Library Services

University of Akron faculty, staff, and students can request UA-owned library materials online and retrieve them by appointment from Bierce Library. Requestable material includes the general collections, Test Prep, Curriculum Center, and Media.

• University Library books can be requested through the library catalog.
• Students can come to Bierce Library during operating hours and check out Technology Equipment.

The requested material can either be mailed to a home address, retrieved from Bierce Library’s lobby, or by appointment curbside pickup. Technology Equipment items cannot be mailed. Library patrons will receive a direct email about these retrieval procedures. Items requested through curbside pickup or home delivery can be returned in the library's return drop boxes (except Technology Equipment) outside the building or brought to the Service Desk on the first floor.

The library has laptops, graphing and scientific calculators, and other tech equipment that students can check out for an entire semester.

Who can borrow materials?

All faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students may borrow materials using their University of Akron I.D. card (ZipCard). Patrons may also use a valid picture I.D., such as a driver's license, to check out materials. Community borrowers and patrons with affiliated institutions (such as OhioLINK or SearchOhio) should also present their institution's identification.

How long can I borrow something?

Select the appropriate user group to see how long you can check different library materials and the number of times the material can be renewed.

Renew Materials

To renew items you have checked out:

• Use the My Library Account option on the University Libraries homepage
• Visit the Bierce Library Service Desk

Most items are automatically renewed.

Some items such as print course reserves, laptops, and Reference material are not automatically renewed.

OhioLINK materials that have been requested by a patron from the owning institution and University of Akron library materials that have been recalled cannot be renewed.

Hold Requests

Materials from the UA Libraries Catalog, OhioLINK, and Interlibrary Loan will be available at the patron-selected location at the time of request. Current options are:

• Bierce Library
• Wayne Campus Library
• Law Library
• Curbside Pickup
• Home Delivery (via USPS)

The Curbside Pickup and Home Delivery options require additional communication with University Libraries. When a requested items arrives at University Libraries, patrons will receive an email with instructions.

Return Materials

Materials borrowed from any UA Libraries location may be returned at any UA Libraries service desk or drop box. Drop boxes can be found at the following locations:

• Front entrance of Bierce Library
• South College Street Circle next to the Bierce Library back door loading dock
• High Street level (3rd floor) of the Polsky Building near Starbucks
• Main entrance of Auburn Science and Engineering Building (ASEC)

Materials may be mailed back to University Libraries using USPS Media Rate at the address below. Please do not return technology or fragile items by mail.

University of Akron
Bierce Library
Public Services
Akron, OH 44325-1706

Fines

University Libraries will waive most overdue fines once materials have been returned in good condition. Patrons can view the due dates for their materials in their My Library Account. Patrons can request assistance at circ@uakron2.libanswers.com. 

Lost Materials

If you have lost items, overdue fines, or a Workday hold on your account, please email Bierce Library Public Services at circ@uakron2.libanswers.com. We will work with all students to find an economical solution.

Once an item is electronically billed to the borrower, a hold is placed preventing University of Akron transcript requests.

Recalled Materials

Every book is subject to recall after 21 days; the due date on a recalled item will be electronically changed to reflect the new due date. You will be notified via e-mail of any changes. Fines for recalled UA Libraries materials are $1.00 per day.