Borrowing Information for Visitors

Access

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 examples of closed stacks, materials that are 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 throught the UW Libraries Catalog.

Some materials are restricted to Library Use Only. Typical items include most reference materials, Special Collections, and archival theses.

Library Borrowing Privileges

In addition to services for all visitors, individuals with borrowing privileges may also check out circulation materials from the Libraries' collections. Borrowing privileges do not include access to UW-restricted services such as interlibrary loan and remote access to databases. More about privileges

Individuals issued borrower cards on a non-fee basis upon presentation of appropriate identification to the Library Cashier:

Faculty, students and staff of Orbis Cascade Alliance institutions do not require UW borrower cards. They may borrow material using their own institutional ID as visiting patrons.

Spouses or domestic partners of: UW faculty, staff, academic personnel, visiting scholars, administrative personnel, and retired faculty and staff. Verification or spouse's UW ID required. Contact the Library Cashier for the type of verification required.
Faculty, academic personnel, and distance learners of each of the Washington State four-year colleges and universities. Current institutional ID required.
Faculty and academic personnel of each of the Washington State community colleges that are not members of the Orbis Cascade Alliance. Current institutional ID required, or a letter on official letterhead must be submitted to the Library Cashier (see Letters of Application below).
Washington State teachers and certified school personnel who have need of library materials. A letter on official letterhead must be submitted to the Library Cashier (see Letters of Application below).
Federal and state governmental employees who have need of library material in an official capacity. A letter on official letterhead must be submitted to the Library Cashier (See Letters of Application below).
Health-related professionals from institutions with major University of Washington affiliations. See the Library Cashier for a list of currently affiliated institutions. Current institutional ID required.
Alumni of the University of Washington who are current members of the UW Alumni Association. Current membership ID required.
Members of the Friends of the UW Libraries with qualifying memberships. Current membership ID required.

Individuals issued borrower cards for a fee upon presentation of appropriate identification to the Library Cashier:

There is a non-refundable fee of $90.00 per year or $25.00 for three months.

Individuals who qualify on a basis of post-baccalaureate research needs and non-availability of material from other sources. A letter must be submitted to the Library Cashier (see Letters of Application below).
Currently enrolled graduate students from other institutions that are not members of the Orbis Cascade Alliance. Proof of graduate status and current enrollment required.
Faculty of four-year colleges and universities that are not members of the Orbis Cascade Alliance. Current faculty ID required.
Health professionals. Current Washington State health professional license required.

Organizations and businesses which need research material not available from other libraries, issued borrower cards for a fee:

Cards are issued to a principal borrower rather than the organization. The principal borrower assumes responsibiltiy for return of material and payment of library charges for all cards issued in his/her name. There is a non-refundable fee of $180.00 per card per year or $55.00 per card for three months. Additional cards in the name of the same principal borrower can be issued for a fee of $55.00 per card. These proxy cards will expire the same day as the principal borrower card. A letter on official letterhead must be submitted to the Library Cashier.

Letters of Application

When a letter of application is required, as outlined in these guidelines, an individual wishing to apply for borrowing privileges should submit a letter to the Library Cashier that describes the need to make use of the UW Libraries.

Send, bring or fax the letter to:

Library Cashier
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA 98195-2900
Fax: (206) 685-6972

When a fee is required for UW Libraries borrowing privileges, the Library Cashier acceptsVisa and MasterCard, cash or a check payable to the University of Washington.

Questions about borrowing privileges can be directed to the Library Cashier at (206) 543-1174. The Library Cashier is located on the first floor of Suzzallo Library, and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on University holidays.

Library Cards

After you have been granted borrowing privileges the Library Cashier will issue you a borrower's card. Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately to a library circulation desk or the Library Cashier, to prevent fraudulent use. Obtain replacements from the Library Cashier (206) 543-1174 - there is a replacement fee of $2.

Your Library Account

You can check your library record, renew books and modify your personal information on the web.
You can receive library notices sent by e-mail telling you when your books are ready for pickup, have been recalled or are overdue. You will be sent a due date reminder notices two days prior to the due date. Make sure that an email address shows in your library account.

Loan Periods

Loan periods vary among libraries and may be determined by the status of the borrower, type of material and individual collection policy. The loan period is generally 4 weeks.

Renewal of Materials

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:

Items which have had holds placed on them cannot be renewed.
Reserve items cannot be renewed.
Items checked out through Summit may be renewed once (with the exception of CRL items)
Items billed for replacement cannot be renewed.

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

Retrieval, Holds and Searches

Most UW Libraries material with the status of "Available" can be pulled from the shelf and sent to another library for pickup. This may take three to five days. If you are in a hurry you should go directly to the owning library.
You can also place holds on UW Libraries material. Longer due dates will be reduced and material will be available in seven to 14 days, depending on when the material was checked out. More information.
If you can't find material on the shelf that shows in the catalog as "available" request the item from the catalog and a search will be initiated. You will be notified when the item is found.

Change of Address

Report address changes to the Library Cashier, (206) 543-1174.

Returning Materials

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.

Fines

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.

1-20 days overdue: $.50/day
21 days overdue: $20 billing charge, non-refundable, plus a replacement cost ($75 or more)

Reserve Materials and loans of less than 3 days:

1st hour overdue: $2.50
2nd hour to 56th hour overdue: $.50/hour
57+ hours overdue: $30 billing charge, non-refundable, plus a replacement cost ($75 or more)

Please note: Reserve materials must be returned to the Reserve Desk where checked out.

Replacement Charges

Replacement charges are levied when material becomes substantially overdue. The cost may be an average for materials in a subject area or the current actual cost of the item. Borrowers who have lost material can sometimes replace the item themselves - contact the library unit that owns the item for more information.

Appeal of Library Charges

If you think the library has made an error or if you have a special situation that made it difficult for you to return or renew materials on time, you may file an appeal. Charges may be upheld, reduced or cancelled. Appeals must be filed within six months of billing.

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.

Appeals Form Contact Us
Last modified: Monday October 01, 2007