#  Incoming Loans Overview 

 



   ![Incoming Loans](/sites/g/files/omnuum11706/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/exhibitonsandloans/files/hlps_incoming_loans_sgb.jpg?itok=N6iPEW2G) 

 

Incoming loans are often undertaken to augment an exhibition or to assist in teaching, research, and instruction conducted at a Harvard library. Whether the incoming loan is from another campus location or from an external institution, the process requires participation from a variety of stakeholders including library staff, shared services, the Harvard-wide community, and external vendors. When the loan is for personal research by an individual, [Inter-Library Loan](https://library.harvard.edu/services-tools/interlibrary-loan) or other [Get-It Services](https://library.harvard.edu/how-to/borrow-renew-and-return-library-materials) are appropriate; for all other uses that necessitate additional handling and exposure to risks, including classroom displays and exhibition, the incoming loan guidelines below should be followed.

[Guidelines for loan processing and recommended timelines](/guidelines-incoming-loans-processing-recommended-timelines) assist in planning for incoming loans. Adherence to the timelines enables libraries to prevent over-scheduling and to address concurrent priorities. Other related activities include [creating a facility report](/guidelines-creating-facility-report) and managing [transport and packing](/guidelines-transport-and-packing) of the borrowed items. The formal contract of conditions agreed to by both lender and [borrower](/glossary#borrower) are recorded in an [Incoming Loan Agreement.](/incoming-loan-agreement)

Questions? Check out our [FAQ](/frequently-asked-questions) or email [HL\_PreservationInfo@harvard.edu](mailto:HL_PreservationInfo@harvard.edu)[.](mailto:preserve_wpc@harvard.edu)