Library Circulation Policies

Saint Louis University students, faculty, and staff with current identification cards may borrow books. The Medical Center Library also loans laptops, anatomical models, and keyboards for use in the library.

Loan Periods for Library Items

Reserve items (laptops, anatomical models, technology items, etc.) can be checked out for 4 hours, with no renewal. You may be asked to keep some reserve items, such as anatomical models, inside the library.

Renewals

Books that meet these criteria may be renewed:

• are due within 7 days
• have not been billed for replacement
• have not been requested by another borrower
• have not reached the renewal limit

Patrons may renew online, by email or telephone, or at the Access Services Desk. If a book has reached its renewal limit, it must be brought to the Access Services Desk to be checked in before it can be checked out again.

Overdue Books and Fees

Overdue notices for books from all Saint Louis University Libraries are sent when books are 5 and 15 days overdue. After 30 days, overdue books are considered lost, and the borrowing patron will be billed a lost book fee.

Billed books and/or fees exceeding $50 will result in suspension of borrowing privileges.

Lost or Damaged Books and Replacement Charges

A borrower who has lost a book from any of the Saint Louis University Libraries will be charged to replace the lost book. Replacement copies are accepted as long as they are new and of the same edition or later. 

If material is returned in a damaged condition, the borrower will be charged to replace the book. Replacement copies are accepted as long as they are unused and of the same edition or newer. Examples of damage can include writing or highlighting, food spills, water damage, tape residue, folding pages, tearing or removing pages, and excessive heat or sunlight on media materials.

Library Holds on Registration, Transcript and Diploma

All materials should be returned on time. Notices are sent out regularly to inform borrowers of overdue items. A "hold" may be placed on registration, transcript, and diplomas for all nonreturned library materials and/or unpaid fees. All outstanding books and fees must be taken care of before graduation. Students are encouraged to check their library records by logging into their library accounts or by calling the Access Services Desk at 314-977-8800.

Requesting Books

All circulating SLU library books within the general collection are available for request online.

When books are received at the MCL, the requesters will be notified to pick up the books at the Access Services Desk. From the notice date, books are held for seven days for pickup.

For More Answers and Assistance

For questions about Medical Center Library Circulation services and policies, call 314-977-8800 or visit the Access Services Desk.