Who can Borrow Items
Materials at the Edens Library can be checked out by Columbia College students, faculty, staff, and Columbia College alumni
Columbia College Alumni
Columbia College Alumni who wish to check out library materials should see the CircIT Desk Manager or a Librarian for assistance.​Columbia College Alumni are allowed to have a maximum of two books from the General Collection checked out on their record. Alumni are not permitted to check out Media materials.
Borrowing materials
Locate the materials you want and take them to the CircIT Desk on the Main Level. All materials that circulate must be checked out at the CircIT Desk. Columbia College students, faculty, and staff must present their Columbia College ID. Columbia College alumnae must present a valid driver's license or state ID.
Number of items that can be borrowed
While there are no limits on the number of books a Columbia College student or faculty/staff member may have out at one time. We do suggest not checking out more than you can keep track of.
The following limits do apply in other cases:
Only 5 video items may be checked out at one time.
Only three Reserve items may be checked out at one time.
Alumni and reciprocal patrons may only check out two books at one time.
Loan periods
BOOKS: 3 weeks
CDs, Kits: 3 weeks
DVDs: 1 week
Course Reserves: As indicated
Where to return materials
Materials may be returned either at the CircIT Desk or in the overnight book drop near the outside main door.
Renewing materials
Materials needed longer than the above lending periods may be renewed. You can renew books by logging into your library account, coming to the CircIT Desk, or calling (803)786-3877.
Books and media may be renewed once.
Reserve materials cannot be renewed.
Items on Hold for another patron cannot be renewed.
Computers and Computer Labs
There are nine work stations by the main desk that are available for use by the Columbia College community. Students, faculty, and staff will log-in with their CC credentials. Alumni can also use these by asking for the credentials at the main desk.
Food, drink, tobacco
Food and drinks are allowed in the library. Please be careful with any food and dispose of the trash properly. Tobacco products and smoking (including e-cigarettes) are prohibited on campus property.
Study environment
Please be respectful of your peers. The library is a collaborative learning space which allows for some level of noise. However, in keeping with the code of conduct do not scream or yell, throw things, or act in any manner that is disruptive to those working around you. If you behave in such a way you may be asked to leave the space.
If you prefer a quieter study space the Upper Level of the Library is generally considered as the "quiet study floor." This area is most conducive to quiet and independent study.
Study Carrels
There are study carrels located on the Main and Upper level of the library. Those on the Upper Level are for quiet and independent studying.
Study Rooms
There are study rooms located on the Main and Upper level of the library. These spaces can be used for group or independent study. We also have a practice presentation room in the Main level in Study Room 215.
Study rooms are reservable for your use! You can reserve study spaces by using the Spaces tab in the navigation bar or by scanning the barcode located on the outside of the room.
You can reserve spaces:
For up to 2 hours a day
You cannot make more than two reservations a day (2 hours max)
You can reserve spaces up to 90 days out
Please remember to checkin for your reservation or cancel if you no longer need the space.
The study rooms on the Upper Level will, at times, be reserved for testing. If those rooms are open they are also considered first-come-first-serve.
Overton Classroom for Library Instruction - Room 120
The Overton Classroom for Library Instruction - Room 120 - is used for Information Literacy instruction session, which are taught by the Research & Instruction Librarians.
We do not charge fines for overdue items. If items are lost and need to be replaced, a replacement fee will be applied to your account (cost of the item + a $10 processing fee).
Business Office Referrals
The Business office serves as the collection agency for students who owe fines or charges to the library. A list of students with unpaid library fines/charges is sent to the business office each term.
Returning Students:
Any outstanding charges of $5.00 or above is posted to the student's Business office account and carried over to the next subsequent term.
Students may not register for class until their library account is cleared. Also, students with a library fine of $5.00 or above will not be able to check out library materials or incur additional library charges until all fines have been settled.
Graduating Seniors:
A letter is sent to prospective graduates stating the number of books checked out on their record and a statement of money owed. A list of graduating seniors with unpaid library fines is sent upon request to the Business Office. The ABSOLUTE DEADLINE for clearing up unpaid library charges is 5:00 pm the day before commencement.
Transcripts will be withheld pending settlement of library fines. No official transcript will be processed and mailed out for any reason for students who owe fines.
Damaged Materials
DO NOT return damp or damaged library materials through the book drop. Please hand them to a CircIT Desk worker with an explanation of what is wrong.
The J. Drake Edens Library staff considers damages to include - but not limited to -
-Water damage
-Pencil marks
-Pen marks
-Highlighting
-Pages that are dog-eared or missing
-Teeth marks
-Broken covers
Please do not write in or otherwise damage books or media material (CDs/ DVDs).
Wet books are subject to mildew and must be withdrawn from the collection. Please hand these directly to a staff member!
Library patrons will be billed for replacement costs for book and media material that must be withdrawn. If damages occur while you have materials checked out or in your possession, contact the CircIT Desk immediately at 803-786-3877.
Refund Policy
A full replacement value will be refunded for material returned within one year of payment. The material will be inspected before returning it to the collection and a credit is initiated.
Contact the CircIT Desk Manager for further information.
Edens Library Lost & Found Policy
(For personal items located in Edens Library)
Please notify someone at the main desk of any lost and found personal items.
Identifiable Items
We will contact the individual by email if identifiable information is located on the item.
The item will be left in a designated location at the desk for no more than 3 days.
Identifiable items belonging to individuals with no contact information available will be sent to the Columbia College Police department through campus mail.
Unidentifiable Items
When found unidentifiable items will be sent to the Columbia College Police Department through campus mail.
