Frequently Asked Questions About Borrowing

Can I renew an overdue book?
Why does the Library have short term loans?
Why are my details recorded when I have simply forgotten to check material out?
What happens if I'm caught at the security exit with items not checked out?
Why can't I use my friend's card to borrow?
Why shouldn't I lend my card to friends?
Why can't I use some other form of I.D. to borrow?
Can I still borrow if I lose my Student I.D. card?
What happens if I lose a library book?
What happens if I damage a library book?
Why shouldn't I let someone else return my books?

Can I renew an overdue book?

In consideration of other library users and to avoid accruing penalties, we encourage borrowers to renew material by the due date. Material requested by another borrower should be returned promptly.   You can renew online or if you prefer you can contact the Library Enquiry Centre.   Borrowers who provide a current email address will be sent a courtesy email notification notice 2 days prior to their standard loans being due for return. 

Why does the Library have short term loans?

Books in high demand are placed on short term loan, usually three days, to allow access to a wider group of borrowers.  At the request of a lecturer, some material is placed on reserve.   To encourage the prompt return of these high demand items, penalty points accrue at a significantly higher rate.

Why are my details recorded when I have simply forgotten to check out material?

In recent years the library has lost more than a quarter of a million dollars worth of materials because of theft.   If material is lost from the library,  library users suffer and  some students can be restricted in their ability to complete course work and pass exams.

What happens if I'm caught at the security exit with items not checked out?

Staff at the loans desk are aware that some patrons inadvertently walk through the security exit with an item that's not checked out.  As there is a procedure that must be followed staff must request you to return to the desk.   You will be asked the reason for leaving the library with  an item/items  not checked out.   Provided this is the first time you have been stopped at the exit, your name, student number and reason will be recorded and kept on file.    A letter will be handed to you explaining the seriousness of the situation and requesting you to be more careful in future.

A second offence is viewed very seriously and the matter may be referred to the Vice Chancellor for disciplinary action.  This may result in a fine of up to $500.00

If a patron is found to have library material that has been defaced in any way, the matter is immediately referred to the Vice Chancellor for disciplinary action.

Why can't I use my friend's card to borrow?

This is to protect patrons who may have lost their cards or had their wallet stolen.  We have no way of knowing whether the person in possession of the card actually does have authority to use it.   We will permit use of  another patrons card if the borrower has a signed letter approving this.

Why shouldn't I lend my card to friends?

Many students have received large penalties as a result of overdue or lost books that somebody else has borrowed on their card.   This debt is the responsibility of the patron on whose card the penalty is incurred.   We cannot transfer penalty points to another patron's record.

Why can't I use some other form of I.D. to borrow?

Large sums of money have been invested in the self-check machines which only operate effectively by reading the barcode on student i.d. cards.  Patrons  without i.d. cards require personal attention at  the loans desk  which prevents staff from providing efficient service to those who are in genuine need of assistance.

Can I still borrow if I lose my Student I.D. card?

As soon as you are aware that you have lost your card, notify the library so that a block can be placed on your record to prevent anyone borrowing. Contact Student Administration immediately to arrange a new card.   In the interim, upon presentation of some other form of identification (e.g. licence), we will permit you to borrow.  Please be aware this arrangement will only be permitted for a short period of time.

What happens if I lose a library book?

When you realise that you can't find the book please contact the library immediately.  With luck, another patron may have located and returned the item. It is also suggested that you check with friends or groups of people with whom you study as the item may have inadvertently been included with their own material.  When you are satisfied that the book cannot be found you can request that an invoice for the average replacement charge plus a processing fee be issued.  Alternatively, the library will accept an exact copy or a later edition of the lost item.

What happens if I damage a library book?

If the book is damaged beyond repair you can either provide the library with an exact copy or later edition of the title or request that an invoice be issued for the standard replacement charge plus a processing fee.  If the item has suffered minor damage, bring it to the desk and staff will advise if it can be repaired.  There may be a small charge for book repair.

Why shouldn't I let someone else return my books?

By returning library items personally, you can be certain you won't incur any penalties for overdue items.   Friends or acquaintances may have the best of intentions but have been known to forget they've agreed to do this.