Metadata
Title
Borrow and Request Materials
Category
general
UUID
7e35feb26fc24edf96843b26a1be926f
Source URL
https://www.library.jhu.edu/library-services/borrow-and-request-materials/
Parent URL
https://www.library.jhu.edu//library-services/electronic-theses-dissertations/
Crawl Time
2026-03-10T05:24:09+00:00
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Borrow and Request Materials

Source: https://www.library.jhu.edu/library-services/borrow-and-request-materials/ Parent: https://www.library.jhu.edu//library-services/electronic-theses-dissertations/

Home > Services > Borrow and Request Materials

Borrow and Request Materials

In this section

Services

You can borrow books, films, and other library items from JHU’s collection and from other libraries using your J-Card. You can pick up most materials at any JHU library.

Book Request Service

Please send any questions or feedback to [email protected].

Step 1: Place items on hold

Step 2: Wait for notification, then retrieve your items.

Returning your Items

On Homewood campus there are return bins at the MSE Library Annex, Brody Learning Commons, and the Hutzler Reading Room in Gilman Hall. You may also return books to other campus locations.

Many Ways to Borrow & Request Materials

[search

Catalyst](https://catalyst.library.jhu.edu/)

Search Catalyst to find out if the item you want is available from JHU – If yes, request it and select a pickup location

[compare_arrows

Book Request Form](https://ill.library.jhu.edu/msel/illiad.dll?Action=10&Form=21)

If the item isn’t available from a JH library, request a copy through our combined Borrow Direct and Interlibrary Loan request form.

[menu_book

Advanced Users](https://jhu-borrowdirect.reshare.indexdata.com/)

If you’re already familiar with Borrow Direct and Interlibrary Loan, search and request directly through those tools.

More Information

Search for the item in Catalyst.

If the item is not available from a JH library, click the “Request from another library” button to launch our combined Borrow Direct and Interlibrary Loan Book Request form; it will be pre-populated with the details on the book you are requesting. When you submit the form it will find the best fastest way to get the material to you.

Advanced users: If you are already familiar with the Borrow Direct and Interlibrary Loan systems, you may check Borrow Direct first. If it is not available via Borrow Direct, you may request it via Interlibrary Loan. - Pick Up Location

Library items are retrieved from any JH Libraries location for pickup at various locations. JHED login required.

Items that show a location of “Offsite Storage for Sheridan Libraries” are available upon request through Catalyst by selecting “Request from JH” from the item listing after logging in.

Print items are often ready for pickup within 24 hours.

Scans of articles, chapters, and microform may be requested using the forms on Interlibrary Loan & Document Delivery.

The fastest and most efficient way to find books not available through JHU.

Search and request books and AV materials from libraries in the “Ivy Plus” network, which includes Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, Harvard, JHU, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, University of Chicago, UPenn, and Yale. Expect delivery in 3-5 business days. JHED login required.

Find articles, books, and other library items not owned by JHU or the BorrowDirect schools. Requests are sent out to libraries worldwide. Expect delivery in 2-4 weeks. JHED login required.

The forms on Interlibrary Loan & Document Delivery can also be used to request scans of book chapters and articles from other JHU libraries and Offsite Storage for Sheridan Libraries. - Course Readings & Films

Physical items on reserve for classes are not available for online request or recall.  They are checked out on a first come first serve basis at the MSE Library Annex Service Desk. Please have the call number ready upon arrival. See Course Readings for more information.

Overdue items are subject to fines. - AV Services

Request use of DVDs, Blu-Rays, International DVDs, VHS tapes, CDs, microfilm, and microfiche through Catalyst.

Two microform readers are available in the MSE Library Annex.

Borrowing Policies

Who can borrow library items and for how long?

Students/Staff/Hopkins affiliates: 16 weeks with unlimited renewals.

Faculty: Fixed to June 30th with unlimited renewals.

Other Users: 6 weeks with 2 renewals. 50 item limit. - Basic Privileges & Exceptions

If a student fine is more than $10, the fine is transferred to Student Accounts. For more information, see the Fine Payment FAQ.

Email [email protected] to request a borrowing card that includes access to print resources with a limit of 50 items.

### Alumni

JHU alumni can request a library card to borrow items from any JH library. Please visit the library that served you while you were a student to sign up for a card.

### Spouse & Dependents

Partners/spouses and dependents (age 18-26) of current JHU students, faculty, staff, and retirees with a primary campus of Homewood can request borrowing privileges for the general print circulating collection at no cost (databases and other eResources are not included). Photo ID required.

### Retirees

Present retiree card to continue the same employee privileges. - Other Users

Email [email protected] to request a borrowing card. Includes onsite access to digital resources. Limit of 50 items.

### Community Borrowers

Members of the public can purchase a library card for one year for $50 during the library renovation. Payment is currently accepted by credit and debit card only. This card allows for requesting eligible physical items. Beginning in June 2024, all borrowed items must be requested from Catalyst for pickup.

### JHU Non-credit students and OSHER participants

Eligible for privileges for the length of class enrollment. Must present contract letter or proof of enrollment.

### Local Universities & Non-Profit Organizations

Reciprocal borrowing agreements exist with some local universities and non-profit organizations. Email [email protected] for more information.

### Borrow Direct Institution Patrons

Current students, faculty, and staff of Borrow Direct libraries receive other users level borrowing privileges free of charge. Log in to home Borrow Direct account required.

Contact Information

For in-person questions, please visit the MSE Library Annex Service Desk during regular business hours.


Service Desk\ [email protected]\ 410-516-8370

Interlibrary Loan\ [email protected]\ 410-516-8910

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