For information about obtaining a Library Card as a guest borrower, see Guest Borrower Eligibility and Fees.  For information about how to obtain a GuestID to access your library account online, please contact the Library Public Services Office, (607) 255-5069, libpublicservices@cornell.edu.

Loan Periods

• The regular loan period for library card-holders is 28 days.
• Special materials such as journals, DVDs or reserve items may be loaned for shorter periods such as hours or days. Check with individual libraries about loan policies.
• 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 notices 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

• If an item is not returned or renewed, a replacement bill will be created 27 days after the due date.  The bill will include the replacement cost plus an overdue fine applicable to the type of loan:

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

• Books returned after billing: the replacment cost will be cancelled if the item has not already been replaced or reordered. Fines may not be cancelled.
• Unpaid charges are sent to Cornell Collections after 60 days.
• Questions and appeals should be directed to the circulation supervisor 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 $150 or more in unpaid charges
  2. has one overdue recalled item
  3. has more than 15 overdue items

Recalls and Holds

• Library Card and Privilege Card holders may not recall items on loan, but may place holds. Placing a hold will not change the due date, but it will prevent the item from being renewed.
• Books may be recalled from all borrowers, including Library Card and Privilege Card holders.  Recalled items are usually due back 9 - 14 days from the date of recall.

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 relieve the borrower of the responsibility to renew or return the item 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.