by guest author Andy Kretschmar
Several of you have come to us asking a very understandable question: With campus closed, what do I do with my library books?
First, please know that the health and safety of our patrons is first on our list of priorities during this time. Receiving our materials by their assigned due dates is far lower on the list right now.
Second, now that the university has begun outlining plans for the fall, we now feel comfortable addressing some of the questions you may have regarding library materials.
I have a book that was due during the closure—do I need to return it now?
No. So long as we are being asked to stay off campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be requiring that you return your books until it is safe to do so or until you return in the fall semester.
Will you be automatically renewing my library books during the closure?
Yes! Whether your books belong to the law library or another institution, we will be automatically renewing items.
While it’s very rare during this time that a renewal request will be denied, we will contact you directly if any complications arise.
Will I receive any fines, fees, or blocks on my registration or diploma for books that are due during this time?
Nope, nope, and nope.
I recently received an overdue notice. What do I do with it?
Overdue notices should not be sent during this time, as we are renewing all items, but if you do receive one, please forward it to me, and I will ensure that you do not receive them again.
I’m either currently undecided about returning to campus in-person in the fall, or am unable to do so, and/or I REALLY want to return my books now—can I mail them to you?
If you’d like to return library materials in the mail, please send them to:
Andy Kretschmar
University of South Carolina Law Library
1525 Senate St. #120D
Columbia, SC 29208
Our mail is still being delivered—Dean Alford is a seasoned courier at this point!—and we will discharge your materials from your library account shortly after we receive them.
If I mail my books to you, do I need to include any additional information?
Nope! So long as it’s a book that you borrowed from the law library (no matter which institution it belongs to) we’ll have all the information we need in order to discharge it from your account.
Please be sure to include a return address, and we’ll contact you if we have any questions.
My books are in my journal office. Do I need to go and get them?
If you are not able to safely do so, please do not worry about retrieving them.
When we return to campus, the law library will contact your journal’s EIC about receiving the books.
I’ve been given permission to enter the building, and am able to safely retrieve my library books. Is there a place I can return them?
Since the library is closed, the Student Services suite has graciously allowed for students to return their library materials there.
Please ensure that there are staff present before taking advantage of this option.
I just graduated, and will not be coming back to campus. What do I do with my books in that case?
If you graduated this semester and have library materials checked out to you, you should have received an email from me with info on returning books. If you fall within this category but did not hear from me, please let me know!
I live near campus—can I just place my books in one of the book drops?
No. All campus book drops are closed at this time.
I have other questions, or did not see my question addressed. Who do I contact?
Please feel free to contact me with any and all questions you have at kretschm@law.sc.edu.
I’m always happy to assist!
We hope that you all are staying safe during these uncertain times. Your law library staff continue to be impressed by your resilience and dedication, and no matter what form it takes, we very much look forward to seeing you again.