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.
They can do some, or all, of the following, depending upon the self-service machine you are using:
Full instructions are displayed on the machine’s screen.
You will need your Greenwich Gateway ID card.
If for any reason you are blocked from borrowing in a library, it could be because of any one of these things:
To unblock your account and borrow books again:
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.
Borrower | Maximum loans at any one time |
University of Greenwich students and staff | 40 |
External users | 5 (0 reservations) |
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.
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.
We will send an initial recall notice to your university email address, and a follow-up recall reminder email before the new due date.
You can use the self-service machines.
You will need your Greenwich Gateway ID card for swipe access to each library.
Yes, apart from non-standard items (see below) which will need to be returned to the campus you borrowed them from.
Items such as inter-library loans, will need to be returned to the campus you borrowed them from during staffed opening hours.
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.
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.
Any material which are on the shelves at your home site library.
You may reserve up to 5 books at any one time.
You need to check your email or Library account to find out whether your reservation is ready for collection.
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
If for any reason you are blocked from borrowing in a library, it could be because of any one of these things:
To unblock your account and borrow books again:
Please note that items can be returned to any one of our library sites.