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.

Library materials may be returned to the Welcome and Success Center or to the book return on the Edwards Campus for forwarding to the Lawrence Campus. Items will be checked in based on the date of delivery to the Welcome and Success Center Desk or to the Edwards Campus book return. Please note that it takes 3-5 business days for items to arrive on the Lawrence Campus.  While the library materials are in transit to Lawrence, borrowers may receive overdue notices for the items.

Items returned to Dykes Library at the KU Medical Center will not be checked in until the items arrive on the Lawrence campus; therefore, please allow 4-7 days for the items to be delivered to the Lawrence campus from Dykes Library.

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 may want to purchase insurance for the items in case they are lost in shipping. Call the Circulation Business Specialist at 785-864-4715 or send email to libfines@ku.edu for assistance in identifying the approximate replacement cost of the items to be returned 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.