Frequently Asked Questions
What is a proxy borrower?
Proxy borrowers are library users who can check out materials for other people. A proxy can come to the library and check out materials requested by a faculty or staff member directly onto the member’s account. Library items are checked out just as if the member themselves were there to borrow the materials. Any library notices or emails about those items will go to the member, not to the proxy. Proxies are only in effect at Tufts Libraries and cannot borrow directly from other BLC libraries.
Who can have a proxy and for how long?
Current faculty and staff members at Tufts, as well as emeritus faculty, can request up to two proxies to retrieve their materials from Tisch Library. Please note that any associated fines and fees will be the responsibility of the member, not the proxy, and significant fines and fees may block any library user account, including faculty and staff. Proxy assignments will expire each year on August 1st, unless otherwise requested by the member.
Who can be a proxy?
Proxies must be current members of the Tufts community, such as students or staff. Most commonly proxies are teaching or research assistants, but privileges are not restricted to those groups.
How do I request a proxy?
Fill out the proxy borrower request form. The library will process your request within 3-7 days and send you a confirmation email once everything is in place.
How does a proxy pick up materials for a faculty/staff member?
A proxy can come to the Information and Circulation Desk at Tisch Library to pick up materials. They will need to let library staff at the desk know they are checking out items as a proxy before anything is checked out. The materials they check out can be items requested by the faculty or staff member, from Interlibrary Loan, or pulled from the shelves – anything the borrower can check out can be taken care of by a proxy.
Can a proxy make requests or renew items for faculty/staff members?
Proxies cannot make requests on their member’s account but can renew materials on-site at the Information and Circulation Desk. Requests, including Interlibrary Loan requests, and renewing online require log in access by the member, and is not extended to proxies.
Can a proxy be someone not affiliated with Tufts?
Unfortunately, not this is not a service we can set up for someone not affiliated with the University. If you need an accommodation for this service, please email the Office of Equal Opportunity at accommodations.oeo@tufts.edu.
Can students request someone be their proxy?
Unfortunately, that is not something we can offer at this time. If you want to request a proxy borrower as an accommodation, please should visit the StAAR Center for more information.
Please email tischfrontline@tufts.edu, call (617) 627-3347, or visit the Tisch Information and Circulation Desk with any further questions.