Patrons who return library materials with damage will be charged a ‘damaged item’ or ‘replacement and processing fee,’ based on the damage incurred. Items returned with post-its, page markers, or bent pages will be charged $2 per item. Items returned with underlining or writing will be charged $1-5 per page. Items returned with permanent damage, including water, paint, ink and cut and torn pages will need to be replaced at the borrower's expense.

*If market value of the lost item exceeds $60, market value will be charged. **Includes replacement and processing. Note: If items are missing for more than three months, the library has the right to replace the item and bill the patron for the replacement and processing fees. 

Patrons with fines of $10 and over, or with unresolved library issues, cannot check materials out, register, graduate, get grades or transcripts.

Reference Books, Rare books, Periodicals (Magazines), Reserve Materials, Non-Circulating VHS & DVDs & MFA Theses can be used in the library for two hours. They do not circulate.

The library is not responsible for notifying borrowers of their overdue materials. Overdue notices are issued only as a courtesy via your SVA email account. Failure to receive reminders or overdue notices does not excuse borrowers from the responsibility of returning or renewing items on time to avoid penalties. Fees are automatically billed to your library account when materials are returned, and accrue for each day overdue as outlined above. Max overdue fine is $10.00 per item.

In VISION, the library catalog, click on “Patron Info” to see your currently charged items, their due dates and your fines. You can renew books if they are not overdue, not on hold for someone else, or if you do not have over $10 in fines or outstanding lost items. Media cannot be renewed.

The Reserve Collection ensures that required readings for classes are always available to students. You can look them up by your instructor’s name, or by item, and bring the call number to the circulation desk. Reserves are available for two-hour in-library use.

A security guard, surveillance cameras and a detection gate are used to monitor the flow of materials in and out of the library. You must always carry your valid SVA ID with you and show it to the security guard. In addition, the Visual Arts Library reserves the right to examine any backpack, bag, portfolio or other carrying device of anyone using the library. Any student found defacing, or attempting to steal, any library materials will risk the loss of library privileges and suspension from SVA.