Responsible use of the MOS Library protects the Society’s investment in books, journals, and other media, and helps ensure that the collection will continue to be available for all members to enjoy.

By borrowing material from the MOS Library, a member agrees to be governed by the following guidelines:

1. MOS Library borrowing privileges are extended to society members in good standing.
2. A member may borrow up to three books and three journals. Books marked "REFERENCE" do not circulate.
3. A member may borrow one videotape or CD-ROM. When a member borrows a video or CD, the number of books s/he may borrow is reduced from three to two.
4. To ensure wide circulation of library material, from time to time the librarian may limit the number of new acquisitions that may be borrowed. Material is considered new for one year from the date of acquisition. A red-dot label on the book pocket identifies a new book or journal.
5. When borrowing material, a member must fill out the item's book card with the due date (the month and year of the next MOS meeting), and with his or her name and 10-digit telephone number.
6. Library material is normally due, before the start of business at the MOS meeting following the one during which it was borrowed. A member who knows in advance that s/he will not be able to attend the following month’s meeting should notify the librarian when checking out material.
7. Material may be renewed at the conclusion of an MOS meeting, if no one else has borrowed it during the evening.
8. A member who doesn't return material that was checked out the previous month may still borrow additional items, as long as the total number of items borrowed does not exceed the limits defined in policies two through four.
9. Material not returned before the start of business at the MOS meeting two months after the one during which it was borrowed, is considered delinquent. A member with delinquent material may not to borrow additional items until the material has been returned.
10. If a member cannot return material, because of loss or destruction, the material is considered lost. The borrower is expected to pay the society for the cost of replacing lost material.
11. Material may only be used as permitted under United States copyright laws, and under international copyright conventions.

The MOS Library Guidelines are published annually in the Society’s newsletter. Amendments to the guidelines are also published as necessary. Copies of the guidelines are available from the librarian at every MOS meeting or by contacting Paul Engelberg at librarian@massorchid.org.