FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For further assistance, call the Library Service Desk at 508-856-6099, or contact us by email.

Circulation Policies

What is the loan period for books and other materials borrowed from the library?

Books are generally checked out for three weeks and audio-visual material for one week. Reserve material can be used in the library for three hours. For more information go to the Borrowing and Access Privileges page.

What is the late return policy for borrowed items?

As a courtesy to your colleagues, we ask that you return material by the due date. Although we do not charge fines, we do charge replacement fees for unreturned material. See the Borrowing and Access Privileges page for more information.

How do I renew items that I've borrowed from the library?

You can renew material yourself via your library account. For detailed information, go to the Borrowing and Access Privileges page.

May I borrow journals and take them out of the library?

Although journals technically do not circulate, UMass staff, students, and faculty registered with the library may take journals out of the library for two hours if necessary. A journal form must be completed and is available at the Library Service Point.

How can I reserve a study carrel?

The library provides study carrels for GSN/GEP, GSBS first year, and School of Medicine first- and second-year students to reserve on a semester basis. Our carrel program is based on a lottery system. With only 100 carrels available, we cannot accommodate every student. Watch your school email for information and instructions on the program.

How do I access journals published before 1978?

All pre-1978 journal holdings are housed outside the library. To request a journal/article that was published before 1978, fill out a call slip at the Library Service Point. Library staff fill offsite requests Monday through Friday and materials are usually available in the library on the following business day.

If you are coming from out of town, you should call ahead to the Library Service Point at 508-856-6099.

How do I get a library card (barcode)?

UMMS faculty, staff and students, UMMHC staff, other healthcare professionals, and the public can borrow materials from the Library. Borrowing privileges are dependant on your affiliation with UMMS (see "Eligibility for Library Privileges"). A library barcode is required for all borrowing services. Request a library barcode by filling out the appropriate form available at the Library Service Point.

How can I access material located in the Rare Book Room?

Books in the Rare Book Room will be made accessible by appointment only, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, excluding holidays. For an appointment, please contact Kristine Reinhard at Kristine.Reinhard@umassmed.edu or Ellen More at Ellen.More@umassmed.edu at least 24 hours before desired visit. For details about the use of the Rare Book Room, see Use of Books from the RBR.

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