Harvard's 70+ libraries primarily serve the University's current faculty, students and researchers who whold valid Harvard ID's. Policies on admittance, borrowing, hours and services vary by library. For more information a specific Harvard library, please visit the individual library page.
Loan Periods and Accounts
- Loan Periods - The amount of time you may borrow a book depends upon your patron status and the lending library.
- My Accounts - The My Accounts page has information used to access your different accounts, renew items or view requests
Borrowing and Renewing Materials
To borrow items from The Harvard Library, take them with your ID to the appropriate circulation desk, and the staff will check them out to you. A growing number of libraries have self-checkout kiosks where you can checkout books as long as you have your ID card. As long as no other library patron needs them, you can renew books five times.
- Use My Accounts to access your account. You will need the first eight digits of your ID and your PIN.
- For more information, please see Ask a Librarian.
Returning Materials
You are welcome to return most material to any Harvard Library; however, reserves and interlibrary loan items should be returned directly to the library from which they were borrowed.
Recalling books
All materials are subject to recall at any time. Recall notifications are sent to your email address on record.
You can recall the book and the patron who has it is required to return it within seven days. To initiate a recall, click on the “Request Item” link through the item record in HOLLIS.You can also request the book through Borrow Direct and receive it within about four business days.
Fines and Fees
Late fines and lost item replacement fees vary depending on the item and library. A list of common fees organized by borrower type and library can be found below. Fines for late return of Reserve items, as well as short term loans, vary between libraries - please check with the individual library for precise information.
HCL Libraries
Fines for HCL Libraries:
Faculty, staff, and G4+
Overdue fine: $0.50/day - max fine $28 (Cabot and Lamont only).
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $100 replacement cost + $10 processing fee.
All other borrowers
Overdue fine: $0.50/day - max fine $28. (none at Harvard Yenching Library, except for Special Borrowers).
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $100 replacement cost + $10 processing fee.
Baker Business Library
Fines are the same for all library borrowers:
Overdue fine: $0.50/day - max fine $20.
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $100 replacement cost.
Countway Medical Library
Fines are the same for all library borrowers:
Overdue fine: $0.50/day - max fine $28.
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: Item value or $120 replacement cost + $35 processing fee.
Divinity School Library
Faculty, staff, and G4+
Overdue fine: $0.50/day - max fine $28
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $75 replacement cost.
All other borrowers
Overdue fine: $0.50/day - max fine $28
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $75 replacement cost.
Gutman Education Library
Faculty
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $65 replacement cost.
All other borrowers
Overdue fine: $0.50/day - max fine $28
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $65 replacement cost.
Law School Library
Faculty, staff, and G4+
Overdue fine: $0.50/day - max fine $28
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $75 replacement cost.
All other borrowers
Overdue fine: $0.50/day - max fine $15
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $85 replacement cost - $20 for 7-day loan items.
Loeb Design Library
Faculty, G4+
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $75 replacement cost.
All other borrowers
Overdue fine: $0.25/day - max fine $15
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $75 replacement cost.
Kennedy School of Government Library
Faculty, Staff, G4+
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $75 replacement cost.
All other borrowers
Overdue fine: $0.50/day - max fine $28
Recalled items: $2/day.
Lost items: $75 replacement cost.
