Circulation and Reserves

Circulation and Reserves at the Main and Downtown Campuses include transactions related to lending and borrowing library materials and are designed to assist students and faculty in using our resources.  Some library materials located in Special Collections, Reference and Reserves may not be borrowed.  Items of value or in a fragile state, including rare books and manuscripts, may be used in designed areas only. 

Circulation and Reserves policies in effect at both Tennessee State University Libraries are as follows:

  • All library materials must be properly charged out using a current TSU ID card or valid Tennessee Drivers License.  Identification cards should be used only by the owner and may not be loaned to anyone.  You are responsible for all library materials charged out to your card.  We recommend that you report any loss of ID cards to the library Circulation staff.
  • Circulation and Reserves Policies are as follows for the following groups of users:
    • Undergraduate students may checkout a cumulative total of ten (10) books at any one time for a period of three (3) weeks.
    • Graduate students may checkout a cumulative total of twenty (20) books at any one time for a period of three (3) weeks.
    • Faculty and staff may checkout a cumulative total of twenty (20) books at any one time for a period of one (1) semester.
    • Alumni and Community users may check out a cumulative total of four (4) books with a valid Tennessee Drivers License for up to two (2) weeks and materials can only be renewed in-person.
  • Books may be renewed twice by telephone, in-person, or online unless someone has puts a hold on the item(s).
  • Books may be returned to either the Main or Avon Williams Campus Libraries.
  • Any book is subject to recall at any time, within the loan period, for Reserve Desk or general circulation use if someone else needs it.  If the book is not returned within two (2) days after recall, a $1.00 per day fine will be assessed.
  • Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community users are responsible for notifying the appropriate library if they lose or misplace any library materials. Fines are assessed by the following:
    • Books not returned after the due date is assessed ten cents ($.10) per day.
    • Reserves books not returned after two (2) hours are assessed a $.25 cent per hour late fee.

After one-hundred (100) days of the due date, the book (including books with CD's) is declared lost and the patron will be blocked from borrowing or renewing materials at the Library.  In addition, the patron's account will be assessed a standard lost item replacement fee of the value of the book, plus a $25.00 processing fee.  To be reinstated, the patron must meet the aforementioned obligation.  If the book(s) is eventually found, it is still declared lost and no refund will be paid. Unpaid library charges are subject to be assigned to a collection agency.

Reserves Policies

General Guidelines

  • Reserves are comprised of course related materials that support the academic programs of the University.  Reserves are not intended to replace compulsory textbooks and other resources required for courses.
  • All materials placed on reserve by instructors are for non-commercial and educational use by students. Title 17 of the U.S. Code governs and sets strict limits on making copies of copyrighted materials.  The Library reserves the right to refuse or accept copy requests by instructors that would involve violation of the fair use provisions of this law.
  • The Library encourages faculty to use the course reserve module in E-Learn for journal articles, book chapters and other assignments in electronic format.
  • Faculty may place circulating books owned by the Library or their personal copies on Reserve at the Circulation Desk.  Personal copies should be in good physical condition.  Reference books are not allowed to be placed on reserve.

Types of Works Accepted for Traditional Reserves:

  • Library circulating books
  • Faculty members personal copies of books
  • Artifacts such as laboratory specimens, etc
  • To access Reserves held at the Circulation Desk, please use the following two links:

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