Requirement for Checking Out Books
Your GWorld card is your library card and is required to check out books. After you get your GWorld card, stop by the Check Out Desk to make sure your library record is active.
Types of Material That Can Be Borrowed
- General GW circulating collection items and Reserves
- Materials at the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC) Off-Site Storage Facility
Periodicals may be used in the library only.
Book Limit
No Limit (except 25 book limit from George Mason University).
Loan Period
42 days from day of checkout/renewal.
Recalls
If a book you have checked out is needed for Reserves, it may be recalled. All books are subject to recall at any time. You will be notified by e-mail and will have a new due date assigned to the item. The book needs to be returned on or before the new due date to prevent recall fines of $5 per day from being assessed.
Renewing Books
GW and WRLC books may be renewed at any time, and they will be assigned a new due date 42 days from the day you renew. Each book is limited to 3 renewals. All books may be renewed a variety of ways, including online, by email, and by phone. Review renewal policies, options, and limits for details.
If you reach the renewal limit of 3, you must bring the books in person to the Check Out Desk to return or renew; if you still need the books, we will start the process again for you, allowing up to 3 more automatic renewals.
Overdue Fines and Other Fees
We do not charge daily fines for general collection books that are overdue less than 40 days. After 40 days, overdue items are considered lost and you will be charged $120 for each book. See details about lost books.
NOTE: Use My Library Account to manage and review your due dates, overdue notices, and available requests. Failure to receive notices does not excuse you from paying fines.
Other Library Privileges
GW staff are eligible for the following library services:
- Consortium Loan Service borrowing
- Direct borrowing at WRLC libraries
- Remote access to databases
- Interlibrary Loan
- GW Library Computers
Please Note:
Non-faculty staff of the Medical Faculty Associates are ineligible for borrowing privileges through GW Libraries. This includes at WRLC libraries through direct borrowing and the Consortium Loan Service.
GW Law and Medical School staff are also ineligible for remote access to databases and Interlibrary Loan. Staff should contact Burns Law Library or Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library for information on access to databases and Interlibrary Loan available through those libraries.
