• UW Home
• Directories
• Maps
• MyUW

Log into Your Library Account

Map Collection & Cartographic Information Services Unit

• Map Collection Home 
• Hours & Location 
• About Us  
• Using the Collection 
• Map Resources 
• Quick Links 
• Maps in the News 
• Map Collection & Cartographic Information Services
  Suzzallo Library
  Box 352900
  University of Washington
  Seattle, WA 98195
  206.543.4164
  maplib@u.washington.edu

Checking Out and Handling Cartographic Materials

In most cases, you must have a current University of Washington identification card to borrow materials. Consult the UW Libraries Services page to learn more about the Libraries' services or to administer your borrowing account online.

What Can Be Checked Out
Who Can Check Things Out
Loan Periods and Renewals
Loan Guidelines
Material Handling Guidelines

---

What Can Be Checked Out

Most books, maps, air photos and digital products may be checked out from the Map Collection. All materials that do not circulate are stamped "Non-Circulating."

The following materials do NOT circulate:

• Most materials published before 1960.
• Aerial photographs in mylar (this includes the 1944 photos)
• Items encapsulated in Mylar, regardless of the year they were published.
• Reference materials, including gazetteers.
• Selected copies of GIS software manuals.
• Popular CD-ROMs.
• Materials that are especially large, unwieldy or fragile.

Who Can Check Things Out

If you are a student, faculty, or staff, please consult the UW Libraries circulation policies. If you are a visitor, please consult Borrowing Information for Visitors for UW Libraries' latest policies.

Loan Periods and Renewals

The loan period for most circulating items depends on the borrower's status. Unlimited renewals are allowed unless someone else places a hold on the material.

• UW faculty and graduate students: 12 weeks
• UW undergraduates: 12 weeks.
• Non-UW affiliated borrowers: 4 weeks.

Exceptions: Circulating air photo enlargements and digital products may only be checked out for 3 days with three renewals. GIS manuals may be checked out for 7 days with three renewals.

Please note that fines begin accruing on each item checked out (e.g. individual air photos) once the due date is passed.

Loan Guidelines

• Flat maps are rolled and put into tubes. Other materials are put into folders or boxes.
• Please return items in the same container they left in. The due date will be stamped on that container.
• Due to the size and nature of the materials, please return them to the Map Collection Desk.

Material Handling Guidelines

Please DO:

• Locate materials by yourself -- feel free to open drawers and pull things out.
• Ask at the reference desk for materials you can't find.
• Leave materials on top of map cases or tables when you are finished. Please do not refile or reshelve. Map Collection student assistants will keep statistics on what is used and will make sure the material is refiled correctly.

When making photocopies of a large map or atlas:

• Please leave the lid of the copy machine up, so that no creases or folds are put in the map.
• Review How to copy maps for details on copying services.

If you want to hang a map for classroom display, you may use:

• E-Z-UP Clips (plastic hook with wax base)
• Magnets
• Paper clips
• Binder clips (tape or pin the clips to wall)

Please DO NOT:

• Fold
• Tape (special acid-free tape is used by staff for tears)
• Mark or
• Put pin holes in any materials.

Questions? Comments? Please email us at maplib@u.washington.edu