What we lend to other libraries

We are very grateful for anything that other libraries are willing to lend to us. We try to express this gratitude by sharing as many of our resources as possible with other libraries.

In 2004, we began lending our audiovisual materials to other libraries. In previous years we had had a difficult time borrowing music CDs, books on tape, and movies via interlibrary loan. But once we began sharing our collection with others, we started filling a greater proportion of our media requests.

There are a few things that we do not lend:

• Reference books - because we need them here. If we don't let our patrons take them out, we won't send them to another library system.
• South Carolina History Room items - same reason. We will be happy to check for a specific name or page number and make copies of the relevant pages, if that will help.
• Microfilm - our holdings are limited and difficult to replace. Again, if you have a specific citation, we can make copies.
• New books - We like to give our patrons a fair shot at the newest materials. Once books move off of the new book shelf (usually six months or so) we are happy to lend.

Lending begets lending, so we try to be as generous as possible with our collection.