Circulation/Reserves Department
Circulation
Contact us:
Brownsville - (956) 882-8221
Edinburg - (956) 665-2005
Borrowing Privileges
Students
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Fall and Spring Library Privileges
- Library privileges are available in Fall and Spring semesters to enrolled UTRGV students only.
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Summer Library Privileges
- Library privileges are available in summer to enrolled students. The Library also extends summer privileges to The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley students who were enrolled for the Spring semester, but who may not be enrolled for Summer sessions.
Faculty/Staff
- Library privileges are available to all currently employed UTRGV Faculty and Staff
Texas Southmost College
- Library borrowing privileges are available to all currently enrolled TSC students and all currently employed TSC faculty and staff.
Borrowing Materials
There are two general requirements for library borrowing privileges:
- You must present your active and valid UTRGV or TSC identification or University Library card each time you wish to borrow materials using your library account.
- Your library account must be in good standing to borrow materials.
- Library accounts in good standing are unexpired and clear of fees, fines, and overdue materials.
- Unpaid fines and overdue materials could result in a hold on your academic record.
IMPORTANT: Library loan periods for all borrowers are subject to change without notice due to account expiration dates, end of semester, or library hours of operation. We recommend you verify your Loan Receipt Letter (checkout receipt), which is automatically sent to your email account for due dates and routinely check your Library Card account online. You are responsible for all items charged to and checked out on your library account. Therefore, it is your responsibility as the borrower to notify us immediately:
- If you lose your UTRGV or TSC identification or library card.
- If your address changes.
- If your phone number changes.
You may wish to refer to our Circulation Policies page for more detailed information.
FAQs
Q: What if I have an overdue book or unpaid fine?
A: You will not be able to check out materials. All materials must be returned and fines must be paid in full, or a hold could be placed on your academic record. These holds will be removed as soon as the library account is clear.
Q: Can I checkout library books for someone else?
A: Upon presentation of written authorization and personal identification of the borrower, a third party may be allowed to use someone else's UTRGV ID to check out materials on the borrower's behalf.
Q: What if I forget my ID?
A: You will not be able to check out materials. The Circulation/Reserves department will hold materials for up to two hours on your behalf. Library materials will not be held overnight.
Q: How will I know when my library materials are due?
A: You will receive a Loan Receipt Letter email listing items checked out to you along with their due date. You may also sign in online to your Library Card to check due dates. Borrower Types and Terms (below) outline specific borrowing periods for users.
Borrower Types & Terms
| Borrower Type | Identification Required for Checkout | # Materials Allowed for Checkout | Borrowing Period | Additional Terms/Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Students | UTRGV or TSC ID | Unlimited books | 30 days | |
| Graduate Students | UTRGV ID | Unlimited books | 30 days | |
| Doctoral Students | UTRGV ID | Unlimited books | 120 days | |
| Faculty/Staff | UTRGV or TSC ID | Unlimited books | 120 days | UTRGV faculty and staff must clear with Library before separation from University |
| Emeritus Faculty | Emeritus Faculty ID | Unlimited books | 120 days | |
| Part-time Faculty/Staff | UTRGV ID | Unlimited books | 120 days | Must return materials at end of employment contract and clear with Library before separation from University |
| Retired Faculty/Staff | UTRGV Retired ID | Unlimited books | 120 days | Must present UTRGV retiree card. Please obtain card from V OneCard Office. |
| Visiting Scholars & Special Assignment Staff | UTRGV ID | Unlimited books | 120 days | Departmental Requestor/Project Manager must submit authorization for "Library Check-Out Privileges for Visiting Scholars." |
| Community Borrowers | UTRGV Public Patron Card | 5 books | 30 days | UTRGV Public Patron Card issued to adults (18 years+) who present approved federal or state photo identification and submit a Public Patron Card application. Annual fee: $25.00. |
| TexShare Patrons | UTRGV Library Card | 5 books | 30 days | UTRGV Library card issued to faculty and students who present a Texas Higher Education TexShare or TexShare Public Library Card and approved federal or state photo identification. UTRGV Library Card renewable each semester with a new TexShare card. |
| Alumni Patrons | UTRGV Alumni Card | 5 books | 30 days | Must present UTRGV Alumni Card. Please obtain card from Alumni Relations. |
Still have questions? Contact us:
- Brownsville: (956) 882-8221
- Edinburg: (956) 665-2005
- Harlingen: (956) 296-1500
Circulation Renewing Materials
Materials can be renewed online, by phone and in person if:
- The items are not yet due.
