Check Outs and Returns

Library print materials and electronic resources are available to all visitors for in-library use. 

Visitors must be given borrowing privileges in order to check out materials for prolonged, out-of-library use.

Enrolled students and current employees/emeriti have borrowing privileges at University Library and may check out materials.  

Bring selections and Campus Card to the Circulation Desk for check out.

Community Patrons

Minnesota residents over the age of 18 may obtain borrowing privileges at University Library.  Visit the Circulation Desk to complete the library card application to set up an account. Requestor will need to present a current, State of Minnesota-issued photo ID and provide an active email address.  Community Patron accounts must be renewed annually. 

Bring selections and photo ID to the Circulation Desk for checkout.

Most library materials may be renewed. Once the renewal limit is reached, the item must be returned before it can be checked out again.

Reserve items and materials with pending holds or recalls may not be renewed.

Options for renewing library materials:

• Online using My Library Account (Log in with StarID and password) 
• Email: circulation@stcloudstate.edu 
• In person: University Library Circulation Desk (MC 130)
• Telephone: 320-308-3083

To renew interlibrary loan materials, please email ill@stcloudstate.edu with your name and the title of the book you wish to renew. All renewals are determined by the lending library.

Library of Things, student study room keys, and reserve items must be returned to the Circulation Desk during library hours.

All other items may be returned to the Circulation Desk, the library book drop (near north library doors in lobby of James W. Miller Learning Resources Center) or by mail. 

Please note that items returned by mail remain the responsibility of the borrower until received and checked in by library staff. Borrowers are responsible for shipping costs.  

Use the following address to mail materials to University Library:  
SCSU Library Circulation 
720 4th Ave South, MC 130  
St. Cloud, MN 56301

University Library is responsible for stewardship of the collection, ensuring that materials are available for use by all members of the university community. It is important that borrowers honor loan periods and return items on time, so materials can be accounted for and made available to other borrowers. In the event that library materials are not returned, University Library will implement charges to the borrower so that lost items can be replaced.

Overdue Notices 

All library-related notices are sent to the primary email address assigned to the borrower's account. For SCSU students and employees, this is the SCSU-assigned email address. For Community Patrons, this is the email account provided on the library card application.

Suspension of Borrowing Privileges  

Library borrowing privileges will be suspended when a patron has one or more item overdue. Patrons must renew or return overdue items to have borrowing privileges reinstated.

Overdue Fines and Replacement Charges 

Overdue fines are assessed to encourage prompt return or renewal of materials. After a time, as noted below, overdue items are considered lost and the patron charged for replacement of the item. 

Damaged Materials 

Library patrons may be assessed replacement charges for an item if the damage is intentional, excessive, or results in the item being unusable. Examples of damage include, but are not limited to:

• Markings from pens, pencils, or highlighters 
• Stains or water damage 
• Missing pages 

Library patrons who return items in poor condition may be charged for for cleaning. Cleaning fees start at $25.00.

Library patrons are not charged for general wear on library items.

Replacement for Lost Item 

In some situations, patrons may be given an option to purchase a new copy of a lost item to serve as the library's replacement (in lieu of replacement fees). Email circulation@stcloudstate.edu if interested.

Replacement copies will not be accepted in cases where replacement charges have already been paid or if not approved in advance.

Appealing Library Charges 

Certain hardships qualify for a waiver of overdue or replacement charges, including: 

• Medical emergencies 
• Theft
• Unavoidable damage (flooding, insurance claims, etc.)

These cases require official documentation, such as a police report or a redacted medical report. Contact library@stcloudstate.edu regarding your situation.

For appeals to be considered, they must be filed within 7 days of the charges being applied. A decision on the appeal will be emailed to the borrower within 2 business days.

Returned Materials Still on Account 

Processing mistakes sometimes occur, where returned materials are shelved without being checked in. If you believe that you already returned materials that still appears on your library account, please contact circulation@stcloudstate.edu, indicating the item title and date returned. We will investigate and respond.