How do I borrow things?
You can find books using the library search and borrow them by using the self-issue machines.
You can also recall and reserve books for later collection.
You can also borrow laptops:
- 8-hour laptop loans are available from the laptop loan lockers on the first floor of the Library.
- Four-week laptop loans are available for use off and on campus.
Please speak to a member of library staff if you would like to borrow a pair of headphones, or a selection of coloured overlay reading aids.
What do the letter and numbers mean on the book spines?
All books in the library have a classmark sticker on their spine or on the front cover. This tells you exactly where the book can be found.
Most items are shelved using the Library of Congress classification system. The Library of Congress system is alpha numeric. This means that items are sorted firstly alphabetically and secondly numerically, as shown here:
Some items may have a lowercase prefix before their classmark. A 'q' at the start of a classmark indicates that the item is a quarto. A quarto means the book is larger (oversized) and needs to be shelved separately to the other items with this classmark, as it requires different spaced shelving. These larger sized items are shelved at the end of each alphabetical run of books. For example, qH items will be shelved after HXs.
Books that are part of the High Demand Collection will have the location “BJL Reading Room 1st floor HDC”. Please note that, in these cases, HDC is not part of the classmark.
Some items are shelved using the Dewey Decimal System. The Dewey Decimal System sorts books using a number followed by the initials of the author. An example of a Dewey classmark would be: 372.1384 JOY. Most of these items can be found on the mezzanine in the Reading Room. Some CDs on the 6th floor also use this system.
If you have any problems finding a book, please ask a member of staff for help.
How long can I borrow an item for?
The loan periods for books and other items vary according to the demand for them:
- Some items, such as those contained in the reference collection, may not be borrowed at all.
- The Reading Room contains the High Demand Collection (HDC). Items in the HDC may have a one-week or four-week loan period.
- The majority of books outside of the HDC can be borrowed for eight weeks.
- Four-week and eight-week loan items may be recalled if another library user requests them. If so, you will be notified by email and given 7 days to return the item.
- Self-issue laptops, headphones and coloured overlay reading aids can be borrowed for 8-hour periods.
How many items can I borrow?
The number of items per membership type are noted below, you can borrow this many items at any one time throughout the year. Items refer to books, journals, laptops, DVDs etc.
| Type of borrower | Number of items |
|---|---|
| Associate members including University of Hull graduates | 10 |
| Registered students of the University of Hull (undergraduates) | 20 |
| Students studying for higher degrees through taught programmes or by dissertation | 25 |
| Students studying for higher degrees by thesis including unregistered research students with retained status | 40 |
| Members of staff of the University, recognised teachers of the University, honorary members of staff and retired members of staff | 40 |
How do I return my books?
When you borrow an item from the Library, a due date is assigned. If the item is recalled, you will be notified by email with a revised return date. You can view your current loans and due dates at any time by logging in to your library account.
Please return books using the self-return machines on the ground floor of the Library.
How do I reserve or recall an item?
Reservations can be made via the library search or by phone. When you find an item you want to reserve or recall, click on the item for a detailed view. You will then see a button with the option to reserve or recall a copy. When prompted, enter your university email address and password in order to place the reservation. You will receive an email once the item is ready for collection.
You will receive an email notification when your reserved item is ready for collection. It will be placed on the reserved items shelf in the Reading Room, filed under your surname/family name. You can then issue the item to yourself using the self-service machines.
What can I reserve or recall?
- If the item is available on the library shelf, a member of library staff will retrieve it for you.
- If the item is on loan and due back within 7 days, the borrower will be prevented from renewing the item and will have to return it.
- If the item is on loan and due back in more than 7 days, the borrower will be sent a recall email asking them to return it within 7 days.
I've reserved an item on a library shelf. How long will it take to appear on the Reserved Items shelf?
Monday to Friday:
- Requests received before 10am will be available to collect from noon
- Requests received before 2pm will be available from 4pm
- Requests received before 4.30pm will be available from 6pm
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays:
- Requests received before 10am will be available to collect from noon
- Requests received before 3pm will be available from 5pm
How do I renew my loan?
You can log in to your library account to renew your items online, by phone, email or post.
You can renew books before the due date:
| Loan Type | Before due date |
|---|---|
| 7 day | 3 days |
| 4 weeks | 3 days |
| 8 weeks | 1 week |
You can't renew items if they are reserved by someone else.
What happens if I don't return my loans on time?
You are charged a library fine if you do not return your loans on time.
| Item | Fine Rate |
|---|---|
| 8 week loans | 15p per day |
| 4 week loans | 25p per day |
| 7 day loans | 50p per day |
| Recalled items | 50p per day |
| Inter Library Loans | 50p per day |
| 24 hour loan items including laptops | £1 per hour or part hour |
How do I pay a library fine?
We accept credit/debit card and Apple Pay payments.
- You can pay in person at the library welcome desk.
- You can pay by phone (01482 466581) for payments by card.
What if I've lost/damaged an item?
The Library may charge for the replacement cost of an item if it is lost or damaged. This includes Inter Library Loans, where the charge will be determined by the lending library. Please contact the Library.
What if I can't come to the library to collect an item?
You can request items be mailed to you if you are a distance or part-time learner.