Circulation Policies
Circulation Hours
Assistance is available
all hours the Library is open.
Phone: (303) 273-3698
Fax: (303) 273-3199
www.mines.edu/library

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Front Desk assists users by providing access to library materials and providing services to patrons.
  • In order to effectively manage the collection so all may use it, effective checkout policies, procedures and fines have been established.
Who can use the Library?
We’re open to the public, however some services are available only to CSM users. . Please contact us about access to special collections.
Who can checkout material?
Any member of the CSM community with a valid Blaster card.
Members of the CSM Alumni Association residing in Colorado.
Patrons of other CARL member libraries
Patrons of libraries with reciprocal borrowing agreements.
Patrons who purchase a special borrower’s card:
  • Individual patron--$35
  • Corporate patrons:
    2-5 employees with check-out privileges--$100
    6-10 employees with check-out privileges--$500
  • Preferred patron:
    11 or more employees with check-out privileges--$1,000

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ITEMS CHECKED OUT ON YOUR LIBRARY CARD.

Please notify the Library of lost cards and of changes to your address or phone number. You must have a valid library card with you to check out materials.
How long is the loan period?
  • Patrons and CSM undergraduates--21 days
  • CSM faculty and staff--60 days
  • CSM graduate students--60 days
  • Prospector printed materials have a 21 day check-out period and can be renewed once for an additional 21 days.  Prospector media (CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.) can be checked out for 7 days (no renewal).

Reference materials, journals, and special collection items do not circulate. Reserve materials have variable check-out periods. A maximum of 30 items (including Prospector requests) may be checked out at one time.
How do I access my Library account?
You may renew your material by logging into “My Account” through the “Catalyst” page on the Library website. You may also place a Hold for items that are checked out and CSM patrons may Recall items that are checked out.

You cannot place a hold on an item that is not checked-out, or if other copies are available for check-out. Also, you cannot place a hold on materials that do not checkout (e.g., reference materials and journals).

Books that are needed by a class or that have been on loan for 21 days or more may be RECALLED. If a book you have has been recalled, you will be notified email and a new due date assigned. Fines begin to accrue after the new due date.

For further assistance on renewals, holds and recalls, including step-by-step instructions, see the Catalyst Instruction pages or call the Front Desk at 303-273-3698.
Where do I Find Course Reserves?
The Reserve Collection is at the Front Desk. Loan periods for reserve materials vary. Fines for late return of reserve materials are $3.00 per hour or $10.00 per day. You can search reserve materials in Catalyst.

Faculty members may put materials on Reserve for use by a class. Use the Reserve Request Form to place materials on reserve. Contact the staff for assistance or more information at 303 273-3698 or

The copyright law (Title 17, United States Code) sets strict limits on making copies of copyrighted works. Arthur Lakes Library observes the limits set on copying of materials to be placed on course reserve.

Where do I return books?
During Library hours, books may be returned to the Circulation desk. After hours, books may be returned to the book drop next to the front door. Books may also be returned to other Alliance libraries to be sent via courier to the CSM Library. 

A Library item is not considered checked in until it arrives at our Library. You are responsible for the items and we recommend that you obtain a receipt when returning CSM material at another library.
Overdue materials
Fines for overdue materials accrue at a rate of $.25 per day to a maximum of $10.00 per item. FAILURE TO RECEIVE AN OVERDUE NOTICE DOES NOT AFFECT FINES. An item is declared lost if overdue by more than 30 days. Fines can be paid at the Front Desk by cash or check only.
Lost materials
Items not returned to the Library are charged a lost materials charge of $100 per item or replacement cost, whichever is higher.
Why can't I checkout or renew material?
Checkout  privileges will be suspended if books are overdue by more than 30 days or if fines exceed $5.00. 

Please resolve any charges immediately. If fines or lost materials charges are not paid, CSM student accounts will be encumbered at the Registrar's Office; accounts for other users will be referred to the Colorado State Central Collection Services.
Can I eat or chew in the Library?
Tobacco products are not allowed in the Library. Food is allowed only at tables in the tiled Coffee Cart area. Drinks are allowed, and covered drinking containers are encouraged. A complete copy of this Library policy is available at the Circulation desk.
Alarm system
All Library materials are sensitized to set off the security alarms at the Library entrances.

Items from other libraries, purchases from book stores and videotapes will also set off the alarms.

If the alarm goes off when you are either entering or leaving the Library, please go to the Circulation desk to have your belongings checked.