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Using the Library: FAQ's

Whether you are a first time library user, or a seasoned professional, the Circulation Desk is where it all begins. Need to check out a book, having trouble using the printer? The Circ Desk has the answer!

What should I know about borrowing, renewals and overdue fines?

Your Bulldog ID Card provides access to all of Bowie's library resources. The Bulldog ID Card also allows Bowie State University patrons to use resources from other libraries within our USMAI consortium, and to check out those materials (books) as well. 

Loan periods for those items are determined by the patrons' status (undergraduate student, graduate student, staff, faculty, etc) and by the borrowing privileges for the owning library.

Loan periods for Bowie State University items:

Undergraduate Students and Graduate Students

The due dates are:
May 1st
August 1st
December 1st

*The due date will advance one month prior:
e.g.: Loans/renewals on 4/2 will have a due date of 8/1
e.g.: Loans/renewals on 3/30 will have a due date of 5/1

Faculty and Staff: 180 days

Follow the instructions on this link to renew your items online.

Should you have any problems, please contact the Circulation Department at 301-860-3871

a. Overdue fines are as follows:

  1. $0.50 per day per item for each day returned after the due date and carry a maximum overdue fine of $15.
  2. An item is considered lost if it is 40 days or more overdue and will incur a replacement charge of $65.

b. Recall fines are as follows:

  1. $0.50 per day per item for each day returned after the recall date and carry a maximum overdue fine of $15.
  2. An item is considered lost if it is 40 days or more overdue and will incur a replacement charge of $65.

c. Information about fines, etc. from other libraries in the USMAI consortium:

Can I borrow books from other libraries with my Bulldog ID Card?

YES.  The Bulldog Card also allows Bowie State University patrons to use resources and check out books from the other sixteen (16) libraries within the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI) consortium.

A Bowie Thurgood Marshall Library patron can place requests for books that are owned by other libraries within the USMAI. Loan periods for those items are determined by the patrons' status (undergraduate student, graduate student, staff, faculty, etc) and by the borrowing privileges for the owning library.

Course Reserves FAQ

What is Course Reserves?

Course Reserves provides you with access to essential readings and media for your classes as requested by your instructor and are easily located at the Circulation Desk. Course Reserves can include books, media, articles and selected readings.

If you have any questions about the availability of a Course Reserve item, please call 301-860-3871.

How do I use Course Reserve materials?

  • Items are available for 2 or 3 hour loan periods as instructed by your instructor.
  • You will need your active Bulldog ID card to borrow items on course reserve.
  • These items shall not leave the library for any reason. NO EXCEPTIONS

Can I renew a course reserve item?

An item on reserve may be renewed in person as long as there are no other requests for it. Users of 24-hour reserve items must wait one day after returning an item before checking it out again. Note: Reserve items may be renewed only at the Circulation Desk and cannot be renewed online.

Will I be fined if I don't return a Course Reserve item?

Overdue fines for Course Reserves books are $2.50/hour. This fee is designed to ensure these books remain available to as many students as possible.

Please remember that you are responsible for items you borrow. Handle each item with care and return it promptly. A fine may be imposed for mishandled or damaged materials.

Study Rooms FAQ

Does the Bowie library have private study room?

Thurgood Marshall Library has 16 individual study rooms on the 2nd floor of the library. Study rooms are open to all Bowie University students for three hours at a time on a first-come, first-served basis. These rooms cannot be reserved.

What hours are the study rooms available? 

Study rooms are available students as long as Bowie State University is open for business. Study rooms are available to all students Monday-Friday from 8:00 am- 4:30 p.m. NOTE: This schedule may change during Winter and Summer sessions

I heard that a student was banned from using study rooms. What are the rules? 

  • Eating and drinking is not permitted in the study rooms
  • Audio devices without earphones are prohibited; Study rooms are not sound proof.
  • Do not cover or block door windows
  • Violations of these policies may result in the loss of study room privileges.
  • The library is not responsible for items left in or stolen from study rooms.

What happens if I forget the time and return my study-room access card late?

Study rooms can be checked out for 3 hours at a time. If you bring the access card back late for any reason, you may incur the following fines:

  • 1 hour:  $5.00
  • 2 hours: $10.00
  • 3 hours: $15.00; Overdue fines will not exceed $15.00

After 3 hours, you will be charged a $50 access card replacement fee. The following fees must be paid before your projected graduation date.

**Students may be charged $20/day when study room access key is not returned** 

Does the library have DVDs or films?

All Media items held at the Thurgood Marshall Library can be found at the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the library.  Come to the desk with the title or call number for the item you want and ask any Circulation staff member to retrieve it for you.  As with all library items, you must have a Bulldog ID Card to check out media. Undergraduate students can check films out for three days at a time.  

How do I get a book out of the Curriculum Lab?

If the door is locked, ask for assistance at the Circulation Desk or the Reference/Information Desk on the main floor, or at the library administrative office on the second floor.

Course Reserves

Course Reserve items are selected by your professors and have limited checkout periods. These textbooks or supplementary materials range from full books, to chapter excerpts, journal articles and occasionally media items. They are available at the Circulation Desk and must be checked out using your Bulldog ID Card. Course Reserve items can not leave the library.

 

Please have the title and the call number of the items you are requesting. This information is usually provided in your syllabus by your professor.

General Guidelines:

Placing relevant books, articles, and media on Course Reserves ensures that these items are available for all students enrolled in your course. You may place materials on reserve at the library that supports your program at Thurgood Marshall Library using the Course Reserve Form below.

You can place personal items and items owned by Thurgood Marshall Library on Course Reserve, If Thurgood Marshall Library does not currently have the item you would like to place on Course Reserve, you can request an item for purchase below.

Please submit your requests as early as possible to ensure timely access to course materials. 

 

If you have any questions, please contact the Circulation Department at 301-860-3870.