Circulation Services

Circulation Services checks materials in and out using a library card and registers library users. Materials should be checked out from the site the user is visiting but materials can be returned to any JHU Horizon Library, except in the case of reserve materials. Fines can be paid at any JHU Horizon Library.

Books owned by the Johns Hopkins libraries can now be delivered to your JHMI office. Faculty and staff may request this service through the JHU Libraries Catalog. Simply click the blue REQUEST button that appears on the book's "full record" page and fill out the request form that follows. In the "Select a Pickup Location" drop-down menu, select the JHMI Department Office (faculty and staff). In the "Comment" field, please enter your office address as well as an email address or telephone number. Complete the form by entering your library barcode number and pin and clicking "Submit Request". Welch staff will pull the book and deliver it to your office within two business days.

For further information, contact the Welch Services Center at 410-955-3410.

Renewals

Circulating materials can be renewed by yourself, or by calling any of the JHU Library Circulation desks. The Welch Service Center number is 410-955-3410.

Loan Periods

Books* 6 weeks 2 renewals
Journals** do not circulate  
Audiovisuals 1 week no renewals
Computer software in-house use only  
Reference and rare books do not circulate  
Reserve Materials 2 hours or overnight no renewals

* Books may be recalled at any time. There is a guaranteed loan period of 10 days for all recalled books.
**a limited number of bound journals can be checked out for 1 week with 4 renewals.

Overdues

Fines must be paid before the total reaches $20 to prevent loss of borrowing privileges at any JHU Horizon Library. Items more than 24 days overdue are considered lost.

Regular Materials
Days Overdue Fine
1-10 None
11-16 $2.50 + $.25/day up to $4.00
17-49 $4.00

Reserve Materials for Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health

Reserve materials circulate for 2 hours. They must be returned to the reserve desk from which they have been borrowed. Late reserve materials will incur a $2.00 fine and an additional fine of $0.02 per minute. There is a maximum of $4.00 in fines. There will be a two-hour grace period for reserves.

Overdue Notices

Days Overdue Notices Sent to Borrower
3 First Notice
10 Second Notice
43 (7th week) Final Notice
50 (8th week) A letter is sent stating that the item is considered lost.

Notices do not contain information on fines. Fines are invoiced separately.

Lost Materials

Patrons are responsible for replacing their lost library materials. In addition to the cost of the item ($75 if cost is unknown), there is a $15 processing fee.

Recalling a Checked-Out Item

If a needed item is circulating, call the Circulation desk to request that the item be recalled. You may may also place the request yourself within the JHU Libraries Catalog. You will be notified when the item has been returned. No renewals are permitted for materials on hold.

Missing Items

If an item's status is listed as available in the JHU Libraries Catalog but cannot be located on the library shelves, print out the information from the catalog. Write your name and telephone number on the printed copy, and leave it at the Circulation desk or you can use an electronic form to request a search for a missing book or journal. Staff will try to locate the missing item for you.