Read the fine print, it can save you time and money

With the first week of the fall semester at CSU-Pueblo barely underway it may seem like it is a little early to think about those papers that will be due in the near future, however midterms and finals will be here before we know it.

The CSU-Pueblo library is a valuable resource to help prepare for these events. The following 10 facts can help save you money and are things every student at CSU-Pueblo should know about the university library.

1. Be careful not to lose a book. According to Felicia Martinez, a library technician at CSU-Pueblo, any book that is lost will cost $75 to replace it.
2. Keep track of your due dates. Library fines range from 25 cents a day for books and 50 cents for periodicals. If fines exceeds $20, check out privileges are terminated.
3. The library has laptop computers for students to borrow if they do not have fines that exceed $20 or have not previously abused check out privileges.

4.  Be aware that the fine for late computers is  $20 for the first hour and will accrue at the rate of $20 each successive hour. If they are overdue for 24 hours, they are considered lost, and a library replacement cost will be charged. For a complete list of fines first click on the library link from home page of the CSU-Pueblo Web site, second click on about the library, third click on policies and fourth and finally click on fines.

5. When it is time to renew books, you can call the library at (719) 549-2333 or stop in.

6. If a student has late books, communication is key. The library staff will work with their patrons and payments can be made.

7. Unpaid fines can be very costly. They are sent to the cashier’s office and students will not graduate.

8. On the first floor of the library in addition to getting helpful information and checking out materials, students can make copies for 10 cents and get a great cup of coffee.

9. A great place to start research is on the second floor where the Reference Department is located. Reference materials are provided such as specialized dictionaries, indexes, atlases and encyclopedias. Computers with Internet access are available for research use. In addition, reference librarians are available to answer questions or provide one-on-one consultations at the second floor desk during all operating hours.

10.  One of the most helpful links on the library Web site is the How do I link? There a student can find information about their printing accounts, where to begin on research projects, how to distinguish between scholarly journals from other publications, distinguish primary from secondary sources, and avoid plagiarism, find a book and much more.

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