Borrow, Renew, Return
Loan Periods
Loan periods for KU Libraries circulating collections are outlined in the following chart.
| Items | KU Graduate Students, Faculty, Staff, Affiliates | KU Undergraduate Students and Reciprocal Borrowers | Resident Borrowers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books | 6 months | 6 weeks | 6 weeks; limit of 20 items |
| Course Reserves | Varies from 4 hours to 1 week; some items in-library use only | ||
| Unbound journals | Varies by library location; usually in library use only or 1 week | ||
| Bound journals published 2 or more times per year | Varies by library location; usually in library use only or 1 week | ||
| Media items (CDs, DVDs, etc.) | Most items 6 months | Most items 6 weeks | |
| Laptops, calculators, etc. | Varies from 4 hours to 2 weeks; some items in library use only | Undergrads only: varies from 4 hours to 2 weeks; some items in library use only | Not available for checkout to Resident and Reciprocal Borrowers |
For questions about specific items or materials not listed here, please ask at any library service desk.
To check out items, KU students, faculty, staff, and affiliates should present their KU Card or government issued photo ID. Proxy borrowers must present a KU Libraries Proxy Borrower Card and government issued photo ID or KU Card. Other borrowers must present their KU Library Borrower Card.
Borrowers are responsible for returning or renewing items on or before the due date and time to avoid overdue and lost item replacement charges. Items may be returned to a library service desk or walk-up book drop. See Returning KU Library Materials for more information.
Renewals
Active borrowers in good standing may renew eligible library materials in order to extend the loan period. Many items can be renewed online using My Account. All eligible items may be renewed at a KU Libraries service desk. Items recalled or requested by another user or that have been declared lost will not be eligible for renewal.
| Items | KU Graduate Students, Faculty, Staff, Affiliates | KU Undergraduate Students and Reciprocal Borrowers | Resident Borrowers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books | 6 online renewals | 5 online renewals | |
| Course Reserves | No online renewals. May be checked out again at service desk where first checked out. | ||
Unbound journals | If circulating item, 1 online renewal | ||
| Bound journals published 2 or more times per year | If circulating item, 1 online renewal. | ||
| Media items (CDs, DVDs, etc.) | Varies. Circulating items checked out for 6 weeks or 6 months may be renewed online. | ||
| Laptops, calculators, etc. | Renew all items at service desk. 2-week checkout laptops may be renewed twice online. | Not available for checkout to Resident or Reciprocal Borrowers. | |
Fines, Fees, and Lost Book Charges
For more information about KU Libraries Fines, Fees, and Lost Item Replacement Charges, including Online Payments, see Fines, Fees, Lost Library Materials, and Damage Charges.
| Items | Declared Lost At | Maximum Charge Per Item |
|---|---|---|
| Books | 30 days overdue | Item replacement cost (varies/item) plus $20 processing fee and $20 overdue fine if item was recalled |
| Course Reserves | 10 days overdue | Item replacement cost (varies/item) plus $20 processing fee and $25 overdue fine |
| Unbound journals | 30 days overdue | Item replacement cost (varies/item) plus $20 processing fee and $20 overdue fine |
| Bound journals published 2 or more times per year | 30 days overdue | $250 per physical volume plus $20 processing fee and $20 overdue fine |
| Media items (CDs, DVDs, etc.) | 30 days overdue | Item replacement cost (varies/item) plus $20 processing fee and $20 overdue fine |
| Laptops, calculators, etc. | 10 days overdue | Item replacement cost (varies/item) plus $20 processing fee and maximum overdue fine (varies; maximum is $100 per item) |
Recalls
All items checked out for 6 weeks or longer are subject to immediate recall by other borrowers. Recalled library materials are due 14 days after the first recall notice is issued, and the items can no longer be renewed online or in person. For more information, see Recalls and Requests.
Search for Items Not Found on the Shelves
First, ask for assistance at the library’s service desk to see if the items can be found.
Second, use one of the Libraries’ services to request the items needed. Ask for help at the closest service desk or see information at Request Articles, Books & More.
More Information
For detailed information about access to library services and circulation policies and procedures, see Library Policies and Procedures.