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Library Services

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Who may borrow from the Library?

Current Webster University and Eden Theological Seminary students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retired staff may borrow items from the library.  You use your Webster University issued photo identification card (which you must use to enter the building) as your library card.   

  • The Webster University Office of Public Safety issues Webster University photo identification cards. 
  • Eden students, faculty, and staff must contact the Eden Registrar in order to get the credentials they will need to get a Webster University photo identification card from the Webster University Office of Public Safety. 

Loan periods

Books owned by the Webster-Eden library system: Students and Staff -- 9 weeks; Faculty -- 1 semester

MOBIUS books: 4 weeks

Materials on reserve: please see In-house reserves page for information.

Audio-visual materials: 7 days

LP records and slides: 14 days

Laptops / Tablets: Current Webster students may check out laptops for two weeks with an option of renewal if not needed by others. Library staff cannot troubleshoot problems, but will exchange if items are available. 

Hold pickup

Items placed on hold, either from Webster University Library's collection, Mobius, or other interlibary loan materials in print, will be placed on the shelf inside the Edgar Rd. entrance. It will be labelled with a code containing portions of the user's first name, last name, and 7-digit Webster ID. This portion of the library is available 24/7 with a valid Webster ID card.  

Non-circulating materials

Reference books, periodicals, indexes, archival materials, and rare books do not circulate. 

Fines

Webster University Library no longer has late fees!

Lost or damaged

Webster/Eden owned materials and Interlibrary Loan books: replacement costs and a $10 processing fee
MOBIUS books: $120 per book  

Payment Methods

You can pay your fines with a credit card using this link: https://commerce.cashnet.com/webulibrary.   

You can also pay with a check at our Level 1 Circulation Desk. 

Renewing materials

Automatic renewals are in place for Webster University items when available and a hold is not requested by another patron. Students and Staff have three automatic renewals and Faculty are eligible for six automatic renewals before and item is due. You may request renewals by phone, in person at the Circulation Desk, or online by viewing your library account via the My Library Account link which appears in the library catalog and at the top of each page of the library's website.

Interlibrary Loan

What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

Interlibrary Loan is the library service through which current students, faculty and staff from either Webster University or Eden Theological Seminary may request research materials which are not available from either the Webster-Eden Library system or another MOBIUS library. 

How long does it take for materials to arrive?

  • Periodical articles (copies): 5 to 7 days excluding weekends and holidays
  • Books: Usually 10 days excluding weekends and holidays

If we are unable to fill your request we will notify you via the e-mail you used when you first logged into your Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery account (ILLiad). You may also log into your ILL/DocDel account (ILLiad) at any time in order to check on the status of your request(s).

What can be borrowed through ILL?

  • Printed materials (i.e. you may not borrow non-print media like CDs/DVDs).
  • Articles from periodicals which the Webster-Eden Library System does not own or have access to through an online database. We cannot borrow complete issues of a periodical.
  • Books not owned by Eden or Webster or any other MOBIUS library.
    • Search the MOBIUS catalog. If the book is available on MOBIUS, use the "Request this Item" link to initiate your request.
  • Titles which the library owns but are currently unavailable.
  • Books published after 1870.

What types of materials are difficult if not impossible to borrow?

  • Reference or rare books
  • Conference and working papers
  • Dissertations
  • Educational tests

What are the steps for pick up and return of materials?

  • Requests should include an acceptance of copyright restrictions.
  • We will notify you via the e-mail you used when you first logged into you Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery account (ILLiad) when each item is available OR if we are unable to fill your request.
  • You may also log into your ILL/DocDel account (ILLiad) at any time in order to check on the status of your request(s).
  • You may call the Circulation Desk at 314-246-6952 to inquire if a book which you have requested has arrived.
  • Print materials are picked up, and books returned, at the Level 1 Circulation Desk.
  • You must show us a piece of valid, current, photo identification, such as your Webster issued ID card or a driver's license, before we will check anything out to you.
  • If you fail to return ILL books on time, you may lose your interlibrary loan privileges.
  • Patrons are responsible for replacement costs and fines for any ILL materials

How long can I keep a book and can I renew it?

  • The lending library determines the lending period for books and if they may be renewed.
  • You may request a renewal through your ILL/DocDel account (ILLiad) or you may call the Circulation Desk at 314-246-6952. Please make sure to submit your renewal request at least three days prior to the due date.
  • The lending library may or may not grant a renewal.

What is the cost of Interlibrary loans?

All costs of ILL are subsidized by the Webster-Eden Library System so it's free for eligible patrons!