Mission Statement
The mission of the Doris and Harry Vise Library is to provide quality resources and services that support the teaching and research mission of the University and contribute to the development of critical thinking and lifelong learning. The library enables the direct and remote retrieval of information in a variety of formats and collaborates in shared resource agreements to broaden the availability of materials to its users. The library is the gateway to exploring the world's knowledge and is dedicated to providing reference services and instructional programs that assist students and faculty in successfully locating and critically evaluating information. The library is responsive to the needs of its users in providing effective technology and facilities that enhance the pursuit of scholarly endeavors in a comfortable and intellectually stimulating environment. The library's collection development policies reflect the principles of intellectual freedom and academic integrity. The library supports enrichment programs that seek to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the university community. The library continually evolves by responding to the changing needs of the university it serves by supporting staff development and engaging in activities that enhance the quality of the resources and services we provide.

Usage Policy Only currently enrolled Cumberland University students and Cumberland faculty and staff may check material out of the library. Students may borrow books for three weeks and DVDs and videocassettes for three days. Faculty and staff may borrow books for four weeks and DVDs and videocassettes for one week. The following materials are for library use only: Periodicals (magazines, journals and newspapers), Reference books, Reserve items, CDs, Microfilm and materials in the Tennessee Room.

Late fees Late fees are ten cents per day per item, with the exception of videocassettes, DVDs and reserve items which are one dollar per day per item. Patrons will not be able to check out new materials until fines are paid and overdue items are returned. A replacement cost equal to the cost of the materials, if available, or the average price of materials in the respective discipline and a processing fee of $5 will be charged for lost materials. Failure to pay library fines or return/renew library material on time can result in restriction of library privileges and holding of grades at the end of the semester. Community members and other visitors may use the library's collection in-house during regular hours. Students and faculty are expected to have a Cumberland University ID and this will serve as the library card for the user. ID cards are required in order to check out materials or use course reserves.

Computer Use Policy Patrons are expected to abide by all university computing policies posted at the library's computer workstations. Failure to do so can result in suspension of computer privileges. The primary purpose of the library computers is to provide students with access to the library's databases. Therefore, students doing research take precedence over students using the Internet for entertainment.

Photocopying/Printing There are two photocopiers/printers in the library copier room. Students are given 300 free copies per semester, after which each copy deducts 10¢ from your student account. The copier machines do not accept coins. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask at the reference desk.

Copiers Please set your cell phones and other communication devices to vibrate or silence. You may take or place calls in the copy center or any other available room near you. Please do not have phone conversations anywhere out on the main floor.

Headphones Please use headphones when you will be using the computers to play audio files. We have some you may borrow at the front desk by presenting your CU student ID.

Food and Drink It is fine to bring a drink in a closed container or a small snack into the library as long as you dispose of your trash and clean up afterwards. Full meals, take-out orders, pizza delivery, etc. are not allowed. Tobacco in ANY form is not permitted.

Collection Policy