Return Materials

Campus library users may return UW-Madison library books, including those borrowed via Interlibrary Loan, to a campus library other than the one from which they were borrowed. A list of Open Return libraries may be found here.

However, the following materials must be returned directly to the library from which they were borrowed:

• Reserve items
• Items with loan periods of 7 days or less
• Journals/periodicals (bound or unbound)
• Fragile materials (items prone to damage if dropped in a return bin)

Returning course reserves

Course reserves items have a 1-day loan period. Return course reserves materials to the same library that loaned them.

Quarantine practices

Some materials returned will be quarantined for 1 – 7 days. This means that returned items may stay on your record for a period of time due to quarantining and processing.You will receive an email return receipt for each non-equipment item as it is removed from your library account. Note that overdue fines generated during an item’s quarantine will be waived.

Returning recalled items

Recalled items should also be returned to the library from which they were borrowed in order to avoid a potential fine. If you have a recalled item and it is overdue, a block will be placed on your account.

Mailing items

Items may be returned via postal service to the address below. It is recommended that items be insured before sending via USPS, as patrons are responsible for materials until they reach the library. Please note that item replacement fees begin at $100.00.

Memorial Library, Room 166
728 State Street
Madison, WI 53706