Checking out resources

"Bringing it all home"

The search is over - you've found your information. Now it's time to take your print sources home. If you simply stroll out the library doors with them you will set off all kinds of alarms. If you don't want to generate that kind of excitement, visit the circulation desk to check out your items.

Some commonly heard questions at the circulation desk:

Do I need my library card to check out books? I don't think I have one.

Your library card is your student ID card. You should always have it with you at the library to check out material and to pay for computer prints and photocopying. If you forget your student ID card you can check out items with a photo ID, but you are only allowed that option once a semester.

Can I check out anything I find on the shelves?

Some things can't be checked out, like journals, videos, sound recordings, reserve readings and items from special collections. If in doubt, ask at the circulation desk.

How many items can I check out at a time?

There's no limit...as many as you can haul out the door!

How long can I keep a book and how much are the overdue fines?

That depends on whether you have undergrad or grad status:

Can I renew a book?

You can renew a book through GIL, unless another person has requested it. You can renew items online up to two times before you need to bring it in for renewal. [More detail...]

What if I need a book that is already checked out?

You can use GIL to recall a book that is checked out. The person who has the book must return it within 2 weeks and the book will be held at the circulation desk for you. [More detail... ]

What if the book I need isn't checked out but it isn't on the shelf?

Since call numbers can be tricky to find, first ask a library shelver or any library staffmember to help you search the shelves. You should also search the 'sorting shelves' which are located near the elevators on each floor. Books on the sorting shelves are only in call number order by the first 2 letters of the call number, so be sure to browse the shelves closely ro your book. If all this fails, report it to the circulation desk and they will do a thorough search of the library. [More detail...]