Circulation & Reserves FAQ 

Answers to common questions about:

• Borrowing
• Requesting

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• Are there different borrowing privileges according to patron status?
• How long can I keep library materials?
• Can someone else check out materials for me?
• How do I renew library materials?
• Will I get an email reminder when materials are due? 
• What happens when someone wants material that's checked out to me?
• How can I get an item that someone else has checked out? 
• I want to borrow an item listed as "in library" in the Barton catalog, but I can't find it on the shelf. How can I get it?
• I want to borrow an item listed as "on search" or "missing" in the Barton catalog. How can I get it?
• I want to borrow an item listed as "on order" or "received/not available" in the Barton catalog. How can I get it?

Are there different borrowing privileges according to patron status?

Yes. Partial borrowing privileges allow loans of MIT Libraries books and accompanying CDs, as well as materials from the Library Storage Annex, but restricts borrowing of journals, MIT theses and most non-book formats. The following is a list of statuses and accompanying privileges:

How long can I keep library materials?

You can keep most books and theses for one month, with 3 renewals allowed. You can request a term loan for most books in the Barker, Dewey, Humanities, Rotch, and Science libraries (term loans are generally not available at Music). Borrowing periods and renewals for journals and other books vary by library. All books are subject to recall, which may shorten loan periods.

Can someone else check out materials for me?

Unless someone is an official designated borrower for you, only you can use your library card to check out library materials. If you are a professor, you may give permission to someone else to check out materials on your behalf. Use our Designated Borrower form to request permission.

If you are not a professor and have extenuating circumstances that require this service, please contact the service desk at any MIT library about our designated borrower policy.

How do I renew library materials?

You can renew most items online through Your Account. You can also visit or call any library service desk.

Will I get a reminder by email when materials are due?

Yes, for any materials checked out online to Your Account. If you provide us with your email address, a courtesy notice will be emailed to you three days before any online materials are due. (You will also receive overdue notices via email.) Please remember: when you check out library materials you assume responsibility for returning or renewing them on time and for paying any fines incurred.

What happens when someone wants material that's checked out to me?

If a request has been placed on an item already checked out to you, your due date will be shortened and you cannot renew the loan.

• If a request is placed less than one week after the date you borrowed the material, the due date will be shortened to two weeks from the original loan date. 
• If the request is placed more than one week after the date you borrowed the material, the due date will be one week from when the request is placed.

You will be notified of the new due date by email. You must return the item by the shortened due date in order to avoid fines.

How can I get an item that someone else has checked out?

You may request it online through Your Account or by contacting any library service desk. The current due-date will be shortened by one to two weeks, depending on the original date of the loan. You will be notified by email once the item is returned. If you do not need the item immediately, you may request it without shortening the current due date by contacting any library service desk. All 30-day loan items are subject to immediate recall if needed for course reserves.

I want to borrow an item listed as “in library” in the Barton catalog, but I can’t find it on the shelf.  How can I get it?

Request the item through Your Account or contact a library service desk.  Library staff will search for the item for you.

I want to borrow an item that is listed as “on search” or “missing” in the Barton catalog.  How can I get it?

If the Libraries do not own another copy of the item, you may request it through Interlibrary Borrowing.

I want to borrow an item that is listed as “on order” or “received/not available” in the Barton catalog.  How can I get it?

Please contact a library service desk.

• Can a book I want be delivered from one MIT library to another?
• Can a book I want be retrieved from the shelf and held for me?
• How do I request items from storage?
• Can a book I want be delivered to my office?
• Can I purchase copies of MIT publications or theses?
• Can I request items that MIT doesn't have?
• Do I have access to any non-MIT Libraries?

Can a book I want be delivered from one MIT library to another?

Yes. If you need a book from a library in another part of the campus, you can use Your Account to have it delivered to a nearby library. The book will be delivered to the designated library within two working days.

Can a book I want be retrieved from the shelf and held for me?

Yes. Your Account allows members of the MIT and Harvard borrowing communities to request MIT Libraries materials for pick up at any MIT Libraries location. The book will be available for pick up within one working day.

How do I request items from storage?

See the Library Storage Annex page for information.

Can a book I want be delivered to my office?

Faculty can request delivery to their campus office using our new faculty office delivery service .  The book will be delivered to your department mailroom in 2-3 business days.

Can I purchase copies of MIT publications and theses?

Yes.  See our Document Services page for more information.

Can I request items that MIT doesn't have?

Yes. Please see our Interlibrary Borrowing page for more information.

Do I have access to any non-MIT Libraries?

Yes.  Several options are available, though restrictions do apply. Please see the information pages about these services for details.

• Boston Library Consortium
• Harvard Libraries
  • Harvard College Libraries (HCL) - access to select libraries only.
  • Countway Library of Medicine
  • Baker Library (Harvard Business School Library)
• Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program

How can I find or purchase non-MIT theses?

See our non-MIT thesis information page.