Keep your email address up to date

Library notices are sent via email, so you need an active email address listed in your library account. If email is undeliverable to your address, you won't be able to borrow anything until you provide a valid one. Faculty and staff may choose paper notices; forms for exercising this option are available at library circulation desks, as well as Privileges in Green Library.

Stanford students can update their information in Axess; faculty and staff can use StanfordYou. Fee-based borrowers must submit a Change of Address Form.

Don’t lend out your ID card

Do not let other people use your library card (your Campus Card or SUL Card). Borrowing privileges are not transferable and are subject to withdrawal if abused. You're responsible for everything checked out in your name. University policies, including the honor code, govern how we handle cases of shared ID cards.

You can request a return receipt when you return an item during library hours. Borrowers who claim to have returned material but who do not have a return receipt should initiate a Claims Returned Search at the lending library. If the material is not located after four staff searches over one month, the borrower will be held liable for replacement costs and a nonrefundable billing fee. Lost items remain Stanford property even after replacement fines are paid or items are replaced. If you find items you thought were lost, please return them to Stanford as soon as possible.

Handle library materials carefully

Exercise care in handling library materials. If you damage an item, you'll need to pay for its repair or replacement. Examples of damage can include writing or highlighting, food spills, water damage, Post-It note usage (sticky notes leave a residue that can destroy pages over time), folding pages, placing extraneous paper in a book so that the binding is stressed, tearing or removing pages, excessive heat or sunlight on media materials. Fines are assessed according to the severity of the damage. Do not attempt repairs yourself.  Notify the Circulation desk about damaged materials.

Respond to recall and overdue notices

You'll receive a recall notice when a library or another borrower needs an item you've checked out. You must return the recalled item by the recall due date. If the item is needed for Course Reserves, it must be returned immediately. Fines begin accruing as soon as the due date passes. Overdue recalls will be billed for replacement after they are 8 days overdue and your borrowing account may be blocked until the item is returned (or paid for). 

For other items you have checked out, you'll receive a reminder to renew or return your materials as the due date gets closer.  Overdue items will be billed for replacement after 14 days overdue and your borrowing account may be blocked until you return (or pay for) the items.

Return material when on extended absence

If you are going to leave the area for more than a week, you should return all library items or arrange for them to be returned by someone else if they are recalled. Absences requiring special arrangements should be made in advance with staff at the individual lending library.

Return lost books that you find

Lost items remain property of Stanford Univeristy, even after replacement fines have been paid or the item has been replaced. If you find items previously thought to be lost, please return them as soon as possible.

Respect the library and other patrons

Stanford University Libraries and the library staff are committed to providing an environment suitable for reading, study, and activities in support of campus research and instructional programs. Please adhere to the Libraries' conduct policies and help maintain a pleasant and productive environment for all.