Borrowing
You can borrow a wide range of material from the Library using the self-service facilities located on each floor. Don't forget you'll need to bring University ID card with you if you want to borrow items.
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While the Library is open, items should be returned using the self-service machines on level 3 of the Library, or in case of further queries, to the Customer Services Desk. If you cannot get to the Library during opening hours, there is a return slot to the left hand side of the main Library doors.
How many items can I borrow?
| Type of patron | Maximum number of loans |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | 15 items (4 of which can be High Demand) |
| Undergraduate finalists | 20 items (4 of which can be High Demand) |
| Postgraduate (taught) students | 20 items (4 of which can be High Demand) |
| Research students | 30 items (4 of which can be High Demand) |
| Staff | 30 items (4 of which can be High Demand) |
| Alumni | 8 items (no High Demand) |
| External users | 4 items (no High Demand) |
How long can I borrow items for?
| Type of item | Length of loan |
|---|---|
| Long loan | 4 weeks for students Until the end of semester (or summer) for staff |
| Week loan (green spine label) | 7 days |
| High demand (yellow spine label) | Until 2:30pm |
Distance and part-time students and those registered with DANs can borrow long loan items for 6 weeks and week loan items for two weeks.
Please note that all items remain available for recall at any time.
What are the fines for late returns?
| Type of item | Fine |
|---|---|
| High demand item | 50p per hour or part thereof |
| Ant other type of item | 50p per day |
The Library will send you overdue reminders (usually via email) when items become late. If you fail to respond to these you may be further fined £20 to meet Finance Office costs.
Please note if you have more than £5 in library fines you will be unable to borrow further items.
What happens if I lose an item?
First please have a good look for the item before reporting it to the Library as lost as you will be charged the cost of replacing the item plus a £10 admin fee. You may also be charged fines for non return of the item.
Frequently asked questions about borrowing
Q: How can I request items?
Any Long or One Week Loan item which is out on loan to another reader may be requested on Library Catalogue Plus by selecting the blue Request option to the right hand side of the availability tab on the catalogue record. Again, you will be need to be signed in with your username and password to request items. This will then take you to another screen, where you need to click on the orange request button again.At the end of a successful transaction, the screen will display a yellow box with the message:
Action Succeeded .
You can book a High Demand item for any particular day (Mon-Fri) up to a week in advance, whether it is currently on loan or not, by selecting the blue Request High Demand option to the right of the catalogue record, selecting the date you would like to request to item, clicking in the select time slot circle and clicking on the orange request button. When requesting High Demand items, please remember to log-in before you begin your search.
How do I check my requests?
You can see if your requested items have arrived by using the My Account option on Library Catalogue Plus, then choosing Requests.
If a reservation is marked On Hold, the item is waiting at the main Customer Services Desk for collection. It is held for three working days.
How can I cancel reservations?
If you no longer need a reserved item, you should cancel your request in the Requests screen of My Account. Click cancel on the far right hand side of the title you would like to delete. N.B. You will not be able to cancel a request if the item is already on hold for you.
Q: What happens if a book is recalled?
Please be aware that any of your books can be recalled. You will receive an email from us to warn you that the item has been recalled. You have 7 days from the date printed on the email to return the item for long loan items. Week loan items that have been requested will not be renewable and should be returned according to the date in the email. Check the email carefully to ensure you are returning the correct title.
The recall system works for you as well. If you reserve an item, you can expect to receive it in about 7 to 10 days, unless it is in very heavy demand.
Q: How do I check my loans?
If you need to remind yourself which items you have currently out on loan, use the My Account option on Library Catalogue Plus. You will need to sign in using your username and password (the same one you use to access your emails) and choose My Account .
If you are not sure what your username and passwords are you can ask at one of the enquiry desks in the Library or at the IT Services helpdesk in Haslegrave, providing you have your student/staff card with you.
You can also check your account on the self service machines in the Library.
Q: How do I renew my books?
To renew the items you have out on loan, select My Account (as above) and then click on Loans. A list of all the items you have out on loan will be displayed. You can renew one item at a time by selecting the item and following the instructions. If the system is unable to renew an item it will inform you of the details of the book so that you can return it to the Library.
There is a short video of how to do this online.
You must always bring High Demand Loans to the Library on the due date. If they have been booked for that day by another reader, you will not be able to renew them. They must be returned on the self service machine in the High Demand section before 2:30pm.
High Demand books cannot be renewed by telephone. Long Loan items may only be renewed by telephone if you are rarely in Loughborough (see the concessions outlined below).