- Your library account is in good standing.
- The materials have not been requested or recalled by another user.
Renew Online
Materials that are not overdue may be renewed online by signing into your Library Card account online, using your UTRGV email credentials.
Renew In Person
Visit the library Circulation Desk and present your UTRGV (or TSC) ID or library card and the materials you wish to renew.
Renew by Phone
Contact us by phone and be prepared to provide your UTRGV (or TSC) ID or library card number.
- Brownsville: (956) 882-8221
- Edinburg: (956) 665-2005
- Harlingen: (956) 296-1500
FAQs
Q: When can I renew library materials?
A: Library materials can be renewed one week after checkout. You cannot immediately renew library materials.
Q: Why am I unable to renew library materials via my Library Card online?
A: Please call Circulation as soon as possible for more information, as there are several reasons why library materials may not be renewed online, including but not limited to, items are already overdue, items have been requested by another borrower, or your library account is expiring.
- Brownsville: (956) 882-8221
- Edinburg: (956) 665-2005
- Harlingen: (956) 296-1500
Circulation Requesting Materials
You may request items via the Library Catalog that are currently located at another campus or checked out to another patron. You must present your UTRGV (or TSC) ID or library card to check out requested materials.
- Patron requests are available for library materials located at another campus with an "In Place" status.
- Patron holds are available for items checked out to another patron with a "Not in Place" status.
- Materials are requested online only. Phone, email and walk-up requests may not be accepted.
- IMPORTANT: This is not an on-demand or rush service as intercampus mail delivery may take several days.
Most materials (but not all) can be requested by logging into the Library Card feature of the library's catalog. UTRGV users may log in using their UTRGV credentials (email address and password). Non-UTRGV Borrowers login using your library barcode.
Non-circulating items are not eligible for request, such as course reserve items, electronic devices, and Archives and Special Collections material.
You may wish to refer to our Circulation Policies page for more detailed information.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to receive my requested materials?
A: Time must be allowed for items to be returned by the current borrower (possibly several days) or retrieved by library staff (usually 1 business day). Please allow time at least 24 hours for on campus requests and 3-5 days for intercampus requests.
If you need the items right away, then we recommend that you travel in person to the library where the materials are located in order to retrieve them personally for check out.
Q: How many items can I request?
A: Requests cannot exceed five (5) items. If more than five items are needed, then we recommend that you travel in person to the library where they are located to check out the material.
Q: What if I placed a request, but it does not appear in my Library Card online account?
A: If you did not pick up your requested materials within the specified time period, then the request may have been canceled and you would have received a Request Cancel Email. Contact the Circulation department for assistance.
Circulation Returning Materials
When you return materials to the library you will receive a Return Receipt Letter via email listing the items returned. As a borrower, you are responsible for all library materials and equipment until it is checked in by a library staff member and cleared from your library account. Therefore, the library recommends renewing materials online or by phone until items can be returned.
Print Materials
Books should be returned inside the library at the 1st floor service desk to the book drop or given to a library staff member for check-in. Book drops are also located immediately outside the library for after-hours returns.
Media and Equipment
Audio visual materials and media devices must be returned in person to the service desk.
FAQs
Q. I checked out materials from Edinburg. Can I return them in Brownsville or Harlingen?
A. Library materials and equipment may be returned or renewed at any of our campus locations, including the University Library Brownsville and Edinburg, or the Ramirez Library in Harlingen.
