Can't find what you need?
The Swem Library Circulation Department's mission is to ensure that all library patrons find the materials they need in the proper location, quickly and easily, and that they receive knowledgeable and friendly assistance in all circulation functions. If you have questions about circulation policies or your circulation record, you may call the Circulation Department at 757-221-3072, e-mail your question to swcirc@wm.edu, or contact the Circulation Manager at 757-221-3058.
For loan periods, limits, and fines please see our Borrowing Privileges Charts.
The William and Mary ID card serves as the library card for W&M students, staff, and faculty. For other patrons, please see our Mission (above) about library use and our information on Library Cards for Visitors.
These cards may be used to check out circulating materials either at the Circulation Desk or at our self-check out machine, located adjacent to the Circulation Desk, and as debit cards to make photocopies on photocopiers and microfilm reader-printers and to pay library fines and fees.
Permission for students to check out materials for faculty:
If you would like your student assistants to check out library materials for you, please fill out and sign both halves of our Permission for Students to Check Out Materials for Faculty/Staff form.
To check out materials for you, your studen assistants will need to present the signed permission forms and their student ID cards.
Need to RENEW a book?
Need to RETURN a book?
Have you checked out a book that is OVERDUE, LOST, or DAMAGED?
To see a list of the items that you have checked out, your hold or recall requests, and messages about off-site items you requested, visit either Swem's home page or the Library Catalog web page and click on My Account. Enter your Library ID and your Library PIN. These numbers are defined on the What's My Library ID & PIN? web pages.
For your privacy and protection, we recommend that you change your Library PIN. Follow the instructions above for checking My Account, then click on User PIN Change.
The confidentiality of your borrowing records is protected by Virginia state law which prohibits library staff from releasing the names of borrowers of specific library materials. For details, please see Swem Library's Confidentiality Policy.
So that Swem Library can ensure return of its materials and payment of fines and fees, the College needs access to patrons' social security numbers. However, the library's list of borrowers, their social security numbers, and any associated records are protected by privacy laws and from authorized use.
