How do I ... ?
Manage my library account
Checking out books, videos, etc. | Library cards | Library account status | Overdue books, videos, etc. | Renewals | Holds and recalls
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Checking out books, videos, etc.
- To check out a book or other item, go to the Circulation Desk with the item you would like to borrow and show your library card.
- The length of time you can borrow an item and the number of items you can borrow at one time depends on the type(s) of item(s) and your affiliation with the University. Please review the circulation policies
of the library in question for specifics.
- If you are an off-campus student, we offer special services to send you the books that you need. SMU-in-Legacy Library Services is available for SMU-in-Legacy students.
Distance Learning Library Services is available for other distance students (e.g. School of Engineering Distance/Video students, SMU doctoral students finishing their dissertation from a distance, etc.).
Library cards
- For current SMU students, faculty, and staff, a valid SMU ID card (Pony Express card) serves as your library card. The barcode and 14-digit number on the back of the ID card represent your library account.
- If you are an off-campus student and do not have an SMU ID card, we can send you a library card. SMU-in-Legacy Library Services is available for SMU-in-Legacy students. Distance Learning Library Services is available for other distance students (e.g. School of Engineering Distance/Video students, SMU doctoral students finishing their dissertation from a distance, etc.).
- If you lose your ID card, notify a library circulation desk and the Pony Express office as soon as possible. Your account will be put on hold so that nobody else can use it. Once you have notified the libraries that you card is missing, a driver's license will be accepted until your card is replaced.
- To use other university libraries in Texas, contact the Fondren Library Center circulation desk about a TexShare card.
- Visitors who do not have an SMU ID card may be able to check out books under other arrangements.
Library account status
- To see all of the items checked out to your library account, along with due dates, fines, and other information, go to PONI and click the My Library Account link.
- You may also call or stop by a circulation desk for help with your account.
Overdue books, videos, etc.
- If you received and overdue notice for a book that you turned in, please contact a circulation desk. Circulation staff will search for the item and discuss possible resolutions with you.
- Fines and policies for overdue materials will vary by the type of material and the owning library. Please contact one of the circulation departments or see circulation web pages for more information.
Renewals
- Some check-outs may be renewed online. Go to PONI, and click the My Library Account link. If the item is eligible for online renewal, you will be able to complete the transaction from your account pages. For more information about online renewals, see the PONI Help pages.
- You may also bring items to a circulation desk for renewal.
- Renewal by telephone is not available.
Holds and recalls
- Some items that are not immediately available may be eligible for hold or recall. Once you have found an unavailable item in PONI, click the Request button near the top of the PONI screen, and follow the instructions. For more information on holds and recalls, see the PONI help pages.
- You may also get help with holds or recalls by visiting a circulation desk.
Library cards | Status of account | Overdue books, videos, etc. | Renewals | Holds and recalls
