Renewal limits

Library items may be renewed multiple times, but once the limit is reached, the item must be returned before it can be checked out again. Items that are on reserve or whose loan period is three days or less cannot be renewed. Renewal limits on media materials and equipment vary by library.

Renewal methods

Books may be renewed any of four ways: online, in person, via email, or by phone.

Online: Within 14 days of an item's due date, you can renew it online.

• Log into My Account. You'll see your list of checked out items. Select the ones you want to renew, then click Renew Items. When the page refreshes, you'll see a column with the new due dates.
• Only faculty may renew media items online and only once; after that, the item must be brought into the library for renewal.

In person: You can always renew items in person, but in-person renewals are required under the following circumstances:

• To renew items from the Media & Microtext Center (faculty only may do first renewals of media online)
• If you've reached the maximum number of renewals allowed online using My Account (if so, be sure to bring the item with you)
• For institutional borrowers (bring one coupon for each book you wish to renew)
• If you're a faculty member renewing a media item for a second time

Email: Policies on email renewal vary by library, so be sure the individual library accepts email requests. In general, you may renew by email in two ways:

• Reply to the reminder email you receive that tells you an item is coming due. Request that the item be renewed.
• Email the library where you borrowed the item, requesting it be renewed. Include your Stanford ID number or library barcode number and the barcode number for the items you wish to renew.

Phone: Many libraries accept renewal requests over the phone; consult the library for its policy on phone renewals.

Blocked from renewing?

If your record is blocked for any reason, you can’t renew books online or via email or phone. Check My Account to see why you are blocked. You must clear your account (often by returning overdue items or paying fines) before you can renew or borrow more items. See Suspended privileges for more information.

Items recalled from you cannot be renewed. Instead, return the item by the recall due date to make the material available to others in the Stanford community (and to avoid fines).

Items requested by another user to be held cannot be renewed. Holds on items do not shorten the due date, but they do prevent the item from being renewed. Return the item to the library by the due date. If you need to use the item again, you can request a hold be placed for you.  Speak to a staff member at the circulation desk.

Billed items cannot be renewed online or via email or phone. After you receive a replacement fine and $5.00 billing fee for the item, you must return it to the library. Speak with a staff member at the circulation desk if you would like to pursue re-checking out the item.