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Community Borrower Program
Homer Babbidge Library, including 24-hour study spaces, are accessible via UConn ID access only after 8pm.
Apply in person for a Community Borrower card (note: for the Storrs campus, applications are available only in the Homer Babbidge Library) and present proof of one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Proof of residency in the State of Connecticut is required. CT driver’s license, state ID card, or other photo ID in conjunction with two other documents showing a current CT address such as a rental agreement or utility bill apply.
- Lifetime members of the UConn Alumni Association: fee-exempt privileges are granted on an annual basis. Proof of membership is required.
- Registered students in the CT State University system and the CT Community/Technical College systems: fee-exempt privileges are granted on a semester-by-semester basis. Proof of registration for the current semester is required, such as a paid fee bill or a valid home institution ID.
- Faculty and staff of the CT State University system and the CT Community/Technical College System: fee-exempt privileges are granted on an annual basis through the CCALD/CLC Reciprocal Borrowing Program. Valid home institution ID and a CCALD card are required.
- Hartford Public Library cardholders: fee-exempt privileges are granted provided that the cardholder is in good active standing with the Hartford Public Library. A valid Hartford Public Library card is required and that card, once authorized, will serve as the Community Borrower card for materials from the UConn Library.
- Spouses or domestic partners of current UConn faculty or staff: fee-exempt privileges are granted on an annual basis. Proof of same address as spouse or partner is required.
The cost for a UConn Library Community Borrower card is $50 per year from the date of purchase. This fee is currently (2024) being waived.
Community Borrower Program Policies
Borrowing Books/Request Service
There is a 25-book limit. Books are loaned for 30 days. Journals do not circulate. Please present your Community Borrower card each time you check out books or make use of other resources. Borrowers may use the Request Service to request items from any library location. Use of Interlibrary Services to request from non-UConn libraries is not permitted.
Renewal
All community borrowers may renew books twice unless items are requested by another borrower. Renewal can be done in person, by emailing askcir@uconn.edu, or by calling 860-486-2518.
Recall
As a community borrower you may not recall books. Recalling a book that is checked out is a service provided only for faculty, students and staff of the University and it is important you return any recalled books promptly. Borrowers who are temporarily unable to respond to recall notices should make arrangements in person or by contacting askcir@uconn.edu.
Book Return
Please return all books to the iDesk on the Plaza Level of the Babbidge Library or the circulation desk at any of the other campus libraries. When the library is closed, please use the book return slots. Recalled books should be returned directly to a staff member at any service desk. Books should not be returned via local public libraries.
Overdue Books
A due date receipt is sent via email for all items you check out. Please note the due date and return or renew materials on time. If you think that you returned a book but are still receiving overdue notices, please contact us at askcir@uconn.edu or by calling 860-486-2518.
Address Changes
Please provide us with the new address, email, and phone number to avoid undeliverable notices, bills, and the unnecessary suspension of borrowing privileges.
Suspension of Privileges
Privileges are temporarily suspended when a borrower:
- Has one overdue recalled book
- Has reached the 25-book charge limit
- Has an excessive accumulation of library charges
- Has an expired record
Fine Rates
- Long overdue item (34 days or more overdue): $15 non-refundable overdue/late return fee and $95 book replacement fee, which will be removed once the item is returned.
- Overdue recalled item: $5.00 a day per item; maximum of $50.
- Babbidge Library media: $1.00 a day per item; maximum of $15.
Item Replacement Fees
Long overdue items are billed at $95 per item plus a $15 non-refundable overdue/late return fee. The $95 replacement cost is credited when the item is returned in good working condition within one year of the billing date.
Payments
Library charges are paid at the University Bursar’s Office (not at the library). Payments by mail should be sent to: UConn Bursar’s Office, Accounts Receivable, Unit 4100, Storrs, CT 06269-4100. Borrowers should wait for a final bill from Accounts Receivable before remitting payment. Please make checks payable to the University of Connecticut.
Card Replacement
Replacement cards can be requested on the Plaza Level of the Babbidge Library or the circulation desk at any of the other campus libraries.
Preserving Library Collections
Books, periodicals, and other library materials are expensive and fragile. Frequently they can be repaired if damage is treated promptly, but usually they cannot be replaced. Please help to preserve the collections for others by handling materials carefully. If you find damaged items in the course of your use of the library, please bring them to the attention of our staff.
Using your Community Borrower Card
Items can be borrowed from the following libraries on the Storrs campus: Homer Babbidge Library, the Music & Dramatic Arts Library, and the Pharmacy Library. Community borrowers also have access to reserve (3-hour checkout, for use in the library only) at any of these libraries and may use the public computers near the iDesk in Babbidge Library to access most subscription databases. Borrowing policies at other campus libraries may vary. Please consult the specific library location for information.
Exclusions
Some library services are available only to current faculty, staff, and students of UConn, including Interlibrary Services (ILLiad), recall of books from other borrowers, and use of certain database services that are restricted by licensing agreements. Observing the program policies will help to ensure that your use of the library is successful.
We look forward to serving you. For more information, please contact Access & Visitor Services at the iDesk, at 860-486-2518, or at askcirc@uconn.edu.