Checkout and Renew
First Floor, Atrium Northwest
(435) 797-2678
Second Floor, Northwest
(435) 797-2658
Course Reserves website
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find materials in the Library?
- How long can I check out materials?
- How many items can I check out at one time?
- What are the fees for overdue or lost items?
- Can I check out books if I'm not a USU student or staff member?
- What are holds and recalls and how do I place them?
- How do I check out books from other libraries?
How to Check Out Materials
Books and other library materials and technology can be checked out using your USU ID card. See Standard Checkout Policies for checkout times, how many items can be checked out at once, and renewal and hold policies.
Not a USU student or staff member? See the information below to learn how to obtain checkout privileges for USU collections.
Community User Cards
If you are not a current USU student or staff member, you can purchase a library card from the Checkout Desk for $25.00. This card is valid for one year and allows you to check out up to 10 books for 3 weeks.
Visiting Scholar and Alumni/Spouse Cards
Visiting scholars are can checkout materials with the same privileges as faculty. To be eligible, you must first be registered as a visiting scholar with your hosting department. Once complete, use our Visiting Scholar Card form to get checkout privileges.
If you are a USU alumnus or spouse of a USU staff member or alumnus, you can also check out materials for no cost by first obtaining the proper ID card from the USU Welcome Center. Spouses can obtain an ID card from the USU Card Office.
Extended Checkouts
Working on long-term research project? Eligible faculty and staff can keep items checked out for longer periods by signing up for our extended checkout service. Apply for Extended Checkouts.
Standard Checkout Policies
The following policies apply to books in the general circulating collection.
| User Type | Checkout Duration | How many books can I checkout? |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty, Staff, Emeritus Professors | 16 weeks | 100 books |
| Graduate Students | 16 weeks | 100 books |
| Undergraduate Students | 3 weeks | 35 books |
| Public Cardholders, Alumni | 3 weeks | 10 books |
Renewals
Most materials can be renewed up to 2 times unless a hold/recall has been placed on it. Course reserve and media collections items can be renewed multiple time unless another person is waiting to use the item. Technology, equipment, and study aids cannot be renewed.
Holds and Recalls
Holds will reserve an item for you as soon as the item is returned. Holds can be placed on items by viewing them in the catalog or quick search.
A recall will reset the due date for the item to 1 week from the date the recall was placed. Items are eligible for recall 2 weeks after they have been originally checked out. Fines for late recall items are $1.00 per day. Recalls can only be placed by staff at the Checkout Desk.
Specific Formats and Collections
See below for checkout information for specific formats or collections.
| Item | Checkout Duration | Where can I check out? |
|---|---|---|
| General books | See Standard Policies | Checkout Desk, Self-Checkout Stations |
| Course Reserves items | 3 hours | Course Reserves |
| Reference books | 5 days | Checkout Desk, Self-Checkout Stations |
| Bound journals | 2 days | Checkout Desk, Self-Checkout Stations |
| Vet med books | 2 days | Course Reserves |
| CDs, DVDs, and other media | 5 days | Course Reserves |
| Theatrical scripts | 5 days | Course Reserves |
Special Collections and Archives
Materials in Special Collections and Archives do not circulate, but can be viewed in person in the Tanner Reading Room, Room 035. Archives staff can also provide digital copies of materials. See more information about using Special Collections and Archives or contact scweb@usu.edu for help.
Technology and Study Aids
Devices, chargers and cables, and other technology and equipment cannot be renewed. You will be notified of overdue items via email. There is no grace period for overdue technology items.
Computers, iPads, and Media Players
| Item | Checkout Duration | Where can I check out? |
|---|---|---|
| Webcams Quantity: 4 |
24 hours | Checkout Desk |
| iPads (with Apple Pencils) Quantity: 5 |
5 days | Checkout Desk |
| Math iPads (with Apple Pencils) Quantity: 2 Reserved for math students only |
5 days | Checkout Desk |
| PC and Mac laptops Quantity: 23 |
3 hours | Checkout Desk |
| DVD/BluRay players Quantity: 2 |
7 days | Course Reserves |
| DVD/VCR Player | 7 days | Course Reserves |
| Bluetooth Speaker/CD Player | 7 days | Course Reserves |
| CD/Cassette Player | 7 days | Course Reserves |
| Record Player | 3 hours, In-library use only |
Course Reserves |
| Ergonomic keyboards Quantity: 2 |
3 hours | Checkout Desk |
| Headphones Quantity: 6 at Checkout, 1 at Course Reserves |
3 hours | Course Reserves, Checkout Desk |
| Virtual Reality headset/controllers | 3 hours | Checkout Desk |
Note: Library laptops are for short-term use only. If you need a laptop for an extended period of time, contact the USU Inclusion Center.
Calculators, Whiteboards, and Writing Tools
| Item | Checkout Duration | Where can I check out? |
|---|---|---|
| Graphing calculators Quantity: 6 |
3 hours | Checkout Desk |
| Whiteboards | 3 hours | Checkout Desk |
| Whiteboard markers and erasers | Must be returned by end of day | Checkout Desk |
| Portable digital whiteboards (Boogie Boards) Quantity: 2 |
3 hours | Checkout Desk |
| Colored Pencils | 3 hours | Checkout Desk |
| Anatomical Models | 3 hours | Course Reserves |
Adapters, Chargers, and Cables
The following items can be checked out for 3 hours from the Checkout Desk:
- Lightning to Digital AV Adapter
- Lightning to VGA Adapter
- USB-C to HDMI Adapters
- HDMI Cables
- Macbook chargers
- HP Laptop chargers (old and new generation)
- Lightning to USB charging cables
- Micro USB charging cables
- Mini USB charging cable
- USB-C charging cable
- iPhone/iPad charger (30-pin)
Lockers
Lockers can be rented for $10 - $15 per semester. For more information, see the Checkout Desk.