Borrowing & Circulation

A Biola ID, Alumni Association ID or other Biola library card is required for library entrance and borrowing. The type of card applied for will determine the level of access and borrowing privileges. To apply for a library card, see Library Access. To view borrowing privileges for all user types, see the Borrowing Privileges Chart.

Library users must bring their physical or mobile ID to check out or renew library materials in person. Library users can check out material using the SelfCheck machine at the Information Desk, but all media items must be checked out by a library staff member. Reference and curriculum material, periodicals, microforms and archive materials are to be used within the library and cannot be checked out.

All books and media items may be returned to a library book drop. Book drops are located outside the library near the accessibility ramp, and inside the library near the Reception Desk and Information Desk.

My Library Account allows library users to view material checked out, check for due dates, renew items, and see any library charges. Users with an active library account may also request material for pickup or to be mailed to their home (within the U.S.). First time users must assign a password before the account can be used.

Students, staff, faculty, and visiting scholars may request items to be held for pickup or mailed to their home (within the U.S.). Checked out items may also be requested, and will be placed on hold or mailed when available. See Library Pick-up Service or Mail to Home Service for more information.

If the material you need is unavailable through the Biola library, you can use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to request books and media from other libraries and have them delivered to Biola. PDF scans of book chapters and articles can be delivered digitally. Please note that ILL material cannot be mailed to your home.

See Use Interlibrary Loan for more information.

All users are responsible to check their library account for due dates and to view any outstanding fines, fees, or charges. As a courtesy, reminder notices are sent via email two days prior to the due date. Fine notices are sent within four days after the due date. However, failure to receive a notice does not exempt the user from being charged.

Overdue Fines

Library users who return material past the due date may be charged overdue fines. For more information about fines, see the Borrowing Privileges Chart.

Damaged and Lost Material

If an item is damaged, the item will be assessed and a fee will be charged to the user’s account. The average fee for a damaged item is $25.00. If an item is overdue for 30 days, it is assumed lost and the user’s account will be charged the cost for replacement plus a processing fee. Costs will vary, but a typical replacement charge is $50.00. Charges for damaged or lost Interlibrary Loan material are determined by the lending library.

Library Charges

Library charges may be paid via credit card through the Online Payment Center or by cash, check or credit card (MasterCard, Visa or Discover) at the Information Desk. All payments made online will be posted to the user’s account by the next regular business day. Library charges accrued by Biola students and not paid within 30 days will be transferred to their school account, along with a $10.00 billing fee. A block will be placed on the student’s account and no library material may be checked out or renewed until the amount is paid. Billing procedures for other library users may vary.