Circulation and Access Policies

The Circulation Desk at the Himmelfarb Library is the place where users will want to go to borrow library materials, whether a book, journal, AV item or an item on reserve. While the regular audiovisual collection is housed in the Bloedorn Technology Center located on the 3rd floor, audiovisual items are now checked out at the Circulation Desk on the 1st floor. The loan period for most materials is three weeks with two renewals, although loan periods for journals are shorter. Both regular reserve and audiovisual reserve materials are available for check out at the first floor Circulation Desk. The Department also maintains the self-service photocopiers on the 1st floor where copies can be made at the rate of $0.07 per copy. These copiers are functional with GWorld personal or departmental cards. Problems with GWorld cards should be reported to the GWorld office in the Marvin Center, Suite 501 or at 202-994-1795.

All faculty, staff and students of The George Washington University may borrow library materials. Your George Washington University ID serves as a library card once you register at the Circulation desk. Items checked out may 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). Users can also renew books online at the Library's website in the "Borrowing and Ordering" section. Journals and reserve materials cannot be renewed. Overdue fines are $0.25 per day for monographs and audiovisual materials and $1.00 per hour for current journals and all reserve materials. Reserve items may not be renewed. 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 also enforces Himmelfarb Library's Access Policy. Since the Library's primary mission is to serve the faculty, staff and students of The George Washington University Medical Center, Himmelfarb Library is closed to the public. GW University staff and students not affiliated with the Medical Center may use the Library from 7:30am until 6:00pm week days. Please be prepared to show your GWU ID while in the Library to help staff identify which category you fall into.