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Online Education: Borrow from Himmelfarb Library

Shipping

Himmelfarb Library is pleased to provide shipping service to students who are enrolled in online classes offered in the SMHS, GWSPH, or SON, and who live outside the 20037 and 20052 zip codes. This service is not available to students who are out of town for a rotation, externship, etc.

Request your item(s)

  1. Search Health Information @ Himmelfarb to identify each item you'd like to borrow.
    • Select Himmelfarb Catalog from the drop-down menu to be sure that print items are included in your search.
    • Login via the link in the upper right so that the Delivery Request form link displays.
  2. Use the Delivery Request form to request these items: 
  3. We will notify you by email when your request has been filled.

Returning

  • To return items, ship to:  

Himmelfarb Library Circulation Department
George Washington University
2300 Eye St. NW
Washington, DC 20037

  • You may use USPS, UPS, or FedEx; we recommend USPS and that you insure the shipment.
  • You are responsible for the cost of shipping the books back to Himmelfarb Library.

Renewals

  • You may renew items twice, as long no one else has placed a hold on them.
  • Please see Renewals for instructions on renewing items.

Need assistance?

Contact:

Circulation Department
Location: First floor of the Himmelfarb Library
Phone: (202) 994-2962
Email: mlbcir@gwu.edu

Frequently Asked Questions: Shipping

Who is eligible?  

  • This service is available to students who are enrolled in online classes offered in the SMHS, GWSPH, or SON.
  • This service is not available to students who are out of town for a rotation, externship, etc.
  • Himmelfarb Library ships to addresses in the United States.

What materials are eligible?  

  • Books from our borrowing collection that are located in Himmelfarb Library may be shipped.  
  • Books requested via CLS or ILL may also be shipped.
  • AV materials, such as DVDs and CDs, are not eligible, nor are items in the Reference and Reserve collections.  
  • Equipment, such as laptops and camcorders, are not eligible to be shipped.
  • Print journals may not be shipped, although copies of individual articles will be sent upon request.  For information on obtaining articles, access Documents2Go, Himmelfarb’s document delivery service.

How are requests made?

  1. Search Health Information @ Himmelfarb to identify each item you'd like to borrow.
  2. Use the Delivery Request form to request these items.
  3. We will notify you by email when your request has been filled.

How many items maximum can be requested?  

  • The limit is 5 items per user.  
  • If a multi-volume set is requested, each volume counts as one item.

What is the checkout period?

  • These items will have an extended due date.  To accommodate the time in shipping, the checkout period will be 30 days rather than the usual 3 weeks.  
  • Returned items should be postmarked by the due date.

How does Himmelfarb ship books and what does it cost?

  • Himmelfarb ships books via USPS, and assumes the cost of shipping.
  • Himmelfarb Library ships to addresses in the United States.

How long will it take for materials to arrive (i.e. delivery time)?  

  • Deliveries should arrive within 7 days of the request.

How do I return books and what does it cost?  

  • We will send you a slip with our return address along with the items you receive; use that address when shipping items back.
  • You may use USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
  • You are responsible for the cost of shipping the books back to Himmelfarb Library.

What if a book being returned to Himmelfarb gets lost in transit?  

  • The borrower assumes liability for items being returned that are lost in transit.  
  • If the borrower returns items via the USPS, we advise that they insure the package.  With proof of insurance, the borrower is not responsible for items USPS loses during shipping.

What are the possible overdue fines?  

  • Daily fines do not accrue on circulating books. At 41 days past the due date, however, the patron will be assessed overdue, item replacement, and processing fees totaling $120.

What if a book is lost/damaged/stolen while in my possession?  

  • If a Himmelfarb Library item becomes lost or stolen while in your possession, you are responsible for paying replacement/processing/overdue  fees.
  • In some cases, a portion of the fines will be forgiven if there is documentation of theft.
  • If a book is damaged while in your possession, you are responsible for paying repair or replacement costs for each item, plus a $25.00 processng fee per item.
  • Contact the Circulation Desk Manager at (202) 994-1829 if you have questions or require further information.

How can I pay for overdue / lost / stolen / damaged items?

  • Please contact the Circulation Desk at (202) 994-2962 to arrange payment.
  • You may pay fines and fees with a credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard).

How can I place holds?  

  1. Hold requests may be made:
    • Online by logging into your library account with your GW UserID and password. (The login prompt is located near the upper right corner of the window.)
    • Over the phone by calling 202-994-2962.
    • In person at the Circulation Desk.
  2. You will be notified by e-mail when the item is returned. Please be sure to supply contact information when placing holds.
  3. Items will be available for pickup at the Circulation Desk for 7 days after notification.
  4. If not picked up after 7 days, the item will be returned to the shelf or made available to the next requestor.

How can I renew items?

  1. Regular books and AV materials may be renewed twice as long as there is not a hold on that item and your record is in good standing. You can renew items:
    • Online by logging into your library account with your GW UserID and password. (The login prompt is located near the upper right corner of the window.)
    • Over the phone by calling 202-994-2962.
    • In person at the Circulation Desk.
  2. Renewed items circulate for 3 weeks from the date of renewal.
  3. Journals and Reserve materials cannot be renewed.