Borrowing Library Materials Policy

Borrowing Privileges

Currently enrolled Mount Saint Mary College students and currently employed faculty and staff have full borrowing privileges at the Mount Saint Mary College Library and the Curriculum Materials Center. A valid MSMC ID card is required to check out library materials.

Loan periods for audio-visual materials and recreational reading items are generally shorter than the standard borrowing period. Loan periods vary for course reserve items. Loan periods for interlibrary loan items are determined by the lending institution.

Mount alumni with a valid alumni ID card, participants in the Newburgh Library Collaborative, and community members with a visitor’s card may also borrow library materials, though on a more limited basis.

Student Privileges

Students may borrow up to 20 items with most library books being borrowed for twelve weeks. In addition to the 12-week check out period, students may renew items up to two times, with each renewal period lasting two weeks. 

Faculty Privileges

Faculty may borrow up to 100 items concurrently. Library books generally circulate to faculty with borrowing periods of six months. An additional two 6-month renewals are permitted for each item. 

For more information about specific borrowing periods, please contact the MSMC Library Check-out Desk at 845-569-3600. You may also e-mail us at lib-access@msmc.edu. 

Renewals

Library materials (other than reserve items) can be renewed either online or in person at the library. Reserve items may only be renewed in person.

Overdue Fines

The library has instituted a "fines free" policy for most materials. While fines will no longer be charged for most items, the items must be returned in order to avoid a Registration Hold. This hold will prevent students from registering for classes. To encourage the on-time return of library materials, the library charges fines for materials returned after the due date. Replacement fees are charged for lost items.

Heavier fines are charged for overdue Interlibrary Loan items - $1 per day for the first five days, then $5 per day. Overdue Reserve items incur the heaviest fines - $2.50 per day for the first two days, then $5 per day.

Unpaid overdue fines or replacement fees may prevent graduates from receiving their diplomas and/or college transcripts.  Candidates for graduation will be notified of any outstanding fines and fees owed so that their accounts can be paid in full prior to commencement.

Courtesy notices are e-mailed to library users about four days ahead of when regular items are due. The notices permit borrowers to renew items online immediately.

Library users may check their fine status online by logging into their library account.

Questions about overdue fines should be directed to the Check-out Desk at 845-569-3600 or via e-mail at lib-access@msmc.edu.

Lost and Damaged Items

Borrowers are responsible for replacement costs for lost or damaged library materials. Replacement charges typically amount to $40 per item, plus a $10 processing fee. Contact the Check-out Desk at  845-569-3600 to find out the replacement cost for a specific item.

Unpaid replacement charges or overdue fines may prevent graduates from receiving their diplomas and/or college transcripts.  Candidates for graduation will be notified of any outstanding fines and fees owed so that their accounts can be paid in full prior to commencement.