Information for Borrowers

Loan periods. Undergraduates may borrow most library materials for twenty-eight days. Holders of courtesy borrower cards may check out materials for two weeks. All other holders of University ID cards may borrow most materials for one semester.

A borrower may place a recall request online for a book checked out to another borrower. When the recalled item is returned, the requestor is notified and the item is held for seven days.

Borrower responsibilities. Borrowers are responsible for maintaining correct records of their identification numbers and mailing addresses with the University and for obtaining corrected borrower cards in case of error or a change in data. Borrowers are responsible for the return of items checked out to them until they are returned. The University Libraries is not responsible for notifying borrowers that materials are overdue.

Fines and fees for overdue materials. Borrowers are fined for failing to return library materials by the date they are due. Fines vary depending on the loan period of the material; detailed information is published at Charges for Overdue and Lost Material.

Charges for lost or damaged materials. Borrowers are charged for lost and damaged items. Charges include the cost of replacing a lost item or a damaged item that cannot be repaired; a processing fee of $25 when an item is reported lost or is presumed by the University Libraries to be lost; and a rebinding or repair charge of $25 if a damaged item can be repaired.

Library cards for non-University borrowers. Libraries are open to the public for use of materials. Adult Texas residents who are not members of the University community may borrow materials for home use by purchasing a courtesy borrower card at the Courtesy Borrower Services Desk at the Perry-Castañeda Library, entrance level. A photo ID and proof of Texas residence are required at the time of purchase. The fee may be waived for current members of the Texas Exes, for users who present valid TexShare cards from libraries participating in the TexShare Card Program, and for other users included in reciprocal borrowing agreements in which the University Libraries participates. Cards are valid for the period of enrollment, membership, or appointment, not to exceed one year.