Q. What if I cannot find a book that is coming due?
A. If the item is not yet due, then you should renew the item immediately either in person, over the phone, or online. This will help you avoid overdue fines while you locate the book.
Still have questions? Contact us:
- Brownsville: (956) 882-8221
- Edinburg: (956) 665-2005
- Harlingen: (956) 296-1500
Overdue Materials
Materials are due back on the date indicated in the Loan Receipt Letter email or online via Library Card sign in. There is a five day grace period for circulating books from our Library General Collections, but overdue fines will accumulate daily. The fine is $0.25 per day per book.
NOTE: Fines for Special Collections and Fines for Equipment may vary.
Fines and fees can be paid in person at the Circulation Desk with cash, check, or credit card. Fines can also be paid by phone if using a credit card. (Online fines payments are not accepted.) The cash register closes two hours before the library closing.
The library is not responsible for notifying borrowers of overdue materials. However, the library will send up to three overdue notices (see below) before considering an item lost.
The borrower's library account will be blocked for any overdue or lost materials and/or outstanding library fines or fees, which may prevent the subsequent use of library materials, resources, and services. The University may also place a hold on the borrower's University account for outstanding library materials, fines, or fees.
Contact: Library Circulation
- Brownsville: (956) 882-8221
- Edinburg: (956) 665-2005
- Harlingen: (956) 296-1500
Library Notices
Borrowers are responsible for responding promptly to library notifications of materials coming due and/or overdue. If you are receiving library notifications for materials you have already returned, then please contact the library immediately to place initial the Claims Returned process. Library staff will conduct daily searches in the library for up to 30 days or until it is found. The material remains on the borrower's library account until the item is located. If the item is not found within 30 days, then the borrower will be charged the lost replacement fee. The library will not waive fees for late books found in the library by patrons after receiving the fourth notice (lost item). Refunds will not be issued.
You may wish to refer to our Circulation Policies page for more detailed information.
FAQs
Q: What if my book is overdue, but I still need use it?
A: Contact the Circulation Desk to see if the item can be renewed.
Q: What if I cannot afford to pay my fines or fees?
A: Return materials early or on time to avoid penalties. If you cannot afford to pay your library fines or fees, then please contact the Circulation Desk to make payment arrangements.
Q: What if I received a library notice for materials that I have already returned?
A: If you are receiving library notifications for materials you have already returned, then please contact the library immediately.
Q: What if I did not know the book was overdue?
A: It is the borrower's responsibility to know the due date/time for any library materials, media, or equipment checked out their account. The library recommends confirming due dates/times by checking your Library Card account online or contacting the library Circulation desk by phone or in person.
Course Reserves
Summer 2020: Please note that we are not currently accepting requests for print/physical reserves. Circulating items (books and media equipment) are not available at this time. We want to be mindful of avoiding cross-contamination and help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Please submit your purchase request for an eBook recommendation via the Recommend a Purchase form.
Course Reserves are materials for class assignments that are placed on reserve at the University Library by faculty and teaching assistants. Reserve materials can be found by searching for the course title or by instructor's name via the library catalog.
Borrowing Guidelines for Students
- Course reserve material may be checked out and returned to the first floor service located at the entrance of the Library.
- An institutional photo identification card (UTRGV or TSC ID card) must be presented in person to check out Reserve materials.
- Reserve material is checked out for 2 hours (Library Use Only) or up to one week, as specified by the course instructor.
- Overdue fines accumulate immediately if materials are not returned at the specified time or date, including any part of any hour past the due time.
- Course Reserves cannot be renewed. They must be returned to the Circulation/Reserves desk, where they can be checked out again if no other users are waiting.
- Overdue materials are charged at a rate of $1.00/hour for materials with less than a 1-day checkout, and $1.00/day for checkout periods of 1 day or more.
- Library-Use-Only materials must be used in the library.
- Course materials do not circulate within 1 hour of the library closing and must be returned 1 hour prior to closing.
