Borrowing Materials
Where can I check out books, magazines, and other materials?
For how long may I check out a book?
How can I tell what I have checked out and when they are due?
For how long may I check out a magazine or journal?
How can I renew an item?
What if the item I want is already checked out?
I received a recall notice. What does this mean?
What if the item I want is not on the shelf?
What if the library does not have the item I want?
What will happen if I return an item late?
May I return branch library items to any library?
What if my U-Bill shows library charges I don't understand?
How can I get a library card?
Where can I check out books, magazines, and other materials?
Checkout desks are usually located near the library exits.
For how long may I check out a book?
Checkout periods vary according to the type of material and your patron status.
See Circulation Services checkout and renewal policies.
For how long may I check out a magazine or journal?
Checkout periods for bound issues of journals and magazine and for current issues vary among libraries. See Circulation Services checkout and renewal policies.
How can I tell what I have checked out and when they are due?
You may access your circulation account by going to My Personal Library from any library web page or by selecting “My Account” while in the InfoHawk Catalog.
How can I renew an item?
Most non-reserve short-term loans (four weeks or fewer) can be renewed online, in person, or by mail. Click on My Account in the InfoHawk Catalog to renew your loans online. The Loans list will show titles and due dates. Items recalled from you appear at the top of the list.
Graduate and faculty long-term loans need to be brought into any library (except the Law Library and Curriculum Lab) for renewal.
What if the item I want is already checked out?
If an item is checked out to another patron, it can be recalled. You can do this if you are in the InfoHawk Catalog by clicking on the recall link. Staff can also place recalls for you in person, or you can use the Main Circulation online form. You should count on no less than one week before the item becomes available. Staff will send a notice (usually an email notice) informing you that the book is being held for you.
I received a recall notice. What does this mean?
When another library user needs an item, or a faculty member has requested that material be placed on course reserve, a “recall” is placed. A recall notice is sent (usually via email) informing you that a new due date is in effect.
Everyone is guaranteed two weeks with material (for materials due 4-weeks or longer) and then it is subject to recall. Material recalled for course reserve has no guaranteed period. Most recalled material is due 7 days from the date the recall notice is sent. You can ask to have material recalled back for you if you wish; material recalled for course reserve cannot be recalled back.
Late fees for recalls are high, and having overdue recalled material will block you from checking out any new material.
The University of Iowa Libraries has generous loan periods and renewal policies. The recall system is a way to ensure that material needed by others is accessible.
What if the item I want is not on the shelf?
If you cannot locate an item in the bookstacks, inquire about its
status at the library's circulation desk. If the item is not checked
out, library staff can conduct a search and will notify you of the results in approximately a week. If the item is located, staff will
send a notice informing you that it is being held for you.
What if the library does not have the item I want?
UI faculty, staff, and students are eligible to use Interlibrary
Loan/Document Delivery services, which can borrow books, reports,
theses, microfilm, videos and other research materials not owned
by the UI Libraries. Articles from journals/magazines or chapters
from books may be supplied as photocopies or in electronic format
using the new desktop
delivery service.
You also may request that the library purchase an item by filling out the online form provided by the Acquisitions Department, Main Library (319/335-5877).
What will happen if I return an item late?
Fine policies vary according to item. For instance, reserved and recalled items are fined at a higher rate than items that are not in high use. Failure to return a recalled item by the due date will result in blocking of borrowing privileges. For explanations of fines and billing, see circulation policies.
Overdue fines and book replacement charges appear on your University of Iowa Business Office (U-Bill) statement. The libraries do not collect money.
May I return branch library items to any library?
Yes, you may return branch library or Main Library items to any library.
Note: Law Library and Curriculum Laboratory materials returned at Main, Hardin, and the branches are routed to Law and Curriculum Laboratory, but aren’t checked in.
Users are encouraged to return Course Reserve materials to the library where they were originally checked out. These materials are in high demand and routing items among the libraries can take from 1-3 days.
What if my U-Bill (University of Iowa Business Office statement) shows library charges I don't understand?
Contact Circulation
Services (319/335-5912) located on first floor, south, of Main
Library. For
explanations of fines and billing, see circulation policies.
How can I get a library card?
One of four types of identification is required
to check out material from the UI Libraries. All must be currently
valid. Visit our
Library Cards page for explanations of these requirements.
last edited: 3/7/08
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