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Support UsReciprocal Borrowing Agreements with Other Universities
Northwestern University Libraries has reciprocal borrowing agreements with University of Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago, and University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) libraries. We also participate in reciprocal borrowing through the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) and the OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program. Members of the Northwestern community can access and borrow from these institutions, and vice versa.
Building access
For entrance to library buildings, show your valid home institution ID at the entrance. Exceptions are the Galter Health Sciences Library and Pritzker Legal Research Center, which reciprocal borrowers cannot access.
Borrowing privileges
Reciprocal borrowing allows non-affiliated users to borrow from Northwestern Libraries. Members of the Northwestern community may also take advantage of reciprocal borrowing programs to access materials and resources from other institutions.
Non-Northwestern borrowers
Current students, faculty, and staff who have a library account in good standing at the University of Chicago, Loyola,UIC, or one of the BTAA schools may apply for a borrower's card at Northwestern. To begin the application process, please complete the application form. A reciprocal borrower’s card is valid for the academic year through June 15, and can be renewed annually upon verification of current status and as long as your library accounts at both institutions are in good standing.
OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program
Faculty from participating OCLC institutions are eligible to access and borrow materials from Northwestern Libraries. See the list of participating institutions to find out if you're eligible to participate. Once you have obtained an OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Card from your home institution, contact circulation@northwestern.edu to set up your privileges.
Privilege details
- Loan period: 16-week loan period, except for items on reserve for a class, which are not included in this borrowing program. All books are subject to recall with a guaranteed loan period of one week. DVDs and videos from the Mitchell Multimedia Center can be borrowed for 7 days.
- Renewals: Items can be renewed three times, either in person or via NUsearch, the online library catalog system. After the third remote renewal, books must be brought in to start a new loan.
- Returns: You are responsible for returning the book to Northwestern University Library. Please return this item in person or by traceable mail (UPS, FedEx, or Express Mail USPS) to: Northwestern University Library, Circulation Department, 1970 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208-2300
- Fines, fees and penalties: Northwestern does not charge daily fines on regular loan books. If an item exceeds the loan grace period, it is considered "lost," a $125 replacement charge is applied, and the patron record is blocked from further transactions.
Northwestern borrowers
Northwestern University students, faculty or staff can borrow from the University of Chicago, Loyola University, and The University of Illinois at Chicago. The Big Ten Academic Alliance borrowing program allows users to borrow at participating institutions, and OCLC's Onsite Borrowing program gives the Northwestern community access to collections at participating institutions throughout the country.
Northwestern faculty have additional privileges through the OCLC Reciprocal Borrowing Program.