Borrowing
Borrowing Rules & Privileges
Borrowing Requirements
You need a valid Library Borrower Account to borrow material from the UC Merced Library. UC Merced faculty, students, and staff accounts are generated automatically. Others who wish to obtain borrowing privileges may apply for an account at the Library Services Desk (2nd floor) in the UC Merced Library. Valid picture identification is required. Some borrowing categories require additional documentation.
- Borrower cards are not transferable.
- By applying for a Borrower Account, you agree to comply with all UC Merced Library rules and pay all fees and bills.
| UC Merced Faculty, Graduate Students, Staff | UC Merced Undergraduate Students | Other UC Campus Faculty, Students, and Staff | Courtesy Privileges & Fee Privileges | |
| Items Allowed | 100 | 100 | 25 | 10 |
| Loan Period | 1 year | 6 months | 14 days | 14 days |
| Interlibrary Loan | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Renewals | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Proxy Privileges | Faculty only | Disabled only | NO | NO |
| Replacement Fees | Cost of Item and Processing Fee | Cost of Item | Cost of Item | Cost of Item |
| Journals do not circulate. DVDs circulate for 2 weeks. | ||||
Return of Material
Items borrowed are due back in the Library by closing time on the due date. You may return borrowed items to the UC Merced Library or to the UC Merced Castle Facility. The Library is not responsible for improperly returned items.
Recall
If you have a borrowing account, you may place a recall on any item that is currently checked out. Any item is subject to recall one week after you first borrow it. Items needed for Supplemental Course Resources may be recalled immediately. If you do not return recalled items promptly, the Library will suspend your borrowing privileges.
Overdue Material, Suspension of Borrowing Privileges, and Fees
- If you do not return items before they are due, your borrowing privileges will be suspended until you return those items.
- If an item is more than 30 days overdue, you will be billed for its replacement.
- The replacement charge is the replacement cost of the item or $25 (whichever is larger) plus a processing fee of $25.
- If an item is returned before the replacement copy is ordered, the charge for the replacement cost will be cancelled. The processing fee of $25 will be billed regardless.
- The Library will reinstate borrowing privileges when overdue items have been returned and when related fees have been paid.
- The Library may refer outstanding charges to a collection agency after 30 days. Other penalties, such as a block that prohibits registration for classes, may be applied by the University.
- For more information, contact the Library Services Desk or email library@ucmerced.edu.
Courtesy Borrower Accounts
A Borrower account may be obtained free of charge by
- Faculty, currently enrolled students, and staff of the University of California, including retired employees and emeriti.
- Faculty and librarians from accredited institutions of higher learning in California.
- Dues paying members of UC alumni associations.
- Immediate family, over the age of 18, of faculty and staff of the University of California.
- Certificate employees of California public schools.
Appropriate identification and proof of status is required for these categories. Please inquire at the Library Services Desk for specific requirements.
Fee Borrower Accounts
A UC Merced Library Associate Membership may be purchased by
- Any U.S. resident who is 18 years of age or older and has a valid California driver license or picture ID:
- $100.00 for 1 year
- Registered degree program students of California State University or Community College Systems:
- $25.00 for 6 months
- $50.00 for 1 year