Guidelines for Faculty/Staff
Instructors may use the online forms to place (physical) materials on reserves.
Course Reserve Request Form for Library-owned Materials
Use this form to submit a request to place library-owned materials on course reserve. This form is submitted electronically to library personnel who will process your request. If you have any questions, please call (956) 882-8221 for the library at the Brownsville campus or (956) 665-2005 for the library at the Edinburg campus.
Faculty may also wish to recommend the purchase of specific library materials to be placed on Course Reserve. In this case, faculty must submit two online forms:
- Complete and submit the Recommend a Purchase request form. Please note that the item is "requested for course reserve" in Additional Information and Comments section of the online form.
- Complete and submit a Course Reserve Request Form for Library-owned Materials. Please note that the item has been "recommended for purchase" in the Special Instructions section of the online form.
Course Reserve Request Form for Personal (Faculty-owned) Materials
If you would like to place physical material on reserve, please fill out the online form. Items should be dropped off at the Circulation Reserves Desk located on the first floor of the University Library. If you have any questions, please call (956) 882-8221 (Brownsville), (956) 665-2005 (Edinburg) or email reserve@utrgv.edu.
Copyright
The Library complies with all applicable copyright laws. By submitting an electronic course reserve request for these materials faculty acknowledges that they have read and agree they are in compliance with U.S. Code: Title 17, section 107 governing fair use. For more information see the Library's Copyright Guide.
No more than two articles from any single issue of a journal per semester. Unless they are available through our licensed databases. The URL must be provided.
The following standards apply to the use of copyrighted works as electronic reserves:
- Inclusion of materials on electronic reserve will be at the request of the course instructor, or his or her designate, for educational purposes only.
- The Library must possess a lawfully obtained copy of any material requested for use as eReserves. Or, the instructor must obtain copyright permission.
- Access to eReserves will be terminated at the end of each semester following final examinations.
- Library staff will investigate whether materials requested as electronic course reserves are available through an online database and will provide stable links to such readings as licensed through the Library's subscription databases.
- The Library will ascertain that the amount of material requested for use as electronic course reserves from any source does not exceed current Fair Use guidelines.
- Book excerpts placed on electronic reserves may not exceed 15% of the total pages in the book (cumulative over the course of the semester).
- No more than two articles from any single issue of a journal per semester. Unless they are available through our licensed databases. The URL must be provided.
FAQs
Q: How can I recommend the library purchase materials for Course Reserves?
A: You can recommend items for purchase by submitting an online request to Recommend A Purchase. If the materials are for course reserves, then be sure to include that information in the "Additional Comments" section of the form.
Q: How will my students be able to access eReserves?
A: Students who are registered for your course will automatically have access via their UTRGV Blackboard accounts. Self Enroll Guide for Blackboard Organizations.
Library Circulation Policies
Hours may vary during the summer, during holidays, and between semesters. A complete listing of Library Hours, with these schedule changes, may be found on the Library's webpage.
Fall and Spring Library Borrowing Privileges
Library privileges are available in Fall and Spring to enrolled students and currently employed faculty/staff.
Summer Library Borrowing Privileges
Library privileges are available in summer to enrolled students and currently employed faculty/staff. The Library also extends summer privileges UTRGV students, who were enrolled for Spring, but who may not be enrolled for the summer sessions.
Borrowing
To borrow material from the UTRGV Library, present your UTRGV or TSC ID card. Your ID card must be presented each time you borrow. There are NO exceptions to this requirement.
You are responsible for all items charged to your record. Borrowers are responsible also for notifying the Library of a change of address and/or phone number.
Notify the Circulation Desk (please refer to the numbers at the top of the page) if your card is lost or stolen.
Library loan periods for all borrowers are subject to change as affected by library hours and ending of semester. Please verify your checkout receipt for actual due dates and/or view your account online.
In order to check books out, you must have no overdue books and materials or fines. If you have an overdue books or materials or unpaid fines, then the Library may place a hold on the student's transcript or employee's separation. All fines must be paid for in full before the hold is removed.
