You can borrow books, films, and other library items from JHU’s collection and from other libraries using your J-Card. You can pick up most materials at any JHU library.
Search for books, music, films, and more from JHU and other libraries
MSEL, Brody, and the HUT are open with modified hours and services. Reservations are required for QRR seats, study rooms, and printers. Many materials and services are accessible online.
Search for books, music, films, and more from JHU and other libraries
Search for scholarly articles using a database or Google Scholar. Databases require JHED login.
Search the list of databases available through Johns Hopkins
Get started by using subject guides compiled by our librarians
You can borrow books, films, and other library items from JHU’s collection and from other libraries using your J-Card. You can pick up most materials at any JHU library.
Borrow Direct offers JHU users access to the library collections of partner universities. Once you’ve requested materials, expect them within 2 to 3 weeks. As libraries rejoin the lending network, we expect quicker turnaround times.
Requests for Interlibrary Loan electronic articles continue to be fulfilled. Delays in borrowing may occur. Requests for physical materials may still be submitted, but will only be filled if a digital copy is available. Contact ill@jhu.edu with questions about requests.
For info on how to return books, check the Returning to Research page.
Any questions about books or materials you have checked out can be directed to circmail@jhu.edu.
Johns Hopkins students, faculty, and staff may request and pick up books from the Milton S. Eisenhower Library. Turnaround time for this service will take approximately 2 weeks.
Please send any questions or feedback to circmail@jhu.edu.
Search for the item in Catalyst
If not available, then check BorrowDirect
Library items are retrieved from the stacks for pickup at various locations. JHED login required.
Items that show a location of Libraries Service Center (LSC) are held offsite and are available upon request through Catalyst. Print items are often ready for checkout within 24 hours. Scans of articles, chapters, and microform may be requested through Interlibrary Services.
The fastest and most efficient way to find books not available through JHU.
Search and request books and AV materials from libraries in the “Ivy Plus” network, which includes Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, Harvard, JHU, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, University of Chicago, UPenn, and Yale. Expect delivery in 3-5 business days. JHED login required.
Find articles, books, and other library items not owned by JHU or the BorrowDirect schools. Requests are sent out to libraries worldwide. Expect delivery in 2-4 weeks. JHED login required.
We will retrieve and deliver material owned by the Eisenhower Library for faculty, senior staff, graduate students and students with disabilities on the Homewood Campus.
Physical items on reserve for classes are not available for online request or recall. They are checked out on a first come first serve basis at the M-Level Service Desk. Please have the call number ready upon arrival. See Course Readings for more information.
Overdue items are subject to fines.
We lend Mac/Apple computer and phone chargers, micro-USB chargers, HDMI cables, and headphones on a first come first serve basis at the M-Level Service Desk.
Request use of DVDs, Blu-Rays, International DVDs, VHS tapes, CDs, microfilm, and microfiche through Catalyst.
The library has equipment compatible with all of these formats in the viewing rooms on MSEL A-level. Instructors may reserve rooms for class viewings. Access access for all others is available on first-come, first-served basis by asking at the M-Level Service Desk.
Who can borrow library items and for how long?
Students/Staff/Hopkins affiliates: 16 weeks with unlimited renewals.
Faculty: Fixed to June 30th with unlimited renewals.
Other Users: 6 weeks with 2 renewals. 50 item limit.
Payment accepted via cash and check. If a student fine is more than $10, the fine is transferred to Student Accounts. For more information, see the Fine Payment FAQ.
Come to the M-Level Service desk during business hours to request a borrowing card. Includes onsite access to digital resources. Limit of 50 items.
Homewood alumni can purchase library privileges at a discounted rate of $100 for access to Eisenhower and LSC materials and $200 for access to materials at all Hopkins libraries. Payment accepted via cash and check.
Spouses and dependents age 18-26 of current Hopkins students, faculty, staff, and retirees can request privileges at no cost. Photo ID required.
Present retiree card to continue the same employee privileges.
Come to the M-Level Service desk during business hours to request a borrowing card. Includes onsite access to digital resources. Limit of 50 items.
Members of the public can purchase privileges for an annual fee of $200. Payment accepted via cash and check.
Eligible for privileges for the length of class enrollment. Must present contract letter or proof of enrollment.
Reciprocal borrowing agreements exist with some local universities and non-profit organizations. Email circmail@jhu.edu for more information.
Current students, faculty, and staff of Borrow Direct libraries receive other users level borrowing privileges free of charge. Log in to home Borrow Direct account required.
For in-person questions, please visit the MSEL M-Level Service Desk during regular business hours.
Service Desk
circmail@jhu.edu
410-516-8370
Interlibrary Loan
ill@jhu.edu
410-516-8910
Eisenhower Express
express@jhu.edu
410-516-5358