In the midst of projects, exams, holidays, and travel plans, we know you have a lot to think about at this time of year. No one wants to return to campus to a library account full of fines — and we want to help you avoid them! By being proactive now, you can prevent accumulating fines and be prepared if a book you have checked out gets recalled.

If you have books checked out while traveling, please be aware that our recall policy still applies. All items, including 60-day loans, may be requested and recalled by another user at any time. A recall may shorten the loan period, but ensures that our users have equal access to materials. The Libraries cannot cancel a recall or forgive accrued fines from recalled items, but here are some tips to avoid fines altogether:

• If you are traveling for longer than a week, we suggest returning all items before you leave. Otherwise, store library materials in a secure place where a colleague, friend, housemate, or family member can easily access them. If an item is recalled, they can return it to any library information desk or book drop on your behalf.
• Check Your Account to see if any books you currently have are low on renewals. MIT students, faculty, and staff are allotted five automatic renewals for 60-day loan items owned by the Libraries. If a book has no renewals left, visit any library information desk so we can reset the renewal count.
• If you must take library materials with you while traveling, be prepared to ship them back, including tracking for international packages.
• Check your email regularly for due date reminders and recall notices. We will always update you if anything changes.
• Note that items borrowed from non-MIT libraries through interlibrary borrowing services can also be recalled at any time and may be subject to the policies of the lending institution.

For more information on returns, recalls, and fine policies, read our Circulation FAQ or AskUs.