Circulation & Access Policies

The Circulation Department at Himmelfarb Library is responsible for the circulation of monograph, journal and reserve materials. In addition, the Department offers a photocopy service for materials held in Himmelfarb Library and maintains the self-service copiers on the 1st Floor. These copiers are functional with GWorld personal or departmental cards at the rate of $0.07 per copy. Problems regarding GWorld cards should be reported to GWorld office in Marvin Center, Suite 501 or at 202-994-1795. Audiovisual materials may be borrowed at the AV Study Center located on the 3rd Floor of Himmelfarb Library.

Faculty, staff and students of The George Washington University may borrow materials. Your George Washington ID serves as a library card once you register at the Circulation desk. Currently, monographs are loaned for 3 weeks while reserve material and current 5 years journals circulate for 3 hours. Monographs can be renewed twice either in person or over the phone as long as there is not a hold on that item and your record is in good standing (call 202-994-2962). Patrons can also renew books online at the Library’s website in the “Renew Items” section. Journals and reserve materials cannot be renewed. Overdue fines are $0.25 per day for monographs and $1.00 per hour for current journals and reserve material. For journals older than 5 years and monographic series, the fine is $1.00 per day. The maximum fine for an item is $25.00.

The Circulation Department is also charged with enforcing Himmelfarb Library’s Access Policy. The Library’s primary mission is to serve the faculty, staff and students of the George Washington University Medical Center. Due to limited space and study facilities, GW University library users not affiliated with the Medical Center may not use the Library after 6 pm on weekdays or on weekends. Please be prepared to show your GW ID when entering the Library after 2:00 pm on weekdays and on weekends.