Library Circulation
Wisconsin residents and current students and employees of the University of Wisconsin System may borrow Library materials in person. The Library accepts UW System photo ID cards as well as borrowing cards issued by UW-Madison’s Memorial Library.
A free WHS Library card is available to Wisconsin residents who are not eligible for a UW card and do not wish to obtain a Memorial Library card. Applications for the WHS card are available at the Library Circulation Desk, and the signup process takes about five minutes.
When you apply for a card, please be ready to present identification that verifies your identity (i.e. photo ID) and your current Wisconsin address. If you do not possess a Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID that bears your current Wisconsin address, a combination of photo ID and other proof of current Wisconsin address (checkbook, utility bill, lease) is acceptable.
Patrons who are neither residents of Wisconsin nor current UW System students or employees may not borrow materials in person. If you are not a Wisconsin resident but wish to borrow circulating items, please visit Interlibrary Loan.
WHS Library cards expire annually on June 30, and must be renewed in person. They are valid only for borrowing WHS materials. A borrowing card is not required for in-library use of materials, including pamphlets, unbound periodicals and microforms.
Many books, bound periodicals, microforms and government publications may be checked out for home use. Rare, fragile, small (under 50 pages) and heavily used materials (including genealogical resources) do not circulate.
Loan Policies
WHS cardholders: Materials eligible for home use may be checked out for 28 days as follows:
- At the Circulation Desk
Books, pamphlets, bound periodicals and print government publications
- In the Microforms Room
Microfilm, microfiche (including government publications fiche) and microcards
UW ID cardholders: Loan periods vary according to the type of card you have. Click here to see a chart describing the loan periods for UW cardholders. (This link will take you outside the WHS website.)
Recalls
All loans except reserves are subject to recall by another borrower. Patrons whose loan is recalled are separately notified of the new due date and have at least 14 days from the original checkout date to use material before a recall comes due. Borrowing privileges are suspended if a recalled item is not returned by its new due date.
Renewals
Many loans can be renewed, either online or by calling 608-264-6534. To renew Microforms Room loans, call 608-264-6536.
Overdue Items and Fines
Borrowers with overdue materials are notified one day after the item’s due date, by postal or email, and if necessary two weeks after that. Each borrower is responsible for keeping the Library notified of his or her current postal and/or email address. If a loan reaches 28 days overdue, a bill is sent for $95.00 per item ($80.00 replacement charge + $15.00 late fine). For each late item returned after the bill is issued, the amount owed is reduced to $15.00. Additional charges may be assessed on items returned with damage.
Items on course reserve are fined by the hour or day, depending on the loan period.
For More Information, Contact:
Circulation Department
Wisconsin Historical Society
816 State St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 264-6534
email:askcirculation@wisconsinhistory.org
|
