General Borrowing Information & Policies

Eligibility

The Access Services of The College of New Jersey Library manage the lending of the circulation materials located in the Library's own collections, including: books, children's material, music books, Rand collection, corporate reports, visual aid material, special collections, materials placed on Reserve, as well as materials obtained through the Interlibrary Loan transactions.

The detailed policies of the Circulation and Reserve sections are described below, and these policies apply to all of the Library's collections.

The resources of the Library are available for use by the students, faculty, administration, staff, and alumni of TCNJ; and to members of the public at large, subject to the policies written here. In order to serve our library users most effectively, we ask that you familiarize yourself with policies of the Library so that you may:

• Return or renew Library materials before the due date.
• Respond promptly to recall notices.
• Return all materials at the end of your career as a student of the College.
• Do everything in your power to show consideration for all other users of TCNJ/The College of New Jersey Library.

 

NOTE: Circulation of Media materials is subject to different policies. Please refer to the Media Services policies for detailed information.

Your TCNJ ID card provides the basic authorization for Library use and serves as the library card. The Library staff When a card is used for the first time to request services, the Library staff activates a barcode printed on the card. Students, faculty or staff who wish to borrow library materials before receiving a permanent College ID card may be issued a temporary borrowing card, at the discretion of the Library. Other categories of patrons will be issued a temporary borrowing card in accordance with the policies stated below.

General Borrowing Rules

• Present a valid TCNJ identification card to borrow Library materials.
• Do not lend your ID to anyone for the purpose of borrowing Library materials.
• Do not lend Library materials checked out in your name to another patron.
• Renew or return all Library materials on or before the due date.
• Borrowers expecting to be away for a prolonged period should return or renew all library materials and supply a temporary address.
• Return all Library materials before graduation.
• Pay fines and other charges promptly as required by Library rules.
• Borrowing privileges may be suspended or revoked if abused.
• TCNJ reserves the right to initiate legal procedures to recover Library materials.

Lost Library Cards

Lost College ID cards must be reported immediately to the Auxiliary Services, Card Service Center x2705. Report lost Library courtesy borrower cards to the Library Access Services Department immediately.

Access Policy

TCNJ current and retired faculty, students, administrators and staff; TCNJ alumni; TCNJ affiliates; and students and faculty of regional libraries with which The College of New Jersey has made reciprocal borrowing agreements may register to borrow materials from the Library. The general public and businesses may apply for Depositor card, which grant borrowing privileges as well. Anyone may use freely the Library's collections while in the building.

The library reserves the right to revoke the borrowing privileges from individuals who violate the circulation policies.

Change of Address

Please notify the Access Services Department when changing address.

Library Closing Procedures

The Access Services Desk will close 15 minutes before the posted time of Library closing. If you have items to check out, allow extra time when you plan to leave. The Library will hold materials presented at the Desk for charging after the closing deadline for 48 hours for later pick-up.  Library users may return to check out materials held for them.

Protection of personal property

The Library is not responsible for the personal property of patrons.  Do not leave books, clothing, backpacks, purses or other property unattended.  Report suspected theft of property to the Access Services Desk immediately.

Theft of materials

Taking materials from the Library without checking them out equates to stealing. Suspected violators of this policy will be referred to the Campus Police. The College will prosecute theft of Library materials to the fullest extent of the law.

Annoying, harassing or suspicious behavior

Annoying or harassing any patron or staff member is strictly prohibited.  Report any behavior you consider annoying, harassing or suspicious to the Access Services Desk.  The Library reserves the right to refer to the Campus Police anyone whose behavior is considered to be violation of this policy .

Security Check

The Library reserves the right to ask to inspect bags, backpacks, attaché cases, purses and coats of any person leaving the Library, whether or not the security alarm is activated.  Patrons may refuse to allow inspection of personal belongings; however, Campus Police will be alerted immediately in such cases.