Libraries

Circulation of materials

Materials held by the Binghamton University Libraries are circulated to the University community according to rules that ensure the widest access to information. All books charged out may be renewed at the end of the loan period provided they are not overdue and have not been requested by another patron. Renewals may be made in person or online. Any item in circulation may be recalled (immediately, if needed for reserve; after two weeks, if requested by another patron). Patrons may place a “hold” on a charged item and will be notified when the item is available.

Binghamton University borrowers

On presentation of a validated University ID card, the following borrowing privileges are extended:

University policies

  1. Faculty and University Staff: Limit of 200 items at any one time. Books, microforms and government documents may be borrowed for one year. Journals located in the Annex circulate for two weeks. Bartle and Science bound journals circulate for three days. Current periodicals are due at 5 p.m. the day borrowed.

  2. Graduate and PhD Students: Limit of 200 items at any one time. Books, microforms and government documents may be borrowed for one year. Journals located in the Annex circulate for two weeks. Bartle and Science bound journals circulate for three days. Current periodicals are available for in-library use.

  3. Undergraduate Students: Limit of 100 items at any one time. Books, microforms and government documents may be borrowed for a six-week loan period. Journals located in the Annex circulate for two weeks. Bartle and Science bound journals circulate for three days. Current periodicals are available for in-library use.

Library policies

Food is not permitted in the libraries. Drinks in covered containers are permitted.

If the library staff determines that damage of materials or equipment is the result of patron neglect or abuse, replacement or rebinding costs will be assessed.

It is the official policy of the library to discourage noise in the library in order to maintain quiet for study and reading. Due to the nature of library services, the service desk areas will be less quiet than others. When necessary, staff members may ask users to be quiet or leave the area.

Use of cameras and video recording equipment in library stack and study areas requires the prior approval of the library dean or designee.

The Bartle Library has a paging system that is used to assist with closing procedures. Use in emergency situations requires the prior authorization of the New York State University Police.

Library materials may not be taken from the library unless those materials have been properly checked out or other authorization for removal has been given. The willful mutilation or unauthorized removal of library materials is subject to prosecution under New York state law. The library is equipped with an electronic security system to deter theft. In addition, identified library staff may search bags, briefcases and other items at the library’s exit to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Information regarding Binghamton University borrowers is considered confidential. Requests for disclosure of information will be denied and referred for review by University counsel in consultation with Albany.

BUC$ card-operated photocopiers (10 cents per copy) are available in the Bartle Library (in the Information Commons), in the Science Library and in the University Downtown Center. Binghamton University students, faculty and staff can add value to their BUC$ card (cash only) at the Card Management System located on the first floor of the Bartle Library, the Science Library, the UDC and meal plan office. Library visitors may purchase a guest BUC$ card for $1 and add value to the card.

Reserve materials

The Reserve Department — located in the Newcomb Reading Room and the University Downtown Center — contains books, videos, DVDs, cassettes, CDs and other items (both from the libraries and from instructors’ personal collections) that have been placed “on reserve” by faculty to supplement classroom materials.

The loan periods, established in consultation with the instructor, can be two hours (three hours for VHS and DVD), one day or two days. The loan period pertaining to each item is clearly indicated when it is charged out. Articles, book chapters, student papers and non-copyrighted materials such as lecture notes and exams may be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days per week via Course Reserves in Blackboard.

Reserve materials are available only to current Binghamton University faculty, staff, students, adult learners and current SUNY/CUNY Open Access faculty, staff and students.

Reserve fines: Two-hour and three-hour loans: 2 cents per minute per item. One-day and two-day loans: $3/day. Reserve fines accrue until the item is returned, including times when the Libraries are closed. There is no limit on reserves fines.

Fine structure

A fine structure for the late return or renewal of library materials has been established to assure all patrons maximum access to library materials. Repeated, flagrant violations will be considered cause for suspension of borrowing privileges.

  • Circulating books: 10 cents per day per book to a maximum of $10 per item
  • Recalled books: $1 per day per book to a maximum of $15 per item
  • Reserve materials: One-hour and two-hour loans: 2 cents per minute per item. One-day, two-day loans: $3 per day per item. Reserve fines accrue until the item is returned, including times when the Libraries are closed.
  • Videos and DVDs: $3 per day to a maximum of $50 per item
  • Journals: 2 cents per minute to a maximum of $50 per item
  • Interlibrary loan materials: $1 per day per item
  • Laptops: 25 cents per minute; $2,200 replacement fee after 24 hours
  • Netbooks: 25 cents per minute; $350 replacement fee after 24 hours

Interlibrary loan fees

Costs assessed by the lending library that exceed $20 per item will be passed on to the requestor, except in the case of dissertation purchases (where the requestor will be asked to pay the entire fee and then is able to keep the physical or electronic copy).

Lost study carrel key fees

If the occupant of an assigned study carrel reports that (s)he has lost the carrel key, a $50 lock change fee will be assessed to reimburse fees charged to the library. When the lock change fee is paid, the carrel occupant may reapply for a study carrel assignment.

Damaged item fees

Borrowers will be billed for items that are returned damaged.

Lost book fees

Lost book charges are assessed when a borrower declares a book lost, on books overdue for more than three months, and in response to borrower inquiries.

Notification and responsibility

Borrowers may review their library account information online. Books on loan and fines will be displayed. All correspondence is sent to the borrower’s Binghamton email address. Borrowers who do not read their Binghamton email need to forward it to their popmail account. Students, faculty and staff may do this on the BU Brain.

Overdue and fine notices may be sent as a courtesy reminder; failure to receive a notice does not absolve the borrower from responsibility to return materials or to pay the overdue fine.

Patrons are responsible for all transactions charged with their ID cards. On request, the library will provide a receipt at the time that books are returned. The absence of a receipt does not imply failure to return a book.

Interlibrary loan services

Interlibrary loan services expand the range of research materials available for instruction and scholarship. Materials that are not owned by the University Libraries and not deliverable in full-text format may be obtained from other local, state, national and international libraries through this service. Currently affiliated Binghamton University faculty, students and staff engaged in research and research associates are eligible. Patrons must have a valid University ID and a University email account in order to register. Communication about interlibrary loan requests is handled through email. Requesters should allow two to four weeks for receipt of most materials. Fees that exceed $20 per item may be passed on to the requester.