Renewals
Q: How can I renew items online?
A: Since CIM has a semester loan policy, we typically do not allow people to renew our Library items online. Instead, items must be checked in and checked out again. OhioLINK items and items borrowed from Case Libraries however, may be renewed online via My Library Account (visitor option). Please inquire at the Circulation Desk if you don't know your Account Number or Password.
ID Cards in the Library
Q: What do I need to check out library materials or use the Media LAB?
A: Conservatory students need a CIM ID. Barcoded cards are given at the library circulation desk for faculty, staff, preparatory students, special borrowers and alumni. Faculty and staff may also use ID cards issued by HR or Access Services.
Q: Why is an ID necessary?
A: We require IDs to ensure that anything checked out on your patron record was authorized by you. Even if you have worked at CIM for years, it does not necessarily mean that the people working at the Circulation or Media desks will know you. We have new staff and new student staff, and several hundred library users. We require ID cards as a means of deterring identify theft.
Q: Can CIM faculty members have a student assistant check out materials on their behalf?
A: Yes. We ask that you notify the Circulation Supervisor for print or AV materials if a particular student will be checking out items for you. Please send your ID with the student to verify authorization for each transaction.
If this will be an ongoing arrangement, please notify us in writing (paper or e-mail) so that we can put this information on file. Students without prior authorization will not be allowed to check out materials on behalf of faculty.
Q: Can I check out materials for other people on my card?
A: Yes, but we do not recommend it. You are responsible for materials checked out with your card. If the person for whom you did a favor loses or damages the item, you will be responsible for the replacement fee.
Q: What if I get to the Library and realize I have forgotten my ID?
A: Library staff will be happy to put your items on the hold shelf until you can return with your ID. In emergency situations, library staff will seek permission to override the ID requirement from the library director or one of the circulation managers. This is time consuming for you and for us, so please try to remember your ID.
Confidentiality of Patron Information
Q: What does confidentiality of circulation records mean?
A: This is a policy recommended by the American Library Association as a guideline for all libraries. In practical terms, it means that if an item you want has been checked out, library staff cannot tell you who has the item.
Q: Why is confidentiality necessary?
A: Library patrons are guaranteed to have an item for two weeks, and should not feel pressured to return an item before then.
Q: What if I really need this item?
A: Your options depend on how quickly you need the item:
- You can consult a Librarian or Library staff member to see whether the information or the music you need is available from another source in the Library, or through OhioLINK
- You can ask the Circulation Supervisor to recall the item, if it has been checked out for two weeks or longer
- Search the catalogs of the Cleveland Public Library and the Cuyahoga County Public Library to determine if the material you want is available locally
Recalls
Q: What if a book or score I need is currently checked out and not due until the end of the semester?
A: Borrowers may recall items that have been on loan to another patron for two weeks. Bring the call number for the item to the Circulation Desk to see if it may be recalled. Recall request forms are also located at the Circulation Desk.
Q: What if I receive a recall notice?
A: When an item is recalled, the patron will receive a notice explaining that a recall has been placed on an item they have checked out.
The notice will include a new due date for the recalled item. This due date is three days from the date of the first recall notice. (Ex. A notice is sent recalling an item on Sept. 1st. The recalled items new due date will be Sept. 4th.) A second recall notice will be issued on the due date if the item has not been returned.
Q: What if I don't return the recalled item?
A: Fines are $1.00 per day for overdue recalls. Recalled items that are excessively overdue (3 days or more) will be reported to the library director and the Dean of the conservatory
Q: As a special borrower (alumni, preparatory student, etc.) can I recall an item that is currently checked out?
A: Items will not be recalled for Special Borrowers.
Due Dates
Q: Can I renew library materials?
A: The Robinson Music Library has a semester-long borrowing period for all circulating books and scores. In order to renew print materials for the following semester, a patron needs to be in good standing with the library and CIM at large. Prior to being checked out for the following semester, materials must be returned physically to the library in their complete form.
Patrons that have borrowing privileges from the Media Lab may check out items for seven days. Renewals are not permitted, though material may be checked in and re-checked out for another seven days if the account is in good standing.
The Robinson Music Library will not renew materials online or via the telephone. For more information, see Borrowing Policies.
Q: Can I check out library materials beyond the semester due date?
A: Extensions are always granted in the following cases:
- You have a late recital scheduled after library materials are due
- You have an incomplete in a semester course and will be finishing up a paper or other coursework and need library materials to do that.
- You are participating in a CIM sponsored event which will take place after the date library materials are due, and need library materials to prepare for it
Q: What do I need to do to get an extension?
