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Additional borrowing programs

Northwestern Libraries participates in reciprocal borrowing programs that allow patrons from participating institutions to access materials and resources from our collections. 

Big Ten Academic Alliance

If you're affiliated with a Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) institution, and your library account is in good standing, you are eligible for guest borrowing privileges at Northwestern Libraries and other BTAA institutions. See the BTAA Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement for details.

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.

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 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, and the patron record is blocked from further transactions.