Upon presentation of written authorization and personal identification, borrowers will be allowed to use someone else's UTRGV ID card.
The Circulation department will not hold Library books for patrons overnight. Books can be held at the Circulation department for a maximum of two hours when a patron forgets to bring his/her personal ID card. No other department in the Library is authorized to hold circulating books for patrons.
Course Reserves
Course Reserves are materials for class assignments that are placed on reserve at the University Library by faculty and teaching assistants. Reserve materials can be found by searching for the course title or by instructor's name via the library catalog.
Guidelines for Students
- Course reserve material may be checked out and returned to the first floor service located at the entrance of the Library.
- An institutional photo identification card (UTRGV or TSC ID card) must be presented in person to check out Reserve materials.
- Reserve material is checked out for 2 hours (Library Use Only) or up to one week, as specified by the course instructor.
- Late fees begin to accumulate immediately if materials are not returned at the specified time or date, including any part of any hour past the due time.
- Overdue materials are charged at a rate of $0.50/hour for materials with less than a 24-hour checkout, and $1.00/day for checkout periods greater than 24 hours.
- Library Use Only materials are due back and do not circulate within 1 hour of the library closing.
Guidelines for Faculty/Staff
Instructors may use the online forms to place (physical) materials on reserves.
Library Privacy Policy
Library staff will preserve the confidentiality of patron records. This is in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-579). No information will be given to a third party about the name of another patron who has checked out material. If books or media are checked out, patrons have the right to request that a hold or a recall be placed upon the material, or in special cases, library staff will contact the current borrower to see if the item can be returned early. The only possible exceptions to this policy will be in response to a court order. Requests of this nature should go to the Library Administration.
Lost Books
The hold will be removed once the student has returned the book and paid the fee. Library patrons will be charged a lost book fee determined by Library of Congress Call Number as per UT System Board of Regents. Prices are determined by the Average North American Academic Book prices as listed in the latest edition of the Library and Book Trade Almanac. Book prices will be updated biannually (every even year.) An Additional $15.00 processing fee will be assessed to cover cataloging and processing costs.
Lost Cards
Library patrons who have lost their ID card must notify library personnel immediately so a "lost" hold can be placed on their patron record. Books may not be checked out without a UTRGV ID card. New ID cards may be purchased at the Academic Services Building, room 1.101. Public patrons and TexShare members must also notify library personnel immediately if they have lost their ID card. Since photographs do not appear on these special cards, they may be used by anyone. The cardholder, however, is responsible for all books checked out on his card. When a loss has been reported, a "lost ID" message will be placed on the patron's record and a new card will be issued by the Circulation Department. Thereafter, patron will have to show a picture ID.
Missing Materials
Can't locate a book which has an "Available" status? Go to the Circulation Desk and fill out a missing card. The Circulation staff will conduct daily searches for a period of six months. Once a book is located, you will be contacted and will have two days in which to pick up the book. After the two days, the book will be returned to the collection.
Overdue Materials
Materials are due on the date indicated on the date due receipt. The Library is not responsible for notifying borrowers of overdue materials. Fines on overdue circulating books in stack area is $0.25 per day per book. Fines and fees need to be paid at the Circulation Desk with cash, check or credit card. Fines can be paid by phone if using a credit card. A "hold" will be placed on borrower's record if they have overdue material and/or outstanding fines. A "hold" will prevent a student from obtaining transcripts. If materials are not returned, the Library will send up to three overdue notices. If materials are not returned after the third notice, they are considered "lost" and the borrower will be billed for the lost material. Overdue library notices are sent as a courtesy. The Library is NOT responsible for late or non-delivery of notices. Please advise the Library of a change in your address, or telephone number to avoid not receiving notifications about your account.
Policy by Borrower Category
Undergraduate Students: All enrolled students who present their personal UTRGV ID card, and have no overdue books or outstanding fines, may check out an unlimited number of books for a period of two weeks. Books may be renewed as long as there is not a "hold" on them by another patron.
