Laptop Borrowing

Mac and Dell Laptops can be checked out at the Circulation/Reserve Desk on the Lower Level

Loan period increased to 24 hours, with one online renewal for an additional 24 hours
Unrestricted Use-take one overnight or bring to class
Available exclusively to UMass/Amherst student patrons

Can non-student/non-staff use the "Request Item" function from the other 5-Colleges?

No, only UMass affiliated people (student, staff, faculty) can use the "Request Item" function. 

But below lists the other institutions in the 5-Colleges and if they allow area residents to get a card and check out materials from their collection.

Amherst College (AC) - Some Area Residents can get a borrowers card and check out materials.  They would need to go to Amherst to get a card and to borrow materials.  Click HERE for more details.

Hampshire College (HC) - They also have a Visitor Policy where area residents can get a card and borrow materials.  They would need to go to Hampshire to get a card and to borrow materials.  Click HERE for more details.

Mount Holyoke College (MC) - South Hadley Residents 18+ can get a card at Mount Holyoke College Library.  They would need to go to Mount Holyoke to get a card and to borrow materials.  Click HERE for more details.

Smith College (SC) - Residents of Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin Counties over 18+ years of age can purchase a limited borrowing privledges card for $30 a year.  They would need to go to Smith to get a card and to borrow materials.  Click HERE for more details.

Loan Policy Change

There have been some changes made to the Loan Policy.  I have updated the online "Borrow and Renew List" on the Info Desk Blog to reflect these changes.  I have also changed the paper copies at the desk and in the Ref Desk Notebook.

It is finally here!!!

I created the list that has everything the Library lends to patrons. It includes the borrowing and renewal information for all items. I added it to the "Useful Links" section, check it out! I also put one in a plastic holder and placed it under the phone as it is a frequently asked question.

Where in the Information Blog can I find out how long patrons can take out books, DVDs, etc...?

Click HERE for library borrowing info and FAQ.

Loan Rules for Periodicals

Bound and unbound periodicals circulate for 24 hours, available to UMass borrowers ONLY. (This includes faculty, staff, graduates and undergraduates.)

Can a student borrow a laptop at the Library?

Yes, at the LC Desk on the Lower Level. Click HERE for more information.

How long can a student from another of the 5-Colleges take a book out for? If it is the normal time, what is the normal time? -Jackie

All 5-College students get 90 day loans with our books. That is the "normal" time a UMass undergraduate gets with a UMass book. There are other borrowing categories though.

What is a proxy card? Where do you get one? (LC Desk?)

A proxy card is a card a student can get when they do research for a professor. It basically gives the student permission to take out books under the professors name. That way they are not responsible if a professor does not return a book, the professor is held accountable. You are correct to send them to the LC Desk! They can get all of the details and instructions there. They can also get most of that information online here... http://www.library.umass.edu/services/borrowing/application-forms/proxy-card-application/

How do non-students check out books?

Because UMass is a state institution any person who lives in the state of Massachusetts is eligible for a state borrowers card. Another way someone can get a card is if they are not a Massachusetts resident but are attending a school in Massachusetts. If anyone comes to the desk wanting to check out materials but is not affiliated with UMass just send them to the LC Desk on the Lower Level, they can explain the process and are the people who issue the Library cards.