Borrow, Renew, and Return Library Materials

There are two ways for Harvard students, faculty, and staff to borrow physical items​ available at Harvard's libraries.

• Search HOLLIS, the library catalog, to see if there is a physical copy available on campus and get it from the shelf. Maps and guides to library stacks are available at each library.
• In HOLLIS, request to pick up the item from the library of your choice.

Book pick up requests are filled in 1 to 4 business days. Look for the "Request Pick Up" link in HOLLIS to submit your request.

If you can't find what you're looking for at Harvard, try submitting an Interlibrary Loan request. Library staff will search other libraries for what you need.

Articles requested via Interlibrary Loan can often be delivered within hours. Other materials can arrive as quickly as 3-4 days or can take up to 14 days. Interlibrary Loan materials must be picked up in person. 

At many Harvard libraries you can borrow basic gear like headphones and laptop chargers. Just check in with a staff member to see what's available.

A few libraries also have media production gear available for loan — everything from tripods and SD cards to 360 cameras and VR equipment.

Here's what you need to know: 

Renew

• If no other library users have requested the regular loan materials you've checked out, the loan period will automatically be renewed up to five times. 

Return

• You can return circulating library materials to any Harvard library.

Recall

• All regular loan materials are subject to recall at any time at the library’s discretion. If an item you've checked out is recalled, we'll notify you via email.

HOLLIS is where you can track your library loans, renew items, check due dates and more. After logging in, click your name in the top right corner, then "My Account."