Borrow
To check out physical library materials, you must present a valid ID card at the Information Services Desk.
Who can borrow?
You must belong to one of the following groups:
- WashU Faculty, Staff, or Students
- Retired WashU Staff (requires an updated ID badge)
- Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) Faculty, Staff, or Students
- St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society Members (requires a membership card)
Important Note: Borrowing privileges are non-transferable. You must use your own ID badge to check out materials, even if you are picking them up for someone else. You are fully responsible for all items on your account.
Loan and Renewal Periods
Loan periods vary depending on material type of item. Eligible items will automatically renew for the maximum number of times unless another user has requested them.
Once you reach the maximum renewal limit, you must return the items. If no one else has requested them, you may check them out again.
| Material Type | Duration of Loan | Maximum Renewals |
| Books and Audiovisuals | 28-day loan period | 6 renewals (28 days each) |
| Tech items | 1-day loan period | No renewals |
| Journals | 1-day loan period | No renewals |
| Reserves | 7-day loan period | 1 renewal (7 days) |
Request an Item
You can submit a request for items that are currently checked out or located at another WashU library.
How can you submit a request?
- Online: Log into the Library Catalog using your WashU Key
- In Person: Visit the Information Services Desk
- Phone: 314-362-7080
- Email: askbecker@wustl.edu
You will receive an email when your items are checked out and ready for pick up. You can pick them up at your convenience from the cart located just inside the library entrance.
Self-Service Checkout (via Email)
You can also check out books when the Information Services Desk is not staffed, using your smartphone or tablet:
- Take a photo(s) of the barcode and call number label (found on the inside back cover of the book)
- Email the photo to askbecker@wustl.edu from your wustl.edu email
- Library staff will confirm the checkout and due date by email
Don’t have your phone? Write the call number and barcode information on a printed form available at the Information Services Desk. Library staff will confirm the checkout and due date by email.
Returns
You can return library materials 24/7 at any of the following indoor or outdoor locations:
- Inside the Library: The Information Services Desk
- 660 S. Euclid Building Vestibule: The book depository wall-chute
- Outdoor Return Box: Located outside 660 S. Euclid Avenue
- CSRB Link Return Box: Located on the main floor of the Clinical Sciences Research Building
Overdue Items
Becker Library does not charge daily fines for overdue items.
However, if items are not returned or paid for, the following actions will be taken in succession:
- After 30 days overdue, your borrowing privileges will be suspended.
- After 60 days overdue, your remote access privileges will be suspended.
- After 90 days overdue, your department will be billed for lost material, or a hold on your student account will be placed with the registrar’s office.
Lost or Damaged Materials
You are financially responsible for all materials checked out to your account. If an item on your account is lost (i.e., more than 90 days overdue) or damaged, you will be billed as follows:
| Books and Audiovisuals (including Reserves) | Replacement plus $20 OR $100 if the item cannot be replaced |
| Tech Items | Replacement plus $20 OR $100 if the item cannot be replaced |
| Journals | A flat fee of $150 |
If you believe you already returned an item, library staff will thoroughly search the shelves and system records. If the item is not found, you remain responsible for the replacement costs.
Payments for lost items are non-refundable, even if you find and return the item later.