Access & Borrowing: Borrowing Policies

If you are a current student or employee, you should be good to go! Others who would like to borrow should explore the pages below to see if we provide a way for you to borrow. Feel free to reach out to us with questions. 

Would you like to keep using an item beyond its original due date? Fleet Library borrowers are allowed two renewal periods on loans of books and DVDs. The first renewal is automatically applied by our system if you haven't returned the item yet. You may renew items for a second time yourself by logging into your library account (or request our help in person, by phone, or by email). 

It is not necessary to bring items in person when requesting a renewal.

There are only two reasons we may deny a renewal:

• Another patron has placed a hold on the item and is waiting for it.
• You have had the item for longer than a year.

A hold may be placed on any RISD item that is currently checked out. Placing a hold enables you to reserve a spot in line for the item: when it is returned, we will notify you via email and hold it for you (typically for one week) at the Circulation desk.

Holds cannot be placed on items that are currently available.

While using the library catalog, the "Request" option will appear for checked-out items. This enables you to place holds through your library account. Alternatively, you may contact us and ask for a hold to be placed. 

When a hold is placed on an item you're borrowing, it becomes recalled, or called back to the library. This means one of two things: 

• The item can no longer be renewed, and must be returned by its original due date.
• The item is due sooner than expected. This is rare, but may happen if you've had the item for over a month.

You will receive a replacement bill for overdue recalled items much sooner than you would normally - because someone is waiting for it! Just like any other replacement bill, it will be waived if and when you return the item in good condition. 

So you got a bill from us. Here's a list of steps you can take:

1. Look around for it! If you can return it ASAP, that's the best option. We'll waive the fee and you'll be good to go. 
2. Contact us.
   • Did we make a mistake and you're certain you returned it? Let us know and we'll double check. 
   • We can usually extend the loan if you want to keep looking for it.
   • Or, if you know it's gone and you'd like to replace the item yourself, that's great. Please give us a heads up, and buy a copy that's exactly the same edition and in excellent condition.
3. Last but not least, you can always just pay the bill here. 

We are often asked, "Do you charge overdue fines?" ... the answer is NO!

The only fees we charge now are for replacing items that have been lost* or seriously damaged** 

Return overdue items and the replacement fee will disappear. Exceptions to this are very rare: you may still owe money if it's been so long that we already replaced the book - typically a year or so. 

* When is something considered lost? Usually 4 weeks after the due date (that's 4 email reminders sitting in your inbox...)

** What does seriously damaged mean? Basically it means using the book has become highly frustrating, difficult or impossible. A tiny bit of paint on the cover just gives a book that RISD character. If we can fix it, we will happily tape a ripped page. But if it accidentally fell in a puddle, cup of coffee, or plaster mixing bucket, that's probably the end.