Using the Library
- Items can be borrowed, renewed or returned at the Ground Floor Library Assistance Point.
- Use the online Library Catalogue (OPAC) to find, renew and reserve items. See the Catalogue Guide.
- Use the self-service machines to borrow and return items during opening hours.
- Use the book boxes outside the entrance to return items when the Library is closed.
- Fines are charged on all overdue items.
- Library staff can help with general enquiries, directions and membership.
- Each academic programme has an Academic Liaison Librarian who can help with specific subject enquiries.
Loan periods
Our books are available on loan periods based on anticipated demand.
- 6 week loan (School Experience Items)
- 4 week loan
- 7 day loan
Loan allowance
Undergraduates may borrow 12 items and postgraduates 15 items, with an extra allocation of School Experience items for teacher training students (15 items) and scores for Music students (15 items). Part-time and distance learners are also entitled to a document delivery service.
Key Texts Collection
These books are in particularly high demand and are reference only. They may be used in the Key Texts area where there are photocopiers and limited space for reading.
Renew
- at the Library Assistance Point
- using the self-service machines
- using the online Catalogue
- by phone on 020 8392 3250 (automatic telephone renewals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- You cannot renew a reserved item. We will email you if you have borrowed a reserved item.
- You can renew items up to 10 times "unseen" before items must be shown again at the Library Issue Desk.
- We email you reminders when books are due and if they become overdue.
Return
- Self-service machines are available.
- Interlibrary Loan books must be returned to the Library Assistance Point.
- When the Library is closed, use the drop boxes by the entrance. Fines will accrue on overdue items until they are discharged.
- There is a drop box in the Whitelands Computer Suite G064. Books are collected daily.
- Interlibrary Loans must not be returned via drop boxes.
Reserve
Once you have placed a reservation using the online Catalogue you can pick up your reservation, when the item is returned, from the Reservation Collection Point in Key Text Reference Area on the ground floor of the library. The reservation shelves operate on a self service basis, you will be able to go to the shelves and issue your reservations using the self service machine in that area.
To find your reservation check the slips in the books on these shelves for the first 3 letters of your surname and then the last 3 digits of your library account number e.g. COR999.
Fines
- Most overdue items accrue fines at the rate of 25p a day.
- Overdue laptop or associated items fines are 50p per hour or part thereof.
- Replacing an ID/Library Card costs £10.
- Your borrowing rights are automatically withdrawn if your fines reach £10 or more.
- You will be informed via your University email account if books are reserved by another borrower, when items are due and if you have overdue items. Overdue charges apply irrespective of whether these notifications are received, so check your University email regularly.
- List of all Library
Lost items
If you have lost an item, please report it to the Library Assistance Point. You will be charged for the replacement cost of the item, plus an administrative charge. You will receive a full receipt when items are paid for. If you subsequently find the item, you can have a refund of the replacement charge (but not the admin fee) if it is within the same term in which you paid for the item and you return it with the receipt.
Subject support
Start your search for resources using the online Library Catalogue. Library staff can help and advise about printed and electronic resources such as online databases and subject websites. Academic Liaison Librarians can help with specific subject enquiries.
Bringing children into the Library
Children and young people under 18 are welcome in the Library with their parent/guardian so long as noise zones are respected.