Borrow, Renew, Return
Quick Search and the library catalog have been updated. See Library System Updates for details.
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 | Community Borrowers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books | 6 months | 6 weeks | 6 weeks |
| 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 | Most items 6 weeks |
| Laptops | 2 weeks | 2 weeks | Not available for checkout to Community Borrowers |
| Calculators, computer peripherals, etc. | 4 hours; some in-library use only | 4 hours; some in-library use only | Not available for checkout to Community Borrowers |
| Library of Things (Anschutz Library) | 1 week | 1 week | Checkout available only to Haskell (HINU) Community 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 | Community Borrowers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books | 6 online renewals | 6 online renewals | 6 online renewals |
| Course Reserves | No online renewals. May be checked out again at service desk where first checked out. | ||
| Unbound journals | If a circulating item, 1 online renewal for same loan duration. | ||
| Bound journals published 2 or more times per year | If a circulating item, 1 online renewal for same loan duration. | ||
| Media items (CDs, DVDs, etc.) | Varies. Items checked out for 6 weeks or 6 months may be renewed online. | ||
| Laptops | 2 online renewals. | 2 online renewals. | Not available for checkout to Community Borrowers. |
| Calculators, computer peripherals, etc. | No online renewals. May be checked out again at the service desk where first checked out. | Not available for checkout to Community Borrowers. | |
| Library of Things (Anschutz Library) | No online renewals. May be checked out again at Anschutz Library Service Desk. | Checkout available only to Haskell (HINU) Community Borrowers. No online renewals. | |
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 | 14 days overdue | Item replacement cost (varies/item); most common charge is $75 - $125 per item. |
| Unbound journals | 14 days overdue | Item replacement cost (varies/item) |
| Bound journals published 2 or more times per year | 14 days overdue | $250 per physical volume |
| Media items (CDs, DVDs, etc.) | 14 days overdue | Item replacement cost (varies/item) |
| Course Reserves | 7 days overdue | Item replacement cost (varies/item) |
| Laptops | 7 days overdue | $1,330 for AY2026-2027 |
| Calculators, computer peripherals, etc. | 7 days overdue | Item replacement cost (varies/item) |
| Library of Things (Anschutz Library) | 7 days overdue | Item replacement cost (varies/item) |
Recalls
All items checked out for 6 weeks or longer are subject to recall by other borrowers who want to use the item. Recalled library materials are due 14 days after the first recall notice is issued, and recalled 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.
Proxy Borrowing
Faculty, staff, and graduate students are able to assign up to three proxy borrowers at a time to check out library materials and to place requests for library services on their behalf. For more information, see the Proxy Borrower Card policy.
More Information
For detailed information about access to library services and circulation policies and procedures, see Library Policies and Procedures.