General Regulations

• The Library is provided for the purpose of quiet study and research. Group discussions are prohibited.
• Patrons are to behave in a respectful manner and must not deface, damage, or remove without proper authorization, any library books, furniture, or other materials.
• Portable cassette/CD players, radios, beepers, or cell phones may not be used in the library.
• Smoking, eating, and socializing are not permitted in the Library.
• All College of The Bahamas patrons, on entering the Library, must present a valid C.O.B. identification card or pass to the security officer stationed in the Library.
• Bags, briefcases, etc. must not be left unattended on tables and chairs in the library for more than ten (10) minutes. Offenders will have their possessions placed outside the building. The Library will not be responsible for losses or damages in such cases.
• Before leaving the Library, patrons are required to present books, bags, briefcases, etc. for inspection by security personnel stationed at the Library exit.
• Any breach of Library regulations may result in disciplinary action being taken by the Library and the College Administration. Offenders may have their Library privileges suspended or be expelled from the College depending on the nature of the offence.

Reserve Collection

• Reserved books may only be used in the Library for 2-hour periods unless otherwise specified. Some books may be borrowed overnight, or on three day loan.
• Overnight loans are only available after 7:00 p.m. and must be returned to the Library by 10:00 a.m. on the due date.
• Fines for the late return of reserve materials are $1.00 per hour or part of an hour per item.

Audio-Visual Collection

• Students are allowed to borrow a maximum of two (2) software items on overnight loan.
• Media software borrowed overnight must be returned by 10 a.m. on the due date.
• Media hardware cannot be borrowed. However, rental arrangements may be made for media hardware other than video equipment (TVs and VCRs).
• Requests for video equipment must be made three days in advance.
• Request cancellations must be made at least two (2) hours before the scheduled time of use.

Special Collections

• Special Collections is a closed collection, that is, only Library personnel may move materials from the shelves. When there are three or more copies of a Bahamian title in the collection, one copy will be allowed to circulate.
• Patrons must request materials by using the Special Collection request forms. One form should be completed for each item requested. This form should then be presented to the Special Collections' staff along with the requestor's valid C.O.B. identification.
• Patrons may only use two items from Special Collections at a time.
• The patrons are responsible for any Special Collections items loaned to them.
• Library users must not use pens when handling Special Collections materials. Pencils are permitted, but the materials should not be marked in any way.
• Open books should not be placed face down on any surface. Pages should not be bent or folded.
• Permission to make photocopies of any item should be received from the Special Collections Librarian. The patron may be asked to sign an agreement accepting responsibility for any resultant breach of copyright law.
• Special Collections materials must not be taken out of the Library without authorization. All items must be returned to Special Collections personnel.

Fees & Fines

Photocopying
Card-operated machines are available for photocopying. Copies are 10 cents per page and photocopying is permitted until 15 minutes before closing.

Microfilm copies
Microform copies can be made at 25 cents per page. Copying is permitted until 15 minutes before closing.

Overdue fines- 25 cents per day per book

Reserve fines- $1.00 per book per hour or part thereof

Lost Date Due cards- $1.00 per card

Maximum overdue book fine- $30.00 per book

Lost/damaged materials
Current market cost plus $15.00 processing fee;
$50.00 per item if out-of-print, and outstanding fines (with a maximum of $30.00 per book).

Media Fines
Fines for overdue media software is 50 cents an hour or part of an hour. If media hardware or software is lost or damaged while on loan, the borrower assumes full responsibility for replacement of same quality and /or model.

External (Non-COB) Patrons