Borrowing at JMU Libraries
You may use your JMU Access Card (JACard) or other photo ID to borrow items at a service desk in any library location. If you need an item that is not in our collections, you can request it through Interlibrary Loan.
Patron Types
To borrow an item from JMU Libraries you must qualify as one of the following patron types.
JMU Students
Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and continuing education students who are currently enrolled. The Libraries also offers resources for online students on our Online, Hybrid, and Distance Learning page.
JMU Faculty, Staff, and University Affiliates
Faculty and staff currently working for JMU, or those holding emeriti status. Professors have the option to set up a sponsored student proxy checkout (see the “Proxy patrons” section below). Some Affiliates accounts may require an updated ID from Card Services to function in library card swipes.
Community Borrowers
The following groups are eligible for the Community Borrowers patron type.
- Massanutten Regional Library patrons
- Rockingham Memorial Hospital employees
- Virginia state teachers, borrowers and emeriti from participating VIVA institutions
- Those with a current school ID from Bridgewater College, Blue Ridge Community College, or Eastern Mennonite University.
Community borrower accounts can be created at a service desk at Rose Library, the Music Library, or JMU Libraries Express. You must provide the appropriate identification along with a valid photo ID and be at least 16 years of age.
Please note: some services are not available to community borrowers, such as Interlibrary Loan and overnight checkout of equipment.
Proxy Patrons
Current JMU Libraries borrowers may authorize another person (“proxy patron”) to check out library materials for them. The materials are checked out to the library borrowers’ account and given to the proxy patron. ILL patrons may designate an “Authorized User” directly within their ILL account.
To initiate and use proxy patron status:
- Email askthelibrary@jmu.edu with the name and email address of the proxy patron you would like to authorize to check out materials for you. Please include the reason for your proxy patron request.
- When checking out materials, the proxy patron will be required to provide a valid ID and the library borrower’s name on whose account the materials will be checked out.
Details of proxy patron status:
- The library borrower remains responsible for anything checked out on their account by a proxy patron.
- By authorizing a proxy patron, the library borrower agrees that the proxy patron will have access to materials that otherwise are held as private.
- Proxy patron authorization will expire July 31 of the current year, unless an earlier date is requested. The library borrower will be notified and may request renewal at the time of expiration.
All library spaces and some library resources and databases are also available to people who don’t qualify as a patron type. Check out our Services for Visitors and Alumni and these open access databases.
Loan Period & Renewal Eligibility
| Item Type | Loan Period | Renewals |
|---|---|---|
| General collection items (books) | 4 Months | Students and Community Borrowers = 2 Faculty and Staff = unlimited |
| Journals and other periodicals; Reference books; Collected edition scores | 4 Days | No Renewals |
| Audio & Video | 4 Weeks | Students and Community Borrowers = 2 Faculty and Staff = unlimited |
| Course Reserves | 4 hours or 4 days (4-hour or overnight in Music Library) | No Renewals |
Renewals
You have five options when you want to renew items you have checked out from JMU Libraries (renewals for Interlibrary Loan items are different).
- Log in to Library Search
- Email askthelibrary@jmu.edu
- Reply to email notices
- Call 540-568-6150 during our hours of operation
- Visit a service desk with your JACard or a valid photo ID
Recalls
Sometimes, we need to notify you that you must bring back an item that you have checked out — before its original due date. This is called a “recall.” Items can be recalled by library staff or by a library patron who requests an item that’s currently on loan.
If your item is recalled, you will receive an email notice confirming the new due date, which is typically 10 days from the time of the recall. You may work with Interlibrary Loan to borrow a different copy of the item. You may also place request for the same item to receive it back as soon as it is made available.
Questions regarding recalls may be sent to askthelibrary@jmu.edu.
Returns
In-person returns
Books and media may be returned to any JMU library location during operating hours. You may also return these items at any time to one of our book drops.
All equipment should be returned to the library location from which it was originally checked out.
Campus mail returns
Books and media that fit into an interoffice mail envelope may be sent to us via campus mail. Send them to MSC 1704.
Returns via U.S. Postal Service
You may mail JMU Libraries’ books and media back to us at this address:
The Hub
MSC 1704
James Madison University
771 Duke Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Returns
You may return ILL items at any library location or book drop. If you would like to ask about mailing Interlibrary Loan items to us, please contact interlib@jmu.edu.