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Borrowing Services & Policies

Access Your Library Account at: catalog.lib.washington.edu/patroninfo

Welcome

The University of Washington Libraries is a shared resource funded for the UW community. The Libraries’ borrowing policy is designed to maximize access to the collections by motivating users to return materials on time so that they are available for other borrowers.

Library Cards

For faculty, staff, and students your Husky Card serves as your library card. To prevent fraudulent use, lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately to a library circulation desk or the Library Cashier. Contact one of the offices below to report lost or stolen Husky cards and to get a replacement: More on library cards and online account access

Individuals who do not have borrowing privileges can apply at the Library Cashier on the first floor of Suzzallo Library, 206-543-1174. More information. Non-UW borrowers can replace their library cards at the Library Cashier.

Your Library Account

Tips for Success

Access to Materials

Most libraries and units have materials which are available for browsing. All visitors are free to use these materials in the library.

Select materials are not accessible for public browsing, but may be requested for retrieval. Persons with UW borrower cards may request this material online through the UW Libraries’ catalog. Those without UW borrower cards may request retrieval through library staff at a service desk. Some examples of this are media, reserve, auxiliary and/or storage materials.

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

Retrieval, Holds and Searches

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

Most UW Libraries materials are allowed an unlimited number of renewals.

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

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.

Circulation Notices

As a courtesy, due date reminders are sent to the e-mail address in your library account.

As a courtesy, overdue notices are sent to your e-mail address or to your local address if there is no e-mail address in your library account. Failure to receive a notice does not exempt you from fines.

Bills for fines and for replacement of materials are sent through campus or U.S. Mail, rather than through e-mail.

Please notify the appropriate office if you move, and update your e-mail address if it changes.

UW Students: MyUW
UW Staff: MyUW
Off-campus: Library Cashier, 206-543-1174
Cascadia patrons: UWB/CCC Library, 425-352-5340

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
$25 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.

Payment of Fines

Online or by phone:

Use our secure server to pay your fines with Visa or Mastercard. (www.lib.washington.edu/services/borrow/fines/payfines.html) Your account will be credited by 5 pm the next business day. For phone payment, call 206-543-1174.

In Person

Library Cashier’s Office, first floor, Suzzallo Library, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm (Closed Sat., Sun., & Holidays)

By Mail

Make check or money order payable to "University of Washington" and mail to:

Library Cashier
Suzzallo Library
UW Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA 98195-2900

The Library Cashier accepts cash, check, Visa and Mastercard. For questions about billing or to appeal a charge, contact the billing library unit.

The complete text of the UW Libraries Loan Code and Circulation Policies.

Sanctions

Unpaid fines and charges may result in one or more of these actions:

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


suzzcirc@u.washington.edu
Last modified: Friday August 31, 2007