Most libraries and sections have open stacks with selected materials kept in closed areas, not accessible for browsing. All visitors are free to use materials in the library.
Auxiliary and storage stacks; Special Collections, and the Media Center are closed stacks and unavailable for public browsing. Most reserve materials are also in closed stacks. Access to these materials is acquired through the appropriate public service desk. For those without UW borrower cards, service desks accept requests for daily retrieval of storage materials. For those with UW borrower cards, requests may be placed online through the UW Libraries Catalog.
Some materials are restricted to Library Use Only. Typical items include most reference materials, Special Collections and archival theses.
All current members of the UW Alumni Association are eligible for free borrowing privileges. Borrowing privileges allow for checking out circulating material from the Libraries' collections. Borrowing privileges do not include access to UW-restricted services such as interlibrary loan and remote access to databases. Obtain your library card at the Library Cashier located on the ground floor of the Suzzallo Library (206) 543-1174 or at the Suzzallo Circulation, Health Sciences, Bothell or Tacoma circulation desks. You must bring your current alumni card. Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately to a library circulation desk or the Library Cashier, to prevent fraudulent use. You can obtain replacement cards from the Library Cashier (206) 543-1174. There is a $2 replacement charge.
UW Libraries materials checked out for more than 14 days are allowed an unlimited number of renewals. Items that circulate for 14 days or less may be renewed three times.
The following exceptions apply:
You may view your library account at any time to see a list of your checked out items. Note: This does not include items such as unbound periodicals that were checked out with a handwritten check-out slip. If your list shows an item that you believe you have returned, do not request renewal, but rather notify the circulation staff of the owning unit.
Items with barcodes can be renewed remotely via the Web or by phone.
Items without barcodes, such as unbound periodicals, cannot be renewed using online forms. Renewals can be made by phone or by sending an e-mail message to the owning library unit. Library contact information
Non-reserve library materials (except for fragile items) may be returned to any UW library or bookdrop. A drive-up bookdrop is available south of the dental wing of the Health Sciences Center. Reserve items must be returned to the service desk where they were checked out.
Report address changes to the Library Cashier, (206) 543-1174.
Fines and billing charges are assessed to encourage prompt return of materials. Fines apply all days and all hours, even if the library is closed.
Standard Loans (3 days or more):
There is a four-day grace period. On the fifth day the charge will be $2.50.
Reserve Materials and loans of less than 3 days:
Please note: Reserve materials must be returned to the Reserve Desk where checked out.
Appeals based on not knowing the library rules or the amount of charges, claiming your need was greater than another's, being too busy, being out of town, uncertainty about the due date, failing to receive an overdue notice, or failing to read your e-mail are generally not regarded as valid reasons for canceling or reducing library charges.
To begin the appeals process complete the appeal form linked below. Please take time to read through all instructions carefully and be sure to refer to the FAQ if you have any immediate questions. You will receive an Appeals Confirmation Receipt via e-mail if you enter an e-mail address on your appeal form. If you do not enter an e-mail address, but wish to confirm the receipt of your appeal, contact the Library Cashier at (206) 543-1174. The final decision from the committee will be sent via US mail to the address you provide in your Appeal. Please notify the Library Cashier of any changes to your address. The Library Fines Appeals Committee consists of a faculty member and students and it makes its decision independently of the Libraries.