Circulation
To check out materials, users must present a valid WSU, other Summit university, or Community Library borrower’s card. It’s important to always have your WSU, other Summit university, or Community Library card with you.
Loan periods
Loan periods vary in length, and the libraries in Pullman and the WSU Spokane campus have different circulation policies. In general, books in our circulating collection check out for either 6 weeks or one semester, depending on patron type. Bound journals circulate for 6 days, Interlibrary Loans circulate on a variable basis and Summit materials circulate for 12 weeks. All other materials vary substantially based on the originating library, type of material, and patron type; please note the due date when you check out the material to ensure you are aware of the return policy for that item.
| Patron Type | Circulating Books |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Student | 6 weeks |
| Graduate Student | One semester |
| Faculty/Staff (including emeriti) | One semester |
| Visiting Scholars | 6 weeks |
| Community Members | 6 weeks |
Interlibrary Loan
The library facilitates easy access to materials that are not owned by WSU through interlibrary loan. Digital materials such as articles and book chapters can often be acquired within two business days. Physical materials such as books may arrive between 2 days and 2 weeks, depending on the location and speed of the lending library. Physical materials coming from other Summit libraries (Pacific Northwest academic institutions) often arrive quickly through the library courier system, while books coming from farther afield are typically shipped to the library through USPS.
Course Reserves
Materials required for use within specific courses may be available at the library as a Course Reserve. These materials, if owned by the faculty member, are housed behind the Library’s circulation desk and can be checked out for a 2-hour period during staffed library hours.
Other required materials, if owned by the Library, are available on the Reference shelf on the main floor of the library. These can be used at any time, but must remain in the library.
Equipment Checkouts
We provide laptops, calculators, headphones, and some charging cables to WSU-affiliated borrowers. For more information, please visit our Technology Page or inquire at the circulation desk.
Return
Books and multimedia materials can be returned in the Library book drops or at the circulation desk. Book drops are located:
- Outside the Kirk H. Schulz Academic Center’s exterior doors on the west side of the building
- The Library entrance on the second floor of the Kirk H. Schulz Academic Center.
The book drop at the Library entrance is only available during staffed hours, so items returned outside of those hours must be returned in the outdoor book drop. Technology checkouts should be returned only at the Library’s circulation desk during staffed hours.
Items checked out from WSU Pullman or other Summit Libraries can be returned at the WSU Health Sciences Library.
Community Borrowers
Community members who are not affiliated with WSU can borrow local materials, and materials from other WSU campuses can be requested at the circulation desk or online. However, community users are not eligible for Summit borrowing or Interlibrary Loan services.
Washington state residents who are not affiliated with Washington State University can utilize Library resources and services and borrow library materials according to the Washington Administrative Code (504-40-020). Residents who are 16 years old or older can apply for a community borrower card at any WSU Libraries Access Services desk by providing a valid ID from a federal agency, state agency, or another academic institution. Once you have applied for a community borrower card, you will receive a physical card in the mail, which includes an ID number that can be used to request items through Search It, our online library catalog.
Community Borrower accounts expire annually, and to renew, individuals need to visit the Library with proof of address (a piece of mail or valid ID displaying the current address). If there are materials to renew that were checked out during a previous academic year, they must be brought to the library for return. These materials can be checked out again immediately, provided there are no holds on the items.
Fines & Replacement Costs
All material checked out from the WSU Libraries is subject to fines and fees if late, lost, or damaged, up to and including replacement costs. Different kinds of materials have different check out periods and different fine schedules. Fines accrue during all hours the library is open, including holidays. An overdue notice is usually sent as a courtesy reminder; however, you are responsible for returning borrowed items on time whether or not you receive a notice.
Bills for outstanding fines are mailed directly to the borrower. Payments may be made to the Office of the Controller online or in person. Library fees must be paid before student is allowed to graduate/receive their diploma or request transcripts.
To learn more about fines and fees, visit our Fines webpage on the WSU Libraries website.
Please direct fine-related questions to the Library Fines Questions form page.
Library Designee
If you would like someone else to pick up your library holds, please complete a Library Designee Authorization Form at the Library’s circulation desk. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access your library materials.