A: If you need an extension for a late recital, an incomplete, or a CIM event, you should:
- Speak to the Circulation Supervisor
- Mention the date of your recital, event, or when you plan to complete unfinished spring coursework. Your extended due date will be based on this information
- Return library materials not needed for your extension by the end-of-semester due date
Q: What do I do if I want an extension but I don't fall into one of the usual categories listed above?
A: Speak to the Circulation Supervisor.
Summer Privileges
Q: Who can check out materials from the Library during the summer?
A: If you fall into one of the categories below you can check out materials from the library during the summer:
- CIM faculty and staff
- Conservatory students who live in the area or Joint Music Program students enrolled in the fall
Printing
Q: How can I print in the library?
A: We utilize WEPA Printing in the Library and the Mail Room, which allows you to print from the Cloud, USB, or other traditional printing options. Pay with Case One card or credit card. Students can log in with CWRU institutional credentials and add money any time at wepanow.com CIM faculty can additionally send requests to PrintJobs@cim.edu with any requirements or can stop by the Mail Room.
Other Options Online/On Campus
Q: When the Robinson Music Library is closed, what are my options?
A: You have multiple avenues you can still pursue during times when the library is closed:
- The Robinson Music Library website provides access to a variety of web resources that may be accessed 24/7 from any web-enabled computer.
- The Kulas Music Collection at Kelvin Smith Library is also available to participants in the Joint Music Program. Holdings for both libraries are displayed in the shared online catalog. For general education needs and after-hours study, the Kelvin Smith Library (KSL) is typically open 24/7 during the academic year. You will need your ID for access. KSL also houses the Freedman Center for Digital Scholarship.
Library Storage/Off Site Storage
Q: The Library catalog indicates that an item I need is in storage. What should I do?
A: A portion of our collection is housed in a storage facility onsite, and can be retrieved within 24 hours. Anyone with borrowing privileges at CIM can make a request at the Circulation Desk to have an item be retrieved from local storage. If the item you are looking for is housed in our offsite storage facility (CIM JMP off-site storage), anyone in the Joint Music Program can make a request using our online form to have an item retrieved from offsite storage. Please inquire at the Circulation Desk for additional information.
Joint Music Program (JMP) Stickers
Q: I noticed the score I would like to check out is labeled with a green "JMP Only" sticker. What does this mean?
A: Since joining OhioLINK, the Robinson Music Library decided to keep a portion of its collection only available to members of the Joint Music Program. Borrowers who can check out these scores includes CIM Conservatory and Case Music students and employees, and Preparatory and Public Program employees. Special borrowers (such as CIM Preparatory and Public program students, alumni, and Ohio LINK borrowers are not considered part of the Joint Music Program, and therefore cannot check out items labeled "JMP Only."
OhioLINK/ILL
Q: WHEN SHOULD I USE ILL OR OHIOLINK TO BORROW MATERIALS FROM ANOTHER LIBRARY?
A: For items owned by participating libraries within the state of Ohio, OhioLINK is the preferred method of request. For items held by institutions in other states (or potentially internationally), patrons should use ILL.
Q: WHERE DO I PICK UP ILL/OHIOLINK MATERIALS?
A: Interlibrary loan materials can be picked up and returned at the Circulation Desk.You will receive an email notice when your item(s) has been received.
For OhioLINK, patrons may request that items be delivered to any participating OhioLINK library. Most patrons of Robinson Music Library will request items be delivered to our Circulation Desk. (Select CWRU as your institution, and Robinson Music Library as your drop-off location.)
Q: DO THESE SERVICES COST MONEY?
A: OhioLINK is free for all patrons of participating OhioLINK libraries.
Most Interlibrary Loan (ILL) libraries do not charge borrowing fees, but some libraries do charge for lending via Interlibrary Loan. Requests that involve fees can be processed, but patrons will be contacted before materials are sent.
Q: HOW LONG MAY I BORROW ILL/OHIOLINK ITEMS?
A: Items borrowed through OhioLINK will be available to patrons for 21 days from the day it is delivered to campus. These materials can also be renewed through your library account for an additional 3 weeks up to 6 times. Faculty loans are 6 weeks and can be renewed for an additional 6 weeks up to 6 times.
ILL materials have specific due dates set by the lending library. If you need an item beyond the due date, contact the Circulation Supervisor in advance to request an extension (the lending library will either accept or deny this request). If ILL materials are returned after the due date, any late fees charged by the lending library will become the responsibility of the borrower.
Research
Q: Is it possible to stop in for a research consultation with a Librarian?
A: Yes! We suggest that you schedule a 30-minute research consultation in person or online with either Director of Library Services, Denise Green or Digital Services Librarian, Bonnie Houser Eggers. A Librarian or Library staff member are also happy to assist with point of need consultations when possible if you want to stop in. You may also fill out Ask A Librarian Form, and a Librarian will be in touch via email.