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Library Guides

Online Delivery of Library and Archive Services: Borrowing and Returning Books

Borrowing

Borrowing

You can borrow 25 items and make up to 5 requests.

Items are issued for 1 week and are automatically renewed, unless requested by another user - please read the box below.

 

You can borrow and return items using our self service kiosks - tap your university ID card on the reader and place the books on the light-up shelf. 

You also have access to an extensive collection of e-books, e-journals and e-resources via Library Search.

 

Questions? Speak with Student Centre staff at the library counter, via our Chat service, or email studentcentre@westminster.ac.uk

 

 

Returning

You can return items to any of our libraries through our self service kiosks.

Questions? Speak with Student Centre staff at the library counter, via our Chat service or email studentcentre@westminster.ac.uk

 

What happens if I bring an item back late?

Item(s) are issued for 1 week and are automatically renewed, unless requested by other users.

If requested, you will receive an email asking you return the item(s).

If you return a requested item late, your library account will be blocked. This means that you will not be allowed to borrow or request items for the length of time the book was overdue, and this may prevent other loans on your account from being automatically renewed. Please do bring your requested books back by the due date to avoid this happening.

Which other libraries can I use?

SCONUL ACCESS LOGO

SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme which allows many university library users to borrow or use books and journals at other libraries which belong to the scheme.

To join SCONUL Access and find out which libraries you can use, visit the SCONUL access website. You will need your Library or ID Card number from your home institution and your institutional email address to complete the application.

What happens if I can’t find the item I need?

Have you looked on Library Search and can’t find what you’re looking for relating to your research?

We have combined two services suggest-a-book and Inter-Library Loan service to create our new simplified process to help you find the books you need effortlessly.

We offer this service for free to all current University of Westminster staff and students.

 

We’ll let you know the best way we can provide the resource, and how long you can expect to wait for it. 

We aim to process your request within one working day but the time it will take for you to receive the item depends on its format and availability. Please check your university email account for updates.

You can only request books that are not held within the library in any format. If you would like to suggest a book for a reading list, request additional copies, or request an existing library book in a different format, please contact studentcentre@westminster.ac.uk

Looking for theses? Check the EThOS database, which contains information relating to doctoral theses produced by researchers within the UK https://ethos.bl.uk/Home.do?new=1

If you have any questions please contact the Student Centre via email or chat westminster.ac.uk/current-students/support-and-services

 

British Library

To use the British Library reading rooms, you will need a Reader Pass. Pre-book an appointment online to request or renew your pass.
Further information on using the British Library reading rooms