Library Policies, Guidelines and Procedures

Who can check out materials from the UNK Library?

UNK students, faculty and staff, Nebraska residents age 18 and older, and members of other Nebraska educational institutions may borrow library materials.

What do I need to check out materials?

UNK students, faculty and staff must present a valid ID card issued by the University. Students and faculty of other Nebraska institutions must present a valid ID card issued by their institution to obtain a special borrower card. Community users must present a valid picture ID issued by the State of Nebraska to obtain a special borrower card. Special borrower cardholders are limited to checking out three items at one time (periodicals excluded). ID cards are not transferable. Borrowers are responsible for all library materials checked out in their name.

How long can items be checked out?

More details can be found on Library Loan Periods and Due Dates.

Can I renew materials?

Renewals depend on the type of material.  In general, items checked out for an entire semester can be renewed once.  DVDs and other non-print media can be renewed once.  For information on laptops and other equipment, go to Software & Technology and read the Equipment User Agreement Form.  Interlibrary loan materials, materials that have been renewed once already, and items that have a hold or recall placed on them cannot be renewed.

Items can be renewed by:

• requesting at the front desk,
• calling the front desk at 308-865-8599, or
• renewing using your library account.

Where do I return materials?

Library material (other than laptops and equipment) can be returned to the front desk or the outside book drop.  Laptops and other equipment must be returned to the front desk.

For more detailed information about these and other topics, read the following pages.

Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures for the Lending of Library Materials

The following policies, guidelines, and procedures have been established to govern the lending of library materials.  The staff of the Calvin T. Ryan Library reserves the right to add, delete, or modify all or portions of these policies, guidelines and procedures. The effective date of these policies, guidelines and procedures is 8-19-2025.

Confidentiality of Circulation Records

No name, address, or other information concerning a borrower contained in any circulation records will be revealed to other persons except under conditions as stated in Calvin T. Ryan Library’s “Privacy of Circulation Records Policy.”