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.

As you may know, patrons are guaranteed two weeks with 60-day loan materials. After the initial two weeks, another patron may recall the item at any time, at which point the due date will change to one week from the date of the recall. Our recall policy ensures that users may have equal access to our materials, on or off campus. The Libraries cannot cancel a recall or forgive accrued fines from recalled items, but here are some easy tips to avoid fines altogether:

• If traveling for more than a week, it is best to return all library items before you leave. Otherwise, store books and other library materials together in a secure place where a colleague, friend, housemate, or family member can easily access them. In the event that an item gets recalled, they can return it to any library service desk or book drop.
• Before traveling, check Your Account to see if any books you currently have are low on renewals. MIT students, faculty, and staff are allowed five automatic renewals for 60-day loan items owned by the Libraries. If a book has no renewals left, it might be a good idea to visit a service desk so we can check the book in and back out to you to reset the renewal count.
• Check your email regularly for due date reminders and recall notices. We will always update you if anything changes.
• If you must take library materials with you while traveling, be prepared to ship them back.
• Note that items borrowed from non-MIT libraries through Interlibrary Borrowing 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.