Using the library
Borrowing and returning books
You can borrow a wide range of material from the Library using the self-service machines located on level 3. You will need your University ID card to borrow items.
When the Library is open, items should be returned using the self-service machines or, in case of further queries, to the Help Desk. If you are not able to visit the Library during opening hours, there is a book return drop box outside of the Library entrance which will be emptied the next working day.
How long can I borrow items for?
| Type of item | Length of loan |
|---|---|
| Long loan |
4 weeks for all users. |
| High demand reference (yellow and red spine labels) | Reference only - no loan period |
Books will automatically renew up to 12 times - providing no-one has requested them in the meantime. After the 12 renewals, users should return the books on our self-service machines and re-issue if still needed. This will reset the auto-renewal cycle.
If a book is requested, you will receive an email giving the due date.
Books need to be returned or renewed by 23.55 on the date the book is due for return. Books returned late when a request has been placed on them will incur a fine.
Please note that all items remain available for recall at any time apart from the Christmas and Easter vacation periods.
What are the fines for late returns?
| Type | Fine |
| All loan types | 50p per day if a recalled item is not returned |
Auto-renewals means you shouldn't incur a fine - unless you don't return a requested item.
The Library will send email reminders before a book becomes overdue and then overdue reminders (via email initially and via letter if you haven’t replied to the first two overdue reminder emails) when items become late. During this period, the fines will continue to increase daily on each overdue item. If you fail to respond to these notices, the Library will invoice you for the replacement cost of the book and you will be fined a further £20 to meet Finance Office costs.
All notices are sent to your Loughborough staff/student email address. We cannot use substitute addresses unless you are an external user.
Please note if you have books that are overdue or fines exceeding £50 you will be unable to borrow further items until your fines are reduced below this level or paid off completely or you return the overdue item.
If you have any query about what is on your account, please contact the Library via library@lboro.ac.uk or speak to a member of staff at the Help Desk.
Q: Can I borrow books during the vacation?
The week before term ends we change the due dates for vacation periods so that so that books issued or renewed in the final week are issued until the start of the next term unless a book has a request on it in which case it will still only issue for one week.
We do not recall books after the last week of term in both the Christmas and Easter vacations (subject to the exception outlined above).
Any book may be recalled during the Summer vacation so you should continue to check your university email account and post the book back to the Library if you are not in Loughborough otherwise fines will accrue.
Q: How do I request items?
Any long loan item can be requested if all the available copies are on loan via the Library Catalogue.
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 Holds.
If a reservation is marked On Hold, the item is waiting on the self-collection shelving located on level 3 of the Library. You will need your university ID card to collect the item. Your item(s) will be filed under the first 3 letters of your surname and the last 3 digits of your university ID number. Items must then be issued via the Self-Service machine. Requests are held for three working days.
How do I cancel reservations?
If you no longer need a reserved item, you should cancel your request in the Holds screen of My Account. Click cancel on the right hand side of the title you would like to delete. Please note that you will not be able to cancel a request if the item is already on hold for you.
If you have any problems requesting or cancelling items, please email us library@lboro.ac.uk
Q: What happens if a book is recalled?
Please be aware that any of your books can be recalled. You will receive an email to let you know 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. 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 heavy demand.
Q: How do I check my loans?
To check which items you currently have out on loan, use the My Account option on Library Catalogue Plus. You will need to sign in using your university username and password.
You can also check your account on the self service machines in the Library.
Q: How do I renew my books?
Your books will be automatically renewed up to 12 times, providing no-one has requested a book in the meantime. After the 12 renewal limit is reached, if you still need the items you will need to return the items on one of our self-service machines and re-issue them to your account. This will reset the renewal cycle back to 12.
Q: How do I avoid fines?
As we have implemented auto-renewals, fines are only charged if a recalled item is not returned on time.
Keep an eye on your University email account – we will send recall notices to your email address informing you the return date has been amended and telling you the new due date (usually 7 days from the date of recall). The book must be returned by this new due date or it will incur fines on a daily basis.
If you are contacted about an item on your account that you do not recognise or think you have returned please contact us as soon as possible either at the Help Desk or by emailing library@lboro.ac.uk.
Q: 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.