Borrowing Policy
Who can borrow items from the Library?
Active faculty, faculty emeriti, students, and staff with a valid Wheaton ID may borrow materials from
Library collections in person.
While in the building, guests and alumni are welcome to access our physical collection. To check out an item, please register for a guest account with a current photo ID at the Information Desk in the
Atrium.
How long can I keep my items?
Students
- Most circulating items (books and DVDs) are due the last day of finals each semester regardless of when they are checked out and can be renewed once.
- Course reserves can be borrowed for 2 hours and cannot be renewed.
- Items in the New Books Area can be borrowed for 90 days and cannot be renewed.
- Items from the board game collection can be borrowed for 7 days.
- Chargers and dongles can be borrowed for 4 hours.
- GoPros, the button maker, tripods, and other equipment can be borrowed for 7 days.
Most items that you check out from Wallace Library’s collection can be renewed once through
your library account as long as another user has not placed a hold on the item. After that, you have to return an item to the library before checking it out again.
Interlibrary Loan items are due on the date indicated on the label on the front of the item. You can request a renewal in your library account or by emailing
ill@wheatoncollege.edu. All renewals for Interlibrary Loan items are subject to approval by the lending library.
Faculty, Faculty Emeriti, and Staff
- Most circulating items (books and DVDs) are due the last day of finals each semester regardless of when they are checked out and can be renewed 3 times.
- Course reserves can be borrowed for 2 hours and cannot be renewed.
- Items in the New Books Area can be borrowed for 90 days and cannot be renewed.
- Items from the board game collection can be borrowed for 7 days.
- Chargers and dongles can be borrowed for 4 hours.
- GoPros, the button maker, tripods, and other equipment can be borrowed for 7 days.
Most items that you check out from Wallace Library’s collection can be renewed three times through
your library account as long as another user has not placed a hold on the item. After that, you have to return an item to the library before checking it out again. Course reserves and items in the New Books Area cannot be renewed.
Interlibrary Loan items are due on the date indicated on the label on the front of the item. You can request a renewal in your library account or by emailing
ill@wheatoncollege.edu. All renewals for Interlibrary Loan items are subject to approval by the lending library.
Alumni and Guests
Alumni and guests may check out up to five items (books, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records) for 28 days. Any item you check out can be renewed three times as long as another user has not placed a hold on the item. To renew, please email
discovery_access@wheatoncollege.edu or call 508-286-3700.
What happens if I don’t return my items on time or I lose or damage an item?
Students
For most circulating items, you will receive automated notifications from the library system before the item’s due date, on the item’s due date, and when the item is two days overdue. If you have not returned the item within 7 days of its due date, your borrowing privileges will be blocked. You will receive an email notification of this block. Once you return the overdue items, your borrowing privileges will be reinstated.
When you borrow items with shorter borrowing periods (2 hours to 7 days), you will receive similar automated notifications about the item’s due date and time. If you do not return the items within seven days of their due date and time, your borrowing privileges will be blocked. You will receive an email notification of this block. Once you return the overdue items, your borrowing privileges will be reinstated.
If you have lost or damaged an item, please email us at discovery_access@wheatoncollege.edu or visit the Information Desk between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on weekdays. We will work with you to resolve the issue and reinstate your borrowing privileges. Intentional damage of library materials may incur repair or replacement fees at the discretion of library personnel. Lost or damaged interlibrary loan items will incur the repair or replacement fee set by the lending library.
Faculty, Faculty Emeriti, and Staff
For most circulating items, you will receive automated notifications from the library system before the item’s due date, on the item’s due date, and when the item is two days overdue. If you have not returned the item within seven days of its due date, your borrowing privileges will be blocked. You will receive an email notification of this block. Once you return the overdue items, your borrowing privileges will be reinstated.
When you borrow items with shorter borrowing periods (2 hours to 7 days), you will receive similar automated notifications about the item’s due date and time. If you have not returned the item within seven days of its due date, your borrowing privileges will be blocked. You will receive an email notification of this block. Once you return the overdue items, your borrowing privileges will be reinstated.
If you have lost or damaged an item, please email us at discovery_access@wheatoncollege.edu or visit the Information Desk between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on weekdays. We will work with you to resolve the issue and reinstate your borrowing privileges. Intentional damage of library materials may incur repair or replacement fees at the discretion of library personnel. Lost or damaged interlibrary loan items will incur the repair or replacement fee set by the lending library.
Alumni and Guests
You will receive automated notifications from the library system before the item’s due date, on the item’s due date, and when the item is two days overdue. If you have not returned the item within 7 days of its due date, your borrowing privileges will be blocked. You will receive an email notification of this block.
If you lose or damage an item, please email us at discovery_access@wheatoncollege.edu or visit the Information Desk between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on weekdays. Lost or intentionally damaged items may result in a loss of borrowing privileges.
This policy was last reviewed August 28, 2026.
