Recently, I needed to find a book for one of my classes at the university, but I didn't know if the university library had it in their collection, so I went to the library Website and searched for the book online. You can search the library database either by subject, title, and author, and the Website will tell you if the book is checked in or check out by another patron. In my case, the book was still available, so I went to the library the next day and found it on the shelves using the library catalog number. I then went to the circulation desk and checked the book out using my university ID card. In most cases, students and faculty can check out books for up to one month, and you can renew them if you still want to hang on to them. If you return them after that, then they areoverdue, and you have to pay a late fee. If you lose a book, then you have to pay to cost to replace it. I often use the library and check out books instead of buying them if I can. Borrowing books can save you money in the long run.