General Circulation Services
Most titles in Harper Library are also available in other departments of the University Library. There is no restriction on the number of volumes you may borrow at one time, but you must present your Chicago Card or Library Privilege Card each time you borrow a book. Books on loan to other borrowers can be recalled for your use and held for you when returned. Counter staff will be happy to explain these procedures.
To borrow a book, present the book and your Chicago Card or Library Privilege Card to the counter attendant. The attendant will scan your ID and the barcode of the book into the automated circulation system. The system will produce a slip indicating the due date for the book. It will be placed in the pocket of the book to serve as both a due date reminder and evidence that the book has been properly charged from the Library.
To renew a book, you do not necessarily need to bring it to the library. Using our comprehensive renewal you may renew a book out on general loan three consecutive times without bringing it into the library. If you would still like to renew a book after the thrid renewal, you must bring the book to any Library circulation desk, where circulation staff will renew the book for you.
There are three ways to do a comprehensive renewal of your books:
- Go to the "My Account" page within the online catalog. Enter your barcode and PIN. Click on "Items Out." Follow the instructions.
- Bring your Chicago Card or library card to the circulation desk at any Library and circulation staff will do a comprehensive renewal for you.
- Email renewals@lib.uchicago.edu with your renewal request. You will need to include your name, your library barcode or student ID. You will receive an email reply confirming that your books were renewed.
To return a book, drop it into the book return slot in the circulation counter during open hours and into the Harper Library outside return box when the Library is closed. The outside return box is situated at the entrance to the East Tower of the Harper Building. Most books may be returned to any Library location. Three exceptions are:
- recalls
- reserve
- Interlibrary Loan materials
To recall a book from another borrower, you may complete a recall request through the online catalog. Recalls usually take 10-14 days, depending on when the patron who has the book returns it. Reserve and Interlibrary Loan materials cannot be recalled.
If you would prefer to submit a request on-line, you will need your Chicago Card or Library Privilege Card and a PIN number that has been assigned to you for use on our system. If you are interested in learning more about this feature, please ask for assistance at the circulation desk.
Books may be recalled from you at any time. If you are going to be away for longer than 8 days, you must return your books or to arrange for someone to check your email for Library notices. You are responsible for your Library charges at all times. Fines for overdue recalls are high, since another borrower is inconvenienced by the delay.
To change your address, please complete a change of address form at any circulation counter. It is your responsibility to report any address change promptly to the Library. Addresses changed at the Bursar's Office, Registrar's Office, or with an academic department, do not automatically update the Library's records. As we rely on you for your address, we hold you responsible for recalls or fee notices mailed to the address we have for you.
You may choose to have your notices sent to you via the postal service rather than through email. To request this service, please talk with a circulation supervisor.
Storage Collection
The University Library maintains a storage collection in the basement of Harper, Wieboldt and Classics. The materials in this collection are closed to readers and are paged for your use. For details, see the Storage Collection page.
Fines and Penalties
It is the borrower's responsibility to monitor due dates of all material currently on loan from any department in the University Library, and to return or renew the material as it becomes due. All fees are per item. Reserve loans: $1.00/hour or every part of an hour, up to a maximum of $75.00. Recalled loans: $3.00/day up to a maximum of $75.00. Quarter loans. Long overdue materials will be billed for replacement and will block Library borrowing privileges. Overdue items must be returned before borrowing privileges can be reinstated and replacement fees credited. Lost book fee. If our records indicate a book loaned to you has not yet been returned or renewed, we will bill you for its replacement. Lost book fees vary according to the collection of the item. At Harper, the fee is $75.00 per volume. There is also a $25.00 non-refundable processing charge per volume, in addition to the replacement cost. If your book is lost or stolen, please notify us as soon as possible so as to stop accruals of fines and other fees. Payment of current and delinquent charges is accepted for any Library material at any circulation counter. If you have delinquent charges, your Library privileges will be blocked. The Library mails a quarterly statement of automated fines and fees in advance of each late payment fee date. You may also request information about your fines and fees at any time at any circulation desk. Appeal of any Harper fines and fees will be carefully considered by the Circulation Supervisor. If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, you should prepare a written appeal for review by the Librarian. Appeal forms are available at the circulation counter.