Borrowing, Use and Fines Policies

Patron Identification

All borrowers must present a valid Cougar Card, SXU Library Card, or valid identification card from I-Share institutions in order to borrow materials. Patrons are responsible for notifying the Library of any change of address or e-mail. Patrons should never allow others to use their ID to borrow Library materials because the person with the ID, not the borrower, is responsible for the borrowed materials. If your ID is lost or stolen, it should be reported immediately to the Library Circulation Desk to prevent unauthorized use. 

Non-Circulating Items

  • Items that do not circulate include newspapers, print journals, and reference books.
  • Only SXU faculty, alumni, staff and students can borrow a book for one year after its acquisition by the Library.
  • Audio-visual materials that cost more than $200 or are very difficult to replace, as determined by the Library, are restricted to SXU faculty use only. 
  • The Library reserves the right to impose restrictions on borrowing any item at any time.

Databases Access

Off campus access to the Library's databases is available only to current SXU faculty, staff and students. At this time, licensing agreements with database vendors preclude the off campus use of the databases by alumni, members of the general public or persons affiliated with other universities. 

Printing

Printing in the Library is only for current SXU faculty, staff, and students. Alumni may print if they put money on their Cougar Card. Members of the general public or persons affiliated with other universities may not print in the Library. 

Proof of Return

Patrons may request a receipt for returned materials. If you claim an item has been returned, you must have it or the receipt. Otherwise, you will be charged for any fines that are due. The Library’s circulation system is the point of record for any disputes over time of borrowing, returns or charges. The Library does not have an amnesty day for returning overdue and lost materials.

Chicago Campus and Orland Park Campus

Patrons may request that books or audiovisual items at either the Chicago or Orland Park campus Library be sent to the other library for borrowing (in accordance with these guidelines). The materials will be checked out to the patron at time of borrowing. Items may be returned to either campus library.

Damaged Materials

$25 is charged for any item returned to the Library in damaged but repairable condition (as determined by the Library staff within two days of its return) beyond normal usage. Damage includes underlining or marking pages with pencil, ink or highlighters; torn covers or pages; or water damage. $60 is charged for a damaged book that needs replacement.

Overdue and Lost Material Fines

All borrowers of Library materials, including faculty, are liable to fines for overdue, damaged and lost items whether or not an overdue notice is sent or received. Failure to receive notice by mail or e-mail is not grounds for reduction or cancellation of fines.

  • Books: The first three days after the due date are considered a grace period.  No fines will be assessed if an item is returned during the grace period.  Beginning on the fourth day fines are assessed at $.50 per day (starting from the first day overdue) to a maximum of $10 per book. After thirty days overdue you will receive a final warning. After patrons days overdue the book is considered lost. Any book sixty days overdue is considered lost. The total replacement fee for a lost book is $60.

  • Audiovisual Materials: The audiovisual item is considered lost when seven days overdue (for students and staff) and thirty days overdue (for faculty). The total replacement fee for a lost movie is $60. The total replacement fee for a lost educational video is $100.

  • The Library automatically orders a replacement item when the original is recorded as lost. The fee covers the cost of the replacement item, not the original. The Library retains ownership at all times and the patron is not entitled to the items even if the fees are paid and the items are returned to the Library. Fines and fees for damaged or lost materials are paid at the Business Office. All fines and fees are non-refundable.

Borrowing, Loan Periods, and Renewals

  SXU Faculty SXU Staff SXU Students SXU Alumni I-Share Borrowers Chicago Archdiocese Teachers General Public
Maximum Number of Books on Account Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited 5 2
Book Borrowing Period 16 weeks 16 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks
Number of Book Renewals 3 1 1 1 1 0 0
Maximum Number of Audiovisual Items on Account 25 4 4 4 2 2 2
Audiovisual Borrowing Period 30 days 7 days 7 days 7 days 7 days 7 days 7 days
Number of Audiovisual Renewals 1 None None None None None None
Remote Access to Databases Yes Yes Yes No No No No
Printing in Library Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No