UNCW Students

We encourage your use of all library materials, facilities, and reference services. Please inquire at the Library Help Desk for assistance in using the Library's resources and services.

How to borrow materials

Students currently enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington may borrow materials by presenting their valid UNCW OneCard.

Please note that admitted students do not have borrowing privileges or access to electronic resources until the start of the term they are enrolling in.  

When borrowing library materials, please observe the following:

  • Bring your UNCW OneCard.
  • Borrowing privileges are not transferable, with one exception. High school students enrolled in grades 9-12 may be added as an authorized user to an adult parent's or guardian's borrower's card. By sponsoring their child, the parent or guardian assumes responsibility for the return of all materials and the payment of any charges assessed for damage or over dues. To check out materials, the high school student must present their parent's or guardian's borrower card and their high school identification card or driver's license at the Library Help Desk.
  • You are responsible for items borrowed until returned to the Library and lost or damaged materials will be billed.
     

Graduate and Undergraduate students have no limit on the number of books that may be checked out from the General Collection and Children’s Collection.  

Items from Videos, Music, Audiobooks and New & Popular Collections are limited to 7 items checked out at any one time, in any combination (for example 4 videos, 3 music CDs).

Loan period:

  • 28 days from the General Collection
  • 28 days for books from the New & Popular Collection
  • 7 days from DVDs/Media
     

Renewals

You may renew materials online by logging into your account.

Overdue, Damage, and Replacement Charges

  1. If items are not renewed or returned by the due date, a replacement charge will be added to your account for items that are at least 14 days overdue.  
  2. The bill will include the replacement charge and a $15 non-refundable processing fee per item.  
  3. If an item is returned after being billed, the replacement charge will be removed, but the $15 non-refundable fee will remain. (this is pre-transfer)
  4. 30 days after initial billing, the charge will be transferred to the student’s account in the Cashier’s Office.
  5. After the charge is transferred to the Cashier’s Office, if the item is returned within 60 days after being transferred, the replacement cost will be credited to the student’s account, but the $15 non-refundable lost item process fee will remain.
  6. After 60 days (post transfer) there can be no item return for waiver/credit of the replacement charge.

UNCW students will have their library borrowing privileges blocked when:

  • Their debt for UNCW Library materials exceeds $100.00
  • Their debt for borrowing from UNC system libraries or interlibrary loan transactions exceeds $50.00.
  • Only charges that are transferred to the Cashier’s Office will place a block registration and must be paid at the Cashier’s Office before you will be allowed to register for the following semester, to graduate, or to receive transcripts.
  • Payment for library fines or fees that have NOT been transferred to the Cashier’s Office may be made by personal check (made out to UNCW), cash (exact change only), or by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover at the Library Help Desk in Randall Hall during operating hours.
     

Returning Library Materials

Library materials may be returned in person anytime the library is open for business. There are also two outside book drops that are available 24/7. One book drop is free standing and located in the Library parking lot (Library Lot) on the library's north side off Randall Dr. The second outdoor book drop is an in-building drop and located on the library's south side, facing the ponds.

MakerStudio Equipment Returns 

MakerStudio equipment must be returned directly to MakerStudio staff during open hours whenever possible. After hours, approved items may be returned to the designated MakerStudio return locker located outside the space. Before using the locker, users must follow the posted return instructions to ensure proper check-in.

All MakerStudio items are thoroughly inspected upon return. Borrowers are responsible for ensuring that all components are included and in good condition. Missing items, damage, or improper returns may result in replacement charges or additional fees.

Find information on returning items to the MakerStudio.

 

Questions about using the library? Please contact us. Questions about this policy may be sent to rlcirculation@uncw.edu.

Reviewed June 2026.