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The University of Chicago Library

Regenstein Lost and Found Information

If you find a lost item in a library, please bring it as soon as you can to the circulation desk.

If you lose an item in the library, check with the circulation department at circservices@lib.uchicago.edu or call 773-702-8701. Exceptions apply to the following materials:

Tips for recovering lost items:

  1. Claim your item as soon as possible. This will minimize the chance that someone else will claim it, or that the library will lose it. The lost & found section is kept under reasonable security but the library cannot be held responsible for the items hel d.
  2. If your item is not in lost & found, check back every so often. Speak with a circulation supervisor if you have any questions. Feel free to call the library at 773-702-8701 or email circservices@lib.uchicago.edu.
  3. Make sure that the library has your e-mail address. We may try to contact you. Notification will not be made by mail or telephone.
  4. Record your name and e-mail on all important papers, books, laptops, cell phones, iPods, etc. This will make it much easier to notify you and return the item.
  5. PLEASE DO NOT leave any of your possessions unattended in the library. This goes for papers, clothing, and glasses as well as computers, appliances, books, and more obvious targets of theft. The service desks at the library receive frequent reports of stolen items in all categories.

The library will keep lost items until the end of the quarter. Keep in mind that not all lost items get turned in. Items lost outside the library rarely make their way to the library's lost & found. Library employees cannot conduct searches for lost items, except in extreme circumstances as time permits.