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Using the Library: Borrowing, Renewing and Returning

Borrowing

To borrow a book, you will need to use the self-service machine on the ground floor. You will need your student ID to borrow books as you will need to scan the barcode on your ID. If you have any problems, please see a member of staff at the Library desk. Please note, you won't be able to take any further books out if you have any overdue items.

How many items can I borrow?

  • 20 books (short and long loan books)
  • 1 one day loan item
  • 3 DVDs

How long can I take out items for?

  • Long loan books (no sticker) are issued for 3 weeks, or 4 weeks for students with additional needs or distance learners
  • Short loan books (purple 7 sticker) are issued for 1 week, or 2 weeks for students with additional needs or distance learners
  • DVDs are issued for 1 week, or 2 weeks for students with additional needs or distance learners

Renewing

Screenshot of account on Heritage online showing how to renew books

All students can renew books up to 10 times without bringing them into the Library, in the following ways;

You will not be able to renew a book if any of the following conditions apply:

  • the book has been reserved by another reader
  • any books you have on loan have gone overdue

Reserving

Screenshot of reservation screen on Heritage Online

You can reserve a book if all copies are on loan to other readers. To reserve a book, you will need to log in to Heritage Online, search for the book, and then select 'Reserve' under the reservation information section. If any copies are available, you won't be able to reserve a copy as it should be available on the shelf at the Library.

Returning

Photo of the returns bin outside the side entrance to the Bournemouth campus

To return books, you can either come into the Library and return them using the self-service machine or with Library staff on the desk. Alternatively, you can also return books by posting them through the returns box which is located by the entrance/exit outside the Library.

Fines

Overdue books do not currently incur fines. However, if students do not return books after the allocated loan period, they will no longer be able to use their Library account and will be invoiced for the cost of the books that have not been returned.

Postal Service

We provide a postal service for students studying at a distance, do ask for further details. If you choose to return items to us by post you will need to pay for postage and the items remain your responsibility until we receive them. Ask at the Post Office/equivalent for proof of posting.