Purpose: The Vermont State College System (VSCS) Libraries have developed circulation guidelines and procedures to ensure fair access to information for all patrons.

I. Policy

All current VSCS students, faculty, staff and guest borrowers may borrow items from VSCS Libraries. Faculty and staff members from other Vermont academic institutions also may borrow items from VSCS Libraries as part of The Vermont Academic Library Director Committee (VALDC) Reciprocal Borrowing Program. VSCS students, faculty, and staff have priority for materials and services. 

II. Loan Periods

VSCS Faculty and Staff

• Books and Audiobooks: 60-day loan period

• Reserve Room Materials: Indicated by instructor

• Periodicals: Library use only

VSCS Students

• Books and Audiobooks: 60-day loan period, up to 15 items at once

Guest Borrowers

• Books and Audiobooks: 28-day loan period, up to 15 items charged at a time All Borrowers

• Music and DVDs: 14-day loan period, up to 5 items charged at a time

III. Reserve Materials

Books, articles, and videos may be placed on reserve by class instructors for specific courses each semester. The circulation of these items are limited and reserves are shelved at the circulation desk for quick access by students in the course. Most reserve materials may be borrowed for library use only. A complete list of reserve materials for each course is available in the Library Catalog by clicking on Course Reserves under the search box. Reserve materials that are lost or damaged will incur replacement and processing fees.

IV. Renewal of Materials

Materials may be renewed by using the “My Account” feature on the library website. 

V. Overdue Materials

Please be a responsible library user and return items on time so other members can enjoy them too. Need more time with your book? Renew it online or send us a message. If items aren’t returned or renewed by the due date, a late fee may apply. A reminder email will also be sent.

VII. Lost or Damaged Items

Patrons who lose items or return damaged items that are determined to be replaced, may be charged the price of the item plus a $10 processing fee. Library approved replacements may be accepted without processing fee. Default price will be applied at the discretion of library staff.

VIII. Confidentiality

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (also known as FERPA) protects the privacy of students’ educational records, including student library financial records. In compliance with FERPA, the Library does not disclose information about a student’s record to any third party, including parents, faculty, or other individuals.

Library systems do not retain circulation history for patrons.

IX. Guest Borrowers

Members of the surrounding communities may apply for a guest borrower card in person at the circulation desk at VTSU Castleton, VTSU Johnson, VTSU Lyndon, and VTSU Randolph. Community members must present proof of address when applying for a library card. Please remember to bring your card with you when you come to the library and be sure to notify the library of any changes to your account information. Guest borrowers are responsible for returning materials to the library in a timely manner, failure to do so may result suspension of borrowing privileges. Guest borrowers will be expected to pay replacement costs plus processing fees for lost and damaged materials. Because of the time and expense involved, the library cannot process interlibrary loan requests for guest borrowers.

X. VALDC reciprocal borrowing privileges

The Vermont Academic Library Directors Committee (formerly the Vermont Consortium of Academic Libraries) supports higher education in Vermont by providing students, faculty, and staff at Vermont’s colleges and universities with enhanced access to information resources for study, teaching, research, and scholarship. VALDC works with the Department of Libraries, Green Mountain Library Consortium, Vermont Library Association, and other agencies throughout the state to further these goals.

The VALDC reciprocal borrowing program allows faculty and staff to borrow books from academic libraries across the state. Faculty/staff members can present their college or university ID, or other document that verifies employment, to borrow materials from a participating library. Please note: circulation procedures vary at each institution, please call or email ahead of your visit to ensure you are able to check out materials on the day you visit.