Doctoral, Graduate and Honor Students: Graduate and Honor students who present their personal UTRGV ID card, and have no overdue books or outstanding fines, may check out an unlimited number of books for a period of one month. After two weeks, these books are subject to recall in by the Circulation staff upon request from another patron. Books may be renewed as long as the patron has no overdue books and/or outstanding fines.
Faculty/Staff: Faculty/Staff who present their personal UTRGV ID card, and have no overdue books, may check out an unlimited number of books for a period of four months. After two weeks, these books are subject to recall by the Circulation staff upon request from another patron. Faculty/Staff must clear with the Library before leaving the University.
Teaching Assistant (Part-Time Faculty): Part-time faculty who present their personal UTRGV ID card, and have no overdue books or outstanding fines, may borrow an unlimited number of books for a period of one month. After two weeks, these books are subject to recall by the Circulation staff upon request from another patron. Books may be renewed as long as the patron has no overdue books or outstanding fines. All books must be returned at the end of their employment contract.
Retired Faculty/Staff: Retired faculty who present their personal UTRGV Retired ID card, and have no overdue books or outstanding fines, may check out an unlimited number of books for a period of four months. After two weeks, these books are subject to recall by the Circulation staff upon request from another patron. Books may be renewed as long as the patron has no overdue books or outstanding fines.
Emeritus Faculty: Emeritus faculty who present their emeritus faculty ID card, and have no overdue books, may check out an unlimited number of books for a period of four months. After two weeks, these books are subject to recall by the Circulation staff upon request from another patron. Books may be renewed as long as the patron has no overdue books.
Community Borrowers (Public Patrons): Members of the general public who are interested in obtaining a UTRGV Public Patron card must be at least 18 years of age with a valid U.S. or state government ID (driver's license, etc.). The annual fee is $25.00. Your Public Patron card must be presented each time you borrow or renew books. Public patrons may borrow up to five books for a period of 30 days. Books may be renewed as long as patron has no overdue or outstanding fines. Borrower will be responsible for all items charged to your card. It is the borrower's responsibility to notify the Circulation Desk (please refer to the numbers at the top of the page) if your card is lost or stolen. Applications are available at the main desks located on the first floor of each library.
TexShare Patrons (faculty and students): You must present a Texas Higher Education TexShare Library card and a photo ID. Upon presentation of required identification, the Circulation department will issue you a UTRGV Library card. Presentation of this card will be required when checking out and/or renewing books. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Cards may be renewed upon presentation of a new TexShare card each semester. Upon presentation of Library card patrons may borrow two books for a period of two weeks and may renew books as long as they have no overdue books or outstanding fines.
TexShare Patrons (faculty and students): You must present a Texas Higher Education TexShare Library card and a photo ID. Upon presentation of required identification, the Circulation department will issue you a UTRGV Library card. Presentation of this card will be required when checking out and/or renewing books. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Cards may be renewed upon presentation of a new TexShare card each semester. Upon presentation of Library card patrons may borrow give books for a period of 30 days and may renew books as long as they have no overdue books or outstanding fines.
TexShare Public: You must present a TexShare public library card and a valid U.S. or state government ID (driver's license, etc.). TexShare cardholder must be 18 years of age or older. Upon presentation of required identification, the Circulation department will issue you a UTRGV Library card. With the issued card, patrons may borrow up to five books for a period of 30 days and may renew books as long as they have no overdue books or outstanding fines. Presentation of this card will be required when checking out and/or renewing books. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Cards may be renewed upon presentation of a new TexShare card.
Visiting Scholar: Visiting Scholars who present their UTRGV ID card, and have no overdue books may check out an unlimited number of books for a period of four months. After two weeks, these books are subject to recall by the Circulation staff upon request from another patron. Books may be renewed as long as the patron has no overdue books. Requestor/Project Manager requesting library privileges for Visiting Scholar will need to fill out and submit the Visiting Scholars Authorization Form.
