Borrowing Policies

Borrowing Library Materials

Loan periods

ItemLength of loan
Books8 weeks
Journals8 weeks
Media1–8 weeks
Microforms1 week
Laptops and peripherals3 hours–overnight
Specialized equipment1–3 days
Course reserve material2 hours–3 days

Permissions

PermissionDetails
Number of checkouts allowedUnlimited
Cost of library accessNo charge
Remote database accessYes
Request Annex materialYes
2CUL privilegesYes
Designate proxy borrowersYes
Spouse/domestic partner privilegesYes

Loan periods

ItemLength of loan
Books1 year
Journals1 year
Media1–8 weeks
Microforms1 week
Laptops and peripherals3 hours–overnight
Specialized equipment1–3 days
Course reserve material2 hours–3 days

Permissions

PermissionDetails
Number of checkouts allowedUnlimited
Cost of library accessNo charge
Remote database accessYes
Request Annex materialYes
2CUL privilegesYes
Designate proxy borrowersNo
Spouse/domestic partner privilegesYes

Loan periods

ItemLength of loan
Books1 year
Journals1 year
Media1–8 weeks
Microforms1 week
Laptops and peripherals3 hours–overnight
Specialized equipment1–3 days
Course reserve material2 hours–3 days

Permissions

PermissionDetails
Number of checkouts allowedUnlimited
Cost of library accessNo charge
Remote database accessYes
Request Annex materialYes
2CUL privilegesYes
Designate proxy borrowersYes
Spouse/domestic partner privilegesYes

Fines

The fine for recalled items is $3.00/day for every patron category. If unreturned, high cost and high demand items (such as laptops, equipment, reserves items) will be billed for replacement cost after two days. Regular items (such as books from the general circulating collection) will be billed for replacement cost after 27 days. When the billed amount reaches $150, the borrower’s access to the Library will be blocked until the item is returned.

Cornell faculty and staff can authorize someone to be a proxy borrower. This person will be able to check out materials at our on-campus library locations on behalf of the faculty or staff member.

If you have questions about your borrowing privileges, please contact the Library Public Services Office at libpublicservices@cornell.edu.

If you don’t have a valid Cornell ID and would like to apply for library privileges, please fill out an application and we will contact you to determine your eligibility for access.