Borrowing
In person patron access to Library Stacks collections is currently unavailable.
Online requesting of UMass-Amherst books and media will resume Feb. 22, 2021
Please see the REMOTE RESOURCES page for additional information on how we can assist.
Borrowing FAQ
We can help you with:
• Borrowing, renewing and returning library materials
• Requesting items from UMass or from another Five College Library, and for requesting Microforms
• Course Reserve materials (print, electronic, & media)
• Borrowing equipment (video camera, tripod, audio recorder or accessories)
• Public lockers for short-term use
• Picking up and returning Interlibrary Loan items
• Using My Library Account
Contact us: circulation@umass.libanswers.com (413) 545-2623
Eligible Patron Type | Borrowing Privileges | UMass Amherst Electronic Resources | UMass Inter-Library Loan | Laptop Loans |
---|---|---|---|---|
UMass Amherst Students |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
UMass Amherst Faculty and Staff |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Five College Students, Faculty and Staff |
Yes |
On-site use currently unavailable |
No |
No |
MA State Resident Borrowers |
Currently unavailable |
On-site use currently unavailable |
No |
No |
UMass Amherst Alumni |
Currently unavailable |
On-site use currently unavailable |
No |
No |
Active BLC and MCCLPHEI Affiliates |
Limited |
On-site use currently unavailable |
No |
No |
A photo ID must be presented with the borrower's card for each loan transaction. Borrowing privileges will be denied if a photo ID is not presented.
PLEASE NOTE: New applicants will be subject to a borrowing limit of ONE ITEM for up to 30 days until an identity/address verification process has been completed.
Commonwealth Catalog
As of Mar. 16, 2020 request functionality with Commonwealth Catalog has been temporarily suspended.
A 'public' alternative for popular reading and media:
Discover and request (with a UMass Amherst Libraries barcode) popular books, audio books, movies and more from a wide array of Massachusetts public and smaller academic libraries. Loan period: 28 days (non-renewable)
How can I get a UMass Amherst Library Card?
- Unavailable until further notice due to current campus restrictions -
For students, faculty, and staff of UMass Amherst, the UCard is the library card. All others must complete the borrower card application. Borrower cards must be picked up in person. Please allow at least 15 minutes at the time of your visit to complete the process. Applicant must present a valid MA driver's license or government issued photo ID and other proof of Massachusetts residence. Outstanding prior bills or obligations to the University or its Libraries must be paid in full. Questions? Call (413) 545-2623.
Please note: all borrowed books are subject to Recall with 10 days notice by email.
Obtaining Borrowing Privileges for Eligible Visiting Groups
Information about carrels