Borrowing, Reserving, Renewing

Most library members can borrow up to 30 items (books, DVDs and CDs) at a time.

Some membership categories have different allowances, such as four items or reference use only. Please ask at the library helpdesk for more information about your borrowing rights.

How to borrow

Books, DVDs and CDs can be checked out at any time using the self-issue machines near the library helpdesk.

1. Select Check out on the screen.
2. Hold your library card under the barcode reader and wait for a moment while your account is found.
3. Place items on the glass panel. Wait a few seconds for the machine to read all items. When finished, you can print a receipt to check all items have been issued.

You will be unable to borrow if you have fines of £10 or over on your account. Fines can be paid in cash at the self-issue machines, or at the library helpdesk during our staffed hours.

How to return

Return items on the self-service kiosks within the library, or by posting them through the book return slot in the lift lobby just outside the library. 

All items will automatically renew as they reach their due date, unless another reader has reserved them. If there are no reservations, the item will continue to renew until the end of your course or library membership.

If an item on loan to you has been recalled, you will receive an email asking you to return it by the due date.

Late return of recalled items

Overdue fines – which are charged only on recalled items – are 20p per day.

If an item becomes two weeks overdue it will be considered lost and an invoice sent. Library access will be suspended until the item is found and returned, or the invoice paid.

Follow the steps below to place a hold on an item that is out on loan:

1. In Hunter, find the item record and select Check availability of print copies.

If Hunter shows all copies are on loan, you will be able to place a hold.



2. Follow the prompt to sign in. (For help signing in to Hunter, see our FAQs.)



3. Select Place hold, then Request



A message will confirm that your hold has been placed.

When a copy of the item becomes available, you will receive an email asking you to pick it up from the Collection Point beside the self-service kiosks. Please ensure you check the book out using the self-service kiosk by selecting "Borrow".