Members of the community are welcome to use the James B. Duke Library, Special Collections and Archives, Maxwell Music Library, Sanders Science Library for research. However, in order to check items out, there is a fee of $50 which allows one year of borrowing privileges.

Community members need to bring $50 and a photo ID to the Main Library Circulation desk. Only cash or check will be accepted. A library staff member will create your account and issue you a library card at that time.

Community members may keep most books checked out for 42 days. The circulation period for leisure books is 21 days; videos circulate for 7 days. If you need a book for longer than 42 days, you can usually renew it, unless it is on hold for another patron. If a book or video is on reserve for a class, the loan period may be shorter.

If you need an item for longer than the normal loan period, you can renew it online, over the phone, or in person. To see what you have checked out, when it is due, and renew online, you will need your Furman ID number. To renew by phone, you can call the Main Library Circulation Desk at 294-2265, the Music Library at 294-3795, or the Science Library at 294-2455.

Note: An item may not be renewed if it has been requested by another patron. Items checked out to you may be recalled if needed by a faculty member for course reserves.

The library sends out overdue notices, but that does not mean items are not due until you receive a notice. If for some reason you do not receive a notice, you are still obligated to return items on time or pay overdue fines. Patrons who do not return items after 30 days will be billed for the estimated cost of the item plus a $15.00 replacement processing fee. Patrons who do not return items or pay fines or charges incurred may be barred from checking out additional items, registering for classes, receiving a diploma, and requesting transcripts.

Note: Borrowing privileges are suspended for patrons with fines totaling more than $50.

Fines may be paid in cash or check at the James B Duke Library on campus or mailed to Furman University marked Attention: Library - Circulation.