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Library Guides

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General Library Guide

How to use your university library service

Borrowing & Returning items

All libraries have self-service machines.  Most items can be issued on our self-service machines, but certain items (such as inter-library loans obtained via the document delivery service) will need to be collected and issued from the Library Welcome Desk.

What do the self-service machines do?

They can do some, or all, of the following, depending upon the self-service machine you are using:

  • Issue items
  • Renew items
  • Return items
  • Issue items you have reserved that are awaiting collection

How do they work?

Full instructions are displayed on the machine’s screen.

You will need your Greenwich Gateway ID card.

Why won't it let me borrow? 

If for any reason you are blocked from borrowing in a library, it could be because of any one of these things:

  • You have an item which is overdue. An item only becomes overdue when one of our other library user has reserved it an no other copy is available. 
  • You have reached the maximum number of items you are allowed to loan from across all the libraries. (see below)
  • You have items on your account and you are finishing, or have finished, your course

To unblock your account and borrow books again:

  • Return any overdue items.
  • Bring back 1 or more items.
  • If you are finishing, or have finished,  your course, it is essential that you return all of the items on your account.

How long can I borrow an item for?

You can borrow an item for a minimum of 7 days or 4 weeks depending on its loan period. We clearly mark 7 day loan items with a yellow "7 Day Loan" sticker which is usually found on the item's spine (or as near to it as possible). If no "7 day loan" sticker is present, it is most likely to be a 4 week loan item. You can check your library account status and all return dates via LibrarySearch (My Account > Checkouts).

All items are renewed automatically unless another user reserves it in which case all copies are recalled and all users need to return their copy by the due date to avoid your account being blocked. Once the reservation(s) is met, all other copies will be renewed.

We will send loan reminders by email once a semester.

How many items can I borrow?

Borrower Maximum loans at any one time
University of Greenwich students and staff 40 
External users 5 (0 reservations)

How do I return my books?

Most books and other items can be returned to any of your university's libraries using the self-service machines. At the Drill Hall Library and Stockwell Street Library, this is done via the book sorter, both located on the ground floor.

Please note that books borrowed through our Document Delivery service must be returned to the Library Welcome Desk.

When do I need to return my books?

You will receive a provisional due date when you borrow the books. If another user recalls an item that you have borrowed, then you will have 2 days to return it.

If you have any doubts about your ability to return a recalled item if you are going to be away from the university for a period of time, please return it before you go.

How will I know if an item has been recalled?

We will send an initial recall notice to your university email address, and a follow-up recall reminder email before the new due date.

How do I return my books?

You can use the self-service machines.

You will need your Greenwich Gateway ID card for swipe access to each library.

Can I return my books to any campus?

Yes, apart from non-standard items (see below) which will need to be returned to the campus you borrowed them from.

How do I return non-standard items?

Items such as inter-library loans, will need to be returned to the campus you borrowed them from during staffed opening hours.

What if I can't come in to return my books?

You can return items in the post, and we recommend that you obtain proof of postage. Please see the campus libraries page for contact details.

Reserving items

Can I reserve books?

You can place reservations on books from other campus libraries. You can also reserve books that are out on loan to other readers through LibrarySearch. An email is sent out to the current borrower to return the item. Once the item is returned the Library notifies you by email when it is ready for collection.

Which books may not be reserved?

Any material which are on the shelves at your home site library.

How many reservations can I make?

You may reserve up to 5 books at any one time.

Important Information

You need to check your email or Library account to find out whether your reservation is ready for collection.

  • Reserved books are held for 7 days.

Canceling reservations

We encourage you to cancel any reservations you no longer require, for the benefit of the next person in the queue.

This can be done through My Library Account

Key messages about borrowing

 

  • Loans will auto renew, and it will be done for you by the system. No need to worry about doing it yourself. 
  • If someone requests the item you have borrowed, please bring it back as soon as possible.
  • Check your library account via LibrarySearch regularly.
  • Follow @UoGlibraries on Twitter for important messages from our libraries.
  • You will receive a statement once a semester which shows a snapshot of what items you have on your account, including overdue items.
  • Ensure that you use check your university email account for notices which will tell you if you need to return books or if they are overdue
  • Borrowing may be affected between 7.00am to 9.00am on Tuesdays  if maintenance is taking place during our at-risk period..
  • Sometimes you may be blocked from borrowing. 

 

 

Blocked from borrowing?

Blocked from borrowing?

If for any reason you are blocked from borrowing in a library, it could be because of any one of these things:

  • You have an item which is overdue. An item only becomes overdue when one of our other library user has reserved it an no other copy is available. 
  • You have reached the maximum number of items you are allowed to loan from across all the libraries. The maximum is 40.
  • You have items on your account and you are finishing, or have finished, your course

To unblock your account and borrow books again:

  • Return any overdue items.
  • Bring back 1 or more items.
  • If you are finishing, or have finished,  your course, it is essential that you return all of the items on your account.

Please note that items can be returned to any one of our library sites.