Borrowing from the SMFA Library

Tufts students, faculty, and staff can borrow a range of items from the SMFA Library including books, DVDs, periodicals, laptops, and other equipment.

If you are not currently affiliated with Tufts, see our visitors page to find out what you can borrow.

Borrowing

  • You can search for available items in JumboSearch or browse the stacks when the library is open. 

  • If you're interested in borrowing equipment - such  laptops, chargers, USBs, audio recorders, and others - inquire at the circulation desk when the library is open.

Tisch Library, Music Library, and SMFA Library are all connected. You do not need to be a part of a specific campus to use any of the spaces.

  • You are able to choose the pick-up location that is most convenient for you. 

  • See below for instructions on how to log in to JumboSearch and place a request. 

Hold Requests

You can request circulating books and media items from the SMFA Library, and any of the other Tufts libraries, to be placed on hold for you to check out. 

  • To place a request, open JumboSearch and click Log In in the upper right. 

  • Once you find an item you’d like to check out, click on the title to open the record, then click Request Item. 

  • You can choose the SMFA Library as your pickup location, or if you prefer, choose one of the other Tufts libraries from the drop-down menu. 

  • You will receive an email notification when the item is ready for you to pick up. 

Renewing

Have a book checked out but need more time? You may be able to renew your book online through JumboSearch. 

  • Click Log In in the upper right, then choose My Loans from the dropdown menu that displays your name.  Click Renew to the right of the title you’d like to renew. 

  • See the loan periods table for renewal information.

SMFA Library Loan Periods by User

Borrower Book Loan Period Book Renewals Allowed Book Maximum Renewal Length DVD Loan Period
(plus one renewal)
  • Faculty
  • Staff
  • Emeritus
  • Trustee
 6 months 5 3 years 14 days
  • Graduate Student
  • Retired Faculty/Staff
  • University Affiliate
 3 months 5 18 months 14 days
  • Undergraduate
  • Alumnus
 1 month 5 6 months 14 days
  • MFA Staff
  • Mass Art
 1 month 1 2 months 14 days
  • BLC Member
  • Visitor
  • Other
 1 month 0 no renewals 4 hours in house

Lost Items, Fines & Fees

  • Books are marked as “lost” when they’re overdue by more than 28 days. Your account will also be charged a lost item replacement fee, which is $103 for most items. The fee will be cleared when the item is returned. If you have lost the item, you can provide a replacement copy instead of paying the fee.  

  • If you have lost an item checked out to you, send an email with detailed item information to Lauren (click here to contact Lauren or email lauren.kimball_brown@tufts.edu) who can advise on replacement options.

Can't Find Something?

If you need an item that is not available at a Tufts library, you can submit a request using the Interlibrary Loan application. The Interlibrary loan (ILLiad) page has detailed instructions for accessing ILLiad.

You'll be able to view the status of your request in your ILLiad account. Once the item has been received at SMFA, you'll receive an email notification. Come to the SMFA Library Main Desk to borrow your material.

Detailed steps on how to request items through ILLiad and Libraries Worldwide live here. If you have more questions, email smfaill@tufts.edu.

You can also recommend a purchase.