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 | 3 hours. If you borrow it within 3 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.