Visitor Guidelines
Clemson Libraries welcomes visitors from the community. As long as they are 16 years or older, any resident of South Carolina, family member of a university employee, South Carolina public school teacher, or member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) may become a Community Member for free by submitting a Community Member Application Form.
Clemson Libraries provides an adult, unsupervised environment for the purpose of academic research and support of the University’s curriculum. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is responsible for their child’s conduct on library premises. This policy does not apply to University-sponsored program participants. Our visitor policy requires the wearing of shirts and shoes at all times for your safety. Our study environment policy indicates which floors are quiet and collaborative. For more information, please ask at the Library Services Desk.
Building Access & Parking
Access to Cooper Library is currently available by card scan-in at the fourth floor entrance doors (on the Library Bridge level). Those without a card visiting the library can call 864-656-6194 to be let in by Security and sign in on the visitors log at the Security Services Desk.
Review our Libraries Hours page for the most up-to-date information on operating hours at Cooper Library and all of our branches. Hours may change during intersessions, holidays, and summer semesters. Please note that community patrons do not have access to the library during late or overnight hours that are reserved only for Clemson students, faculty, and staff.
Visitors may park in metered spaces in designated areas across campus. Details for visitor parking can be found on the Campus Metered Parking website. The closest metered parking areas to Cooper Library are at the locations designated West Library Parking Lot (9), Strom Thurmond Institute (10), and McGinty Court (13) on the Parking Map.
Borrowing Privileges
To qualify for borrowing privileges, please complete the Community Member Application Form and email it to library@nullclemson.edu, or return it in-person to the Library Services Desk at Cooper Library with appropriate identification, such as a South Carolina driver’s license or other state-issued ID card. Other documentation may be acceptable to prove residency. Contact the Library Services Desk at 864-656-1557 for more information.
You have the following privileges with a community borrower’s card, subject to the Libraries’ circulation policies:
- Check out up to 20 items at one time from the circulating collections and keep the material for 4 weeks with 1 renewal allowed.
- Renew items online using “My Library Account”
- Return items in person or by mail
The Popular Reading and Audio Books Collection is located on the fourth floor of Cooper Library. We have a large collection of award winning films on DVD as well. Community borrowers can check out up to four of these items at a time. There is a small collection of children’s and young adult books on the third and fifth floors of Cooper Library.
Due to our license agreements with database providers, off-campus access to e-books and other online resources such as articles and databases is not available to community members.
Patrons receive all notifications through electronic mail. Community patrons should contact the Libraries to update contact information for their account.
Privacy Disclosure: The Libraries’ patron database contains the names of authorized patrons, which may include current and historical students, employees, and community borrowers. The Confidential Library Records Act (South Carolina Code of Law 60-4-10) that was passed by the South Carolina Legislature and signed by the Governor on May 22, 1985 states that it is unlawful to disclose Library records “which by themselves or when examined with other public records would reveal the identity of the library patron checking out or requesting an item from the library or using other library services.” However, the records of materials you borrow or use can be disclosed to persons acting within the scope of their duties in the administration of the library or library system; persons authorized, in writing, by the library patron to inspect their personal records; in accordance with proper judicial order; or in compliance with the USA PATRIOT (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) Act of 2001 (PL 107-56) regarding terrorist activities.
User Services
Visitors who need help finding resources or have a question about using the library should feel free to stop by our Library Services Desk or use our Ask a Librarian live chat service. For in-depth research consultations, subject librarians are available by appointment.
Computers and Printers
A limited number of public computers with internet access are available for visitors to use at Cooper Library and can be used to access online collections, databases, and electronic books, as well as the online library catalog. Visit the Library Services Desk to obtain an access code. Initial access time is set at 1 hour, however access time can be extended, depending on waiting patrons. Printing in limited quantities is also available.
Scan to File or Email
Public scanners are available to scan books, magazines or other materials up to 14”X19”. Scans can be saved to a USB flash drive or sent to an email address. Two scanners are located in the West Learning Commons on the fourth floor of Cooper Library.
Food and Drink
Provisions on Demand (P.O.D.), located on the fourth floor of Cooper Library, offers a variety of beverages, snacks, “grab-n-go” meals and a small selection of school supplies. Starbucks coffee shop on the fifth floor of Cooper Library also offers beverage and snack options. Both locations are cash-free and accept credit/debit cards, Tiger One, and Paw Points.
Visit http://www.clemson.edu/dining for information on hours for both locations.
Additional Locations
Branch Libraries
Cooper Library is just one of our locations! Gunnin Architecture Library, the CU-ICAR Library, the Education Media Center, and Special Collections & Archives offer unique collections and services. Contact each branch directly for hours and access information before coming to campus.
OLLI at Patrick Square
Books may be requested and delivered to the OLLI office in Patrick Square for pickup. Please allow at least 24 hours during the regular semester.
Historic Properties
Community members are invited to visit the University’s Historic Properties, which include Fort Hill, Hanover House, and Hopewell Plantation, all located on or near the Clemson campus.
Friends of the Library
Consider becoming a Friend of the Library and supporting our mission to offer an excellent experience to all students, faculty, staff, and community members at Clemson!