Policies

Current CWRU students, faculty and staff may borrow most books, pamphlets, and media items with a valid ID Card.

Special Borrowers may check out six items at a time including books, pamphlets, videos, or OhioLINK materials.


Loan Periods

Media type Loan period
Books and pamphlets 21 days
Video tapes and DVDs 7 days
Laptop computers 3 days (Mandel School students only)
OhioLINK items 21 days
Course reserves 2 hours. If you borrow it within 2 hours of the library closing, it’s overnight.
Overnight course reserves within the first hour the library opens the next morning

Renewals

You’re welcome to renew items online, by phone or in person.

Library Renewal amounts
Harris and other CWRU libraries 4 times
OhioLINK items 6 times
Course reserves, DVDs, videos and laptops None
Interlibrary Loan items At lending library’s discretion. Contact the Harris Library Circulation Desk for more information.

Returning Borrowed Material

All borrowed items may be dropped off at the following locations:

  • Main Harris Library Service Desk
  • Harris Library book return in front of the Mandel Building
  • Please return DVDs, videos, remotes and other electronic items directly to the main Harris Library Service Desk.

Fines

Media type Fine
CWRU books and pamphlets $.25 daily
OhioLINK materials

$.50 daily

$50 for each item returned after a $125 billed notice is sent

Audiovisual materials $5 daily
Laptop computers $25 each day
Two-hour reserve material $1 per hour
One-week reserve material $1 per day
Two-hour reserve materials returned the next day after due date $15

Loss of Library Privileges

  • $15 or more in Library charges

  • Privileges are reinstated once fees are under $15


Lost Or Damaged Materials

Library Cost
Case Libraries except for Health Sciences Libraries $110 per item
Health Sciences Libraries Cost of item plus $35
OhioLINK Libraries $125 per item

Non-Affiliated Guest Access

Individuals who are not affiliated with Case Western Reserve University are welcome to use the Harris Library facilities while full-time staff are present.

Guidelines

  • Non-affiliated guests include individuals who are not current students, faculty, or staff of Case Western Reserve University or an OhioLink institution.
  • Harris Library access is available on weekdays during standard business hours, typically 9am - 5pm.
  • Hours may be reduced during university breaks and summer months.
  • To access public computers, guests must present a valid photo ID and sign the guest log.
  • Guests are expected to use library resources appropriately, adhere to all library policies, and leave the premises when requested by staff.
  • Guests without a special borrower’s card are not permitted to check materials out of the library.

Limitations

  • The library reserves the right to restrict or revoke guest access at any time.
  • Some areas or resources may be restricted to authorized personnel only.