Borrowing Library Material

Borrowing Policies

Eligible library users may borrow library material from the 4th floor library service desk in the Medical Education building.

A current Tufts University ID or Tufts Medical Center ID is required to check out materials.

Policies and Restrictions

Tufts Medical Center staff must register with the library in order to gain access to resources.

Materials may be recalled if not returned on time. Any infractions of borrowing policies will result in temporary suspension to borrowing privileges. Overdue items will be considered lost and a replacement fee will be charged unless the item is returned. All patrons must adhere to our borrowing policies.

Items Available for Checkout and Loan Periods

Items are available for checkout and may be found using JumboSearch:

Anatomical Models

Loan Period: 4 hours
Checkout Limit: 1 item
Renewals: Once, if no demand
Overnight Checkout: None
Weekend Checkout: None

Books, Media, and Leisure Reading

Loan Period: 4 weeks
Checkout Limit: unlimited, if in good standing
Renewals: Twice, if no holds
Overnight Checkout: N/A
Weekend Checkout: N/A

Course Reserves (Textbooks)

Loan Period: 4 hours
Checkout Limit: 2 items
Renewals: Once, if no demand
Overnight Checkout: Permitted after 4pm on weekdays, returned 9am next day
Weekend Checkout: Permitted after 4pm on Fridays, returned 9am on Monday

Technology

Loan Period: 4 hours
Checkout Limit: 1 item
Renewals: Twice, if no demand
Overnight Checkout: None
Weekend Checkout: None

  • Equipment Borrowing Agreement must be signed before use.
  • No equipment will be loaned 1 hour before closing.
  • Never leave equipment unattended.
  • Users must adhere to all University Policies: https://it.tufts.edu/univ-pol
  • Users must not violate any Digital Copyright Laws
  • Tufts University is not responsible for any files left on laptops.
  • The installation of file sharing software is not allowed.
  • Item will be assumed lost if not returned by closing on the day borrowed.
  • The borrower will be charged for damage or loss of item.

For more information on how to renew your library items, visit the Renewing Materials page.

Current and older print journals are for library use only out but scanning is available.

Checking Out Library Books

We have two ways to check out books at Hirsh Health Sciences Library:

Option 1 - Library Service Desk

Come by the Library Service Desk to check out books during business hours.

Option 2 - MeeScan (Self-Checkout)
  1. When at the Library, download the app from the App Store or Google Play 
  2. Scan the barcode on your Tufts University ID (starts with 29090) or log in with your Tufts University username and password
  3. After finding a book in our collection, tap the plus sign (+) and scan the Tufts Library book barcode (found inside front, first page or so, top right corner and it starts with 39090)

Book Pickup

Students, faculty, and staff are able to request books from any Tufts library to be picked up at Hirsh Library during the Medical Education building open hours.

Requesting Books

Search for and request books through JumboSearch and choose a pickup location. When the request is fulfilled, you’ll get an email saying the book is available for pickup. Other Tufts libraries may have different pick-up procedures, so if you choose to pick up at a different library, you may want to contact them for information. 

How to Pickup your Books

Books requested to pick up at Hirsh Library will be available at the Library Service Desk for check out and pick up. You will have a week to pick up your item.

Renewing Books

You can renew your books twice by logging into your library account or contacting us. If you do not pick up your books within a week, they will get checked back in and returned to the owning library. If you have any questions, need to make alternative arrangements, or no longer need the books you have requested, please contact us!

Borrowing Books by Mail

You may also choose to have a book from a Tufts library be mailed to you.

Borrowing by Mail

Find the book you want using JumboSearch. Once you have located your book, select 'Request Item' (you will need to log in to see the Request Item button). Using the dropdown arrow under 'Pickup Location', select 'Home Address'.

Each Tufts library has their own mail policies. Please refer to the specific library for instructions.

Restrictions

Mail delivery of Hirsh books is limited to the United States. 

If you are not in the United States, please email us at hhslcirc@tufts.edu to discuss your needs.

Returning Library Books

Returning Books To Hirsh Library

If you are on campus, please return your books to the Library Service Desk. If the Desk is closed, please put the books in the book return bin to the left of the Library Service Desk, next to the elevator.

Returning Books to a Nearby Tufts Library

You may also return books to the other Tufts Libraries: Tisch LibraryGinn LibraryMusic.

Please check their website or contact them to confirm their return policy.

Returning Books by Mail

If you are away from campus, you may also mail the books back to us at the address below. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

Shipping Address:

Tufts University
Hirsh Health Sciences Library MEB 610
37 Tyler Street
Boston, MA 02111

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Request books, chapters, articles, theses, and other material not available in the Hirsh Health Sciences Library collection through ILL.  Learn more about Interlibrary Loan.