Loan Periods

• The regular loan period for library card-holders is 28 days.
• Various categories of special materials, such as journals, videos or reserve items, may be loaned for shorter periods of time such as hours and days. Check with individual libraries for various loan periods.
• Library Card holders are permitted to have 20 items on loan at one time.

Notices

Courtesy notices are sent four days before a book is due, and overdue motices are sent the second day and fourteenth day after a book is due. Available notices are sent the day after a requested book is received at the designated pick-up library. Recall notices are sent the day after a book is recalled by another user. Fine/fee notices are sent the day after the fine is incurred. Note that failure to receive a courtesy or overdue notice does not relieve the borrower of responsibility to return or renew borrowed materials by the due date.

Overdue Fines

*Late fees are not charged for materials renewed or returned within nine days of the due date. Items returned or renewed after the expiration of the 9-day grace period are fined from the first day overdue.

Replacement Billing

• A replacement bill is created 27 days after the due date if an item has not been renewed or returned.

 ** This amount may be more if an item is of greater value.

• If the material is returned after a bill is sent, the cost of the item will be credited if it has not already been replaced or reordered. Fines may not be refunded.
• Unpaid charges are sent to Cornell Collections after 60 days.
• Questions and appeals about bills and fines should be directed to the circulation staff of the lending library.

Borrowing Privileges

• The privilege of borrowing is a personal one and may not be transferred.
• Borrowing privileges will be suspended if the borrower:
  1. owes library bills of $150 or more
  2. fails to respond to one recall request
  3. has more than 15 overdue items

Recalls and Holds

• Library Card holders do not have recall privileges. They may place holds on items currently charged to other patrons. Placing a hold will not change the due date, but it will prevent the item from being renewed.
• Items on loan may be recalled by others after two weeks.

General Circulation Policies

• All library material must be properly charged out. Its prompt and safe return is the personal responsibility of the individual to whom it is loaned.
• Overdue notices are sent as a courtesy to remind borrowers that an item should be renewed or returned, but failure to receive a notice does not absolve the borrower of the responsibility to renew or return the item to a Cornell library in a timely manner.
• The borrower is responsible for notifying the Library immediately if library material is damaged, missing or lost.
• Library cards do not grant access to specially licensed databases.
• Library cards do not include Interlibrary Loan privileges.