Returning Library Materials

Library users are responsible for ensuring that all library materials are returned in good condition, that is, in the same condition as when the items were checked out. These procedures apply to KU-owned library materials and to Interlibrary Loan items borrowed from another library. Do not remove the paper jackets or other paper work from Interlibrary Loan items.

Policies regarding the return of library materials are outlined in the KU Policy Library document titled KU Libraries: Renewing and Returning Library Materials.

Return These Items to an On-Site Book Return

Certain library materials are vulnerable to damage in a book return because of heat, climate, and space conditions. Please do not place them in the Walk-up Book Returns. Return the following materials to an On-Site Book Return:

• Media items including CDs, DVDs, videos, cassettes, LPs
• Fragile items
• Unbound journals and magazine issues
• Microfilm and microfiche

Course Reserve items should be returned to the On-Site Book Return in the library where the items were first checked out in order to ensure they are quickly available for other library users.

Library equipment, including laptops, headphones, calculators, iPad minis, etc., should be returned directly to a staff member at the service desk from which the items were first checked out.

Return Map items to the T.R. Smith Maps Collection in Anschutz Library.

On-Site Book Returns

Library materials may also be returned to the book returns inside any of the following libraries:

• Anschutz Library
• Art & Architecture Library
• Music & Dance Library
• Spahr Engineering Library
• Kenneth Spencer Research Library
• Watson Library
• Wheat Law Library

The Music & Dance Library has a return located inside Murphy Hall to the right of the entrance to the library that includes a separate slot for CDs and DVDs. This return is open only during hours the library is closed.

Access to the indoor book return at the Spahr Engineering Library is available 24/7 to faculty, students, and staff in the School of Engineering. Patrons not affiliated with the School of Engineering can access this return when the Engineering complex buildings are open to the public.

Edwards Campus Returns

For returning materials delivered via Home Loan Delivery service, see Returning materials on the Home Loan Delivery page.  Edwards campus users may also return KU Libraries materials to the book return located in front of the Regents Center Building.  Library materials returned at Edwards will take a week or longer before they appear as returned on your library account.  While library materials are in transit to Lawrence, borrowers may receive overdue notices for the items.  Materials are backdated to the date they are returned at the Edwards campus.  Questions may be directed to libfines@ku.edu.

Items Checked Out for Two Weeks or Less

All items checked out for two weeks or less should be returned to the library from which they were checked out by the time due in order to avoid overdue charges and in order to check them out again. Placing items checked out for two weeks or less in one of the walk-up book returns may result in overdue charges. This includes Course Reserve materials, DVDs, laptops, calculators, journals and magazines, microforms, etc.

Mail or Delivery Service Returns

Use this address to return KU Libraries materials via mail or delivery service:
Circulation Business Specialist
Watson Library, Room 350
University of Kansas Libraries
1425 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045

Please be certain library materials are securely packaged before mailing them. Borrowers are strongly encouraged to obtain tracking and to purchase $100 insurance for each item enclosed. Call the Circulation Business Specialist at 785-864-4715 or send email to libfines@ku.edu if you have questions prior to returning library materials via mail or delivery service.

Wheat Law Library

Library materials from the Wheat Law Library returned to a KU Libraries' Walk-up Book Return or On-Site Book Return location will be forwarded to the Wheat Law Library. Media, equipment items, and Course Reserve materials should be returned directly to the Wheat Law Library.

KU Libraries' materials returned to the Wheat Law Library will be forwarded to the appropriate KU Libraries location.

For additional information, see the KU Policy Library document titled KU Libraries: Renewing and Returning Library Materials.