Renewing Materials
In order to renew material, you must have no overdue books or fines. Materials that have been requested by others may not be renewed.
In-Person Renewal: Present circulating materials at the Circulation Desk.
On-line Renewals: Most materials if not overdue may be renewed on-line through the Library Catalog. To renew items log into your Library Card account and follow instructions. Make sure that the system has successfully renewed the item and observe the new due date. Some materials are not eligible for online renewal.
Phone Renewals: Library materials which are not overdue may be renewed by telephone by calling us (please refer to the numbers at the top of the page).
Requesting Materials
Patron requests are available for library materials located at another campus with an "Available" status. Patron holds are available for items checked out to another patron with a "Date Due" status. You may place a request or hold online using the library catalog, by clicking the "Request" link for the desired item and log into your library account using your UTRGV email address and password. (Please note: Not all items in the catalog offer the request feature including library use only and electronic materials.)
IMPORTANT: This is not an on-demand or rush service. Please allow time for items to be retrieved by library staff (usually 12-24 hours) and for intercampus mail delivery when items are located at other campus libraries (usually 2-3 days). Patron requests for library materials are paged daily Monday – Friday. Therefore, if you require items urgently, we recommend that you travel in person to the library where the materials are located in order to retrieve them personally for check out.
- Only online requests will be accepted. Requests are not accepted by telephone, email, or on a walkup basis.
- All borrowers with current checkout privileges are eligible to use this service. View your library account for any outstanding fines or overdue books before placing your requests.
- Your UTRGV (or TSC) ID is required for pick up and check out of requested materials.
- Requests cannot exceed five (5) items. If more than 5 items are needed, then we recommend that you travel in person to the library where they are located to check out the material.
- Non-circulating items are not eligible for request, such as course reserve items, electronic devices, and Archives and Special Collections material.
- If the item you need cannot be located within the library or its collections, then you may contact the Interlibrary Loan Department to request the book from another lending library.
Returning Materials
Books should be returned to the Circulation Desk bookdrop located at the right hand side of the counter, or the outside bookdrop located on the north side entrance of the Library. Books may also be returned to the Circulation Desk in person. Audio visual material must be returned to 3rd floor service desk. Upon request, Circulation staff will print out a receipt for returned material. Borrowers are responsible for Library material until it is checked in at the Circulation Desk. Borrowers are also responsible for responding promptly to Library notices. If you returned your Library material but are still receiving overdue notices, contact the Library immediately and ask the Library staff to search for the book. Library staff will search for the book every day for six months or until it is found; in the meantime, the material is still checked out in the borrower's name, and the borrower remains responsible for the book. We will not waive fees for late books found in the Library by patrons after receiving the fourth notice (billed status).
TexShare Cards
The TexShare Library Card Program
The TexShare Library Card Program provides free reciprocal borrowing privileges to currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff of Texas colleges and universities and participating public libraries. The intent of the program is to promote and facilitate direct access to information among the TexShare Library communities.
Obtaining a TexShare Card
Individuals requesting TexShare cards must be currently enrolled and/or employed by the University. Individuals with overdue books and/or outstanding fees will need to settle their account before they can participate in this Program. TexShare cards issued to faculty and staff members expire August 31 of the current fiscal year. TexShare cards issued to students are valid for the current semester. Cards can be obtained at the Circulation Desk on the First Floor. Take your TexShare card and a photo ID to another TexShare institution in order to receive borrowing privileges at the institution. If you have overdue books checked out on your TexShare card, the UTRGV Library will place a hold on your academic record.
Responsibilities of TexShare Borrowers
You must present a Texas Higher Education TexShare Library card and a photo ID. Upon presentation of required identification, the Circulation department will issue you a UTRGV Library card. Presentation of this card will be required when checking out and/or renewing books. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Cards may be renewed upon presentation of a new TexShare card each semester. Upon presentation of Library card, patrons may borrow five books for a period of 30 days and may renew books as long as they have no overdue books or outstanding fines.