Law Library circulation policies vary from ours.
I. General Circulation Information
A. Use of University Libraries Materials
B. Confidentiality of Borrower Records
C. Identification Requirements
D. Account Proxy
A. Use of University Libraries Materials
The University Libraries are open to all who come through our doors. Free onsite access to materials, including most databases, is a free service. Access to check out materials and ability to access electronic resources outside the libraries varies by borrower.
B. Confidentiality of Borrower Records
State of Colorado statute 24-90-119 states (as of 9/24/2021) “Privacy of user records. (1) Except as set forth in subsection (2) of this section, a publicly-supported library shall not disclose any record or other information that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials or service or as otherwise having used the library. (2) Records may be disclosed in the following instances: (a) When necessary for the reasonable operation of the library; (b) Upon written consent of the user; (c) Pursuant to subpoena, upon court order, or where otherwise required by law; (d) To a custodial parent or legal guardian who has access to a minor's library card or its authorization number for the purpose of accessing by electronic means library records of the minor. (3) Any library official, employee, or volunteer who discloses information in violation of this section commits a class 2 petty offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars.“ University Libraries follow the most current version of this statute.
C. Identification Requirements
Patrons are required to present a valid Buff OneCard (University of Colorado Boulder ID), photo ID, or a University Libraries card each time they borrow materials.
D. Account Proxy
Patron account holders may request proxy borrowers be assigned to their account to borrow materials on their behalf. Proxies must present a valid ID at the time of check out.
II. Library Borrowers
Current University of Colorado Boulder affiliate borrowers are based upon Registrar’s, Human Resources, and CU Systems information. Individuals who qualify for more than one borrower category will receive the highest level of privileges. There are several account options for non-CU Boulder affiliates. Patrons must be a current member of an option to qualify. Privileges vary depending on borrower type. Please visit our website for the most up to date summary of privileges and registration requirements.
- Alumni
- Auditors
- Colorado Education Communities
- Fee Based Accounts
- Reciprocal Borrowing Programs
- Research Partners
- Spouses/Domestic Partners of Current CU Boulder Employees
- University of Colorado Boulder Affiliates
- University of Colorado System Affiliates
III. Borrowing Materials
A. Loan Periods and Renewals
B. Overdue Items
C. Holds
D. Reserves
E. Exceptions
A. Loan Periods and Renewals
Loan periods and renewal periods are determined by borrower type and/or item type. If the loan period of library materials would normally set a due date past the patron's account expiration date, the patron’s expiration date becomes the default due date. Materials that have outstanding holds or recalls may not be renewed. Some materials may not be renewable. The most up to date summary of loan periods and privileges can be found on our Borrowing Privileges page.
B. Overdue Items
Items that are overdue by less than 30 days and do not have a hold or recall may be renewed. Items that are more than 30 days overdue and have been declared lost may not be renewed. See Fines and Other Charges.
C. Holds/Paging
Patrons may request items in the catalog that are available for check out. If the item is in the library, then they will receive a notice when the item is available for pickup. If the item is checked out a notice will be sent when it is returned.
D. Reserves
Items may be placed on reserve for University classes at the request of the professor, instructor, or teaching/research assistant. These items may include library materials or the requester's personal materials. Loan periods for reserves are set to provide equitable access to more users, in consultation with the course instructor. Holds cannot be placed on these materials and nor may they be renewed.
E. Special Use/Limited Use Materials
Materials in the Libraries may have special use or limited use restrictions determined by type or format of material, location in the library, value, access agreements, or other restrictions. Access may include site specific usage restrictions or supervised usage.
IV. Fines and Other Charges
A. Overdue Notices
B. University of Colorado Boulder Materials
C. Lost and Damaged Materials
1. Claims Return
2. Damaged Materials
3. Replacement of Lost Materials
D. InterLibrary Loan (ILL) Materials
E. Prospector and Mobius Materials
F. Catastrophic Loss and Patron Death
G. Collection of Past Due Library Charges
A. Overdue Notices
University Libraries send overdue notices as courtesy reminders. Notices will be sent by email only. It is the responsibility of the patron to notify University Libraries of changes in contact information. Changing an email address with the University Registrar does not immediately change the address in the Libraries database.
