Reciprocal Borrowing

Are you looking for a book the NMSU Library does not own? One option is reciprocal borrowing, or borrowing a book directly from another library. The NMSU Library participates in four programs that encourage reciprocal borrowing: the UTEP agreement, PASSPORT, AISTI INFO-EX Card, and the UACJ/NMSU agreement. On-line catalogs for the UNM and UTEP libraries are available in the Reference areas, and other catalogs are linked to the Library's web page.

The UTEP agreement allows students, faculty, and staff of New Mexico State University to borrow books directly from the library at the University of Texas at El Paso. To check out books, present your current NMSU ID at the UTEP Library circulation desk near the main entrance. Books belonging to the UTEP Library may be returned to either of the NMSU Library's circulation desks, where they will be returned to the UTEP Library for you via courier service.

PASSPORT is a program established by the New Mexico Consortium of Academic Libraries to simplify reciprocal borrowing between most academic libraries in New Mexico. Currently all academic institutions except UNM Medical Library participate in this program, allowing students, faculty, and staff to borrow books directly when bearing a PASSPORT certificate. To obtain a certificate simply stop by either NMSU Library circulation desk or fax a completed application to 505-646-2610. This certificate is then surrendered at the circulation desk of the library you are visiting. A borrower must be in good standing with the NMSU Library to qualify for PASSPORT. Each library establishes its own regulations, and it is the borrower's responsibility to honor the lending library's rules. In many cases, borrowed books can also be returned to the lending library via courier service. Ask at either NMSU Library circulation desk for information regarding libraries participating in this service.

New Mexico academic libraries which participate in PASSPORT are:

AISTI (Alliance for Innovation in Science and Technology Information) encourages reciprocal borrowing among the New Mexico research corridor academic institutions and the state's national laboratories. To participate, you will need an AISTI INFO-EX Card (available at either circulation desk) and your current university ID card. Privileges will be valid for one year from date of issue. Books may be returned via courier service only to the academic libraries, other returns are the borrower's responsibility. Inquire at either NMSU Library circulation desk for more information.

Libraries which participate in AISTI are:

The UACJ/NMSU agreement facilitates reciprocal borrowing between the NMSU Library and the library at the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez. To participate, stop by either circulation desk for a reciprocal borrowing certificate. Loan periods will be determined by the lending library and privileges will be valid for the duration of the current semester. You will be responsible for returning all borrowed items, as there is no courier service between the two institutions.

For information regarding any of these programs, please call the Circulation desk at Branson Hall (646-6912) or by email at itellez@lib.nmsu.edu.

Regular NMSU Library hours during spring and fall semesters:

Return to On-line Circulation Desk

Send comments and questions to: zuhlcirc@lib.nmsu.edu