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Circulation Policy

  • What can be borrowed?
    The Library facilitates the circulation of materials owned by University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institution (USMAI) libraries to UMGC students, faculty and staff.  These materials can be found and requested via USMAI Book Search. (See delivery options for details.)

  • Who can borrow?

  • Loan periods

    • Loan periods for materials owned by our USMAI partners are set by the owning institution.
    • For UMGC-owned materials, loan periods are as follows:
      User/Borrower Loan Period
      UMGC undergrad and grad students 56 days
      UMGC faculty, faculty emeriti, and staff 1 year
      USMAI, non-UMGC students 56 days
      USMAI, non-UMGC faculty 1 year
      USMAI, non-UMGC staff 28 days

  • Holds/Requests:  UMGC students, faculty and staff may place holds (also known as requests) on any circulating item in USMAI Book Search (the USMAI library catalog). You may select any USMAI library as a pickup location and go there in person to pick it up. UMGC is not a pick-up location. Bring a printed copy of your Library Card and as well as a photo ID. 

  • Renewing:  USMAI materials may be renewed. Renewal periods are set by the owning institution. Any USMAI material may be renewed as long as the material has not: 1) been recalled (requested by another patron), 2) been declared lost, or 3) reached its renewal limit. 

  • Recalls:  All USMAI materials are subject to recall when another patron places a hold (request) on the material(s). The original patron will then have fourteen (14) days from the date of notice to return the recalled items regardless of the original due date. Recalled items cannot be renewed. Failing to return a recalled item after the fourteen (14) day period will result in the item being declared lost. Some or all UMGC Library privileges may be revoked at this time. Lost book charges may also be incurred, as well as late fees, depending on the institution from which the material was lent.

  • Returns:  All materials should be returned on time to avoid incurring fines from lending institutions. USMAI materials may also be dropped off at any USMAI library. UMGC is not a drop-off location. For materials shipped to a patron prior to December 2025, via UMGC's Book Borrowing and Delivery Service, use the return label included in the initial shipment. Patrons should use these labels to avoid incurring shipping costs. 

  • Fines:  UMGC cannot regulate fines imposed by our USMAI partners, or replacement fees for lost books.  Some or all library privileges may be revoked if an item is not returned or a lost book fine is not paid.