B. University of Colorado Boulder Materials
Materials overdue for 30 or more days are considered lost and a 30-day late fee assessed. Replacement fees for lost materials vary depending on material type. See fines policy for a full outline of the current fines or fees.
C. Lost and Damaged Materials
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Claims Returned
If a patron believes they have returned material which is still checked out to their account, they should inform a service point desk or libraries@colorado.edu. A search will be done but the material will remain on the patron's record until it has been located or other resolution is reached. Any fines charged for materials that are later located and determined to be the result of library error will be removed from the patron's record.
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Damaged Items
Patrons should contact a service point desk or libraries@colorado.edu concerning any damaged materials as soon as possible and before returning them. Materials not returned in their original condition because of patron negligence may result in a fine.
Moderate repairable/rebindable damage includes but is not limited to removing sticky tab notes and other inserts, erasing pencil marks, minor cover damage, removing tape, broken binding, torn pages, etc.
Major damage - Materials returned with major damage that will require a significant amount of staff time to restore to a usable state or deemed irreparable by library staff. This includes but is not limited to moisture damage, mold or staining of the pages, extensive pen or highlighter marking, multiple missing pages, etc.
Materials that circulate in containers must be returned with the containers of a container replacement fee will be assessed
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Replacement of Lost or Damaged Materials
Patrons should contact a service point desk or libraries@colorado.edu concerning any lost materials as soon as possible.
At the discretion of the Libraries, patrons may provide an exact replica replacement for lost or damaged materials. If a replacement copy is accepted then there will be a Replacement Processing charge. If an exact replica cannot be found, patrons should contact a service point desk or libraries@colorado.edu to discuss options.
D. InterLibrary Loan (ILL) Materials
Policies and procedures for ILL materials may differ from CU Boulder materials. Patrons should contact a service point desk or libraries@colorado.edu concerning any lost or damaged materials as soon as possible and before returning them. See fines policy for a full outline of the current fines or fees.
E. Prospector and Mobius Materials
Policies and procedures for Prospector and Mobius materials can differ from CU Boulder materials. Patrons should contact a service point desk or libraries@colorado.edu concerning any lost or damaged materials as soon as possible and before returning them. See fines policy for a full outline of the current fines or fees.
F. Catastrophic Loss and Patron Death
In the event of a catastrophic loss of home and/or property involving library materials, patrons may have their insurance company reimburse the University Libraries for the full replacement cost of the materials. If the patron does not have insurance or chooses not to use it, they should follow the materials replacement policy above. In the event of a patron’s death, all loaned materials should be returned to the library. If any materials cannot be located, please contact a service point desk or libraries@colorado.edu.
G. Collection of Past Due Library Charges
Colorado State Law (CRS 24-30-202.4) mandates that a debt owed to a State Agency must be referred to collections agencies if they become past due. Charges are considered past due 30 days after the bill due date. University Libraries will refer past due accounts to a University of Colorado approved collections vendor. Patrons will be sent a notification to the address the Libraries has on file. It is the responsibility of the patron to update any changes to their contact information.
University Libraries initiates and manages pre-collections activity on all patron accounts. Past due charges for student accounts are sent to the campus Bursar’s Office. Past due charges for non-student accounts are then sent to the University of Colorado approved collections vendor. Once an account is submitted to state collections, no negotiation with the library is possible. Patrons must direct all correspondence and discussion directly to the specific collections agency while their account is in the collection status.
At the discretion of the Libraries, credit may be given when lost material is returned within twelve (12) months of the bill date. Lost materials returned beyond twelve (12) months of the bill date may not be accepted and no credit will be given even if the materials are reinstated. Patrons are still responsible for any overdue fines and collections charges.
Updated July 2022