The BA Paper: A Library Guide for Students in the College

Renewals, Recalls, and Searches

Borrowing and Renewing Books

University of Chicago Library Materials
You may check out as many books as you'd like. There is one due date per quarter. You may renew your books up to three times online through My Account without actually bringing them to the library. If you still would like to renew the book after the third renewal, you must bring the book to any Library circulation desk, where circulation staff will renew the book for you. Reserve materials and recordings have shorter loan periods. View Fines and Fees

Items Borrowed Via Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary Loan is a great service which allows you to borrow materials from other libraries around the country. There are no limits on how many items you may request and there is no fee. However, please be aware that the loan times are shorter and you may only be able to renew once (with exception of items borrowed from the Center for Research Libraries). Interlibrary Loan Policies

Northwestern University Library Materials
You may borrow books from Northwestern University Library for 4 weeks from the date of checkout (the loan period for material from the Transportation Library is 2 weeks from the date of checkout). Three renewals are allowed before the material must be brought in for checkout or return. Like the University of Chicago, books may be recalled at any time; the borrower is guaranteed a minimum two week loan period. Renewals may be made in person at Northwestern by presenting the book, date due slip and your borrower ID; or using Northwestern's My Account. Learn More About Borrowing Books from Northwestern Library.

Recalls

If you need an item charged to another borrower (even those borrowed on "indefinite loan"), you may use the recall option in the online catalog. Recalls usually take from 10 to 14 days, depending on how soon the borrower who has the item returns it. Library staff will notify you when the item is returned. Learn how to recall a book.

All materials that you have checked out from the Library are subject to recall.
Since items may be recalled at any time, if you are away from the University, please make arrangements for someone else to receive your library notices and return recalled books. It is especially important to do this if you are studying abroad or are away during interim. Also remember to make sure that the Library has a current address on file for you. Fines for overdue recalls are high, since another borrower is inconvenienced by the delay.

Searches For Items Not Found on the Shelf

If a book is listed as being "Not Checked Out" but is not on the shelf, please place a search request for the item. Library staff will search for the book and if they are unable to find it, they will mark it as "Missing" in the Library Catalog and you can then request an item through Interlibrary Loan Services.