Renewal limits

Many library items may be renewed but once the renewal 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

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

Online

Books may be renewed online within 14 days of the item's due date. Log into My Account to see the items you have checked out. 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.

Media items can be renewed online once; after that, the item must be brought into the library for renewal.

In person

You can always renew items in person. In-person renewals are required if you've reached the maximum number of renewals allowed online. Be sure to bring the material with you.

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 prior to the item 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, via email or by 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, via email or by 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.