Borrowing - Keele University

Borrowing

We are increasingly investing in electronic resources, particularly e-journals, but we do have over half a million books on the Library shelves.  When borrowing physical resources we provide self-service machines for you to check books in and out at any time.  Alternatively,  our friendly and helpful Library Team will be happy to assist you at the counter during operating hours.  You will always need your Keele Card to check out items for loan. 

How many items can I borrow?

The number of items you can borrow at any one time varies for different student groups.

Borrower

(* denotes up to 6 items from the Campus Library’s Short Loan)

How many?

*Undergraduates and taught postgraduate students

16

*Postgraduate Music students

20

*Postgraduate research students/staff

30

NHS members

12

Associate members of the University

8

External members (includes members of the SCONUL Access scheme)

4

How long can I borrow for?

Loan Categories

There are 3 main categories for loans: items are labelled on the spine to tell you which loan category it falls into.

  • Short Loan – one day loan, items borrowed must be returned by midnight the following day.
  • 7 Day Loan – items borrowed must be returned by midnight in one week’s time.
  • Standard Loan – items borrowed must be returned by midnight in 2 week’s time.

Additionally for Academic Staff and Research Postgraduates we offer Academic Year Loans: these items are subject to recall if requested by students.

We will email to alert you when a book becomes overdue - please check your Keele email account regularly when you have items on loan.  We will also email you if an item you are holding has been reserved for another user to help you to avoid your fines balance escalating.

Reserving Items

Reserving Items

If the item you require is already out on loan you can reserve it.  The current lender will not be able to renew it and once the item is returned it will be kept aside by Counter Staff.  You will be emailed to inform you that your book is ready for collection and you will have 3 days* to collect it before it is put back out on general circulation.  At the Campus Library the item will be placed in the ‘Reserved Books Collection Point’ in the main foyer of the Library building and can be collected 24/7 during semesters. 

* Short Loans must be collected within 24 hours.

At the Health Library reserved items will be held behind the counter and can be collected during counter opening hours.

Renewing Loans

Renewing Loans

Provided it has not been requested by another user, you may renew your loan as many times as you wish.  Renewals may be done remotely using the online Library Catalogue on the Keele University website or by phoning 01782 733230 (answerphone).  If you prefer you may come into the Library in person and renew at the self-service terminals or at the counter.

When any item is requested by another user you will become liable for increased fines if you fail to return it on time.  We will email to alert you that an item you are holding is reserved by another user.

Returning Loans

Returning Loans

At the Campus Library...

You must return loans via the self-service terminals.

Please note that an out-of-hours book return box is available at the Campus Library, near the Disabled Entrance, for use when the building is closed.

 

Overdue Returns

Overdue Returns

Books not returned by midnight on the due date will become liable for fines.  If your fine balance exceeds £10 you will be prevented from making further loans until the balance is reduced. 

The fine amounts have been agreed in consultation with the Library Advisory Group which includes representation from the Students’ Union.  Fines are used as a method to regulate availability of resources for all users.  We don't want you to become liable for fines so please return or renew items on time.

All fines must be paid in full by the end of the academic year

Fines

Fines

Fines exist to make sure items circulate as quickly as possible for the benefit of all our users. We don't want you to incur fines and you won't if you return items on time or renew them within the time allowed. 

Charges are as follows, per item, per day:

Overdue Item but not reserved

Reserved overdue Items

Standard Loan: 25p per day (max: £5.00 per item)

£1.00 per day (max: £20 per item)

Week Loan: 25p per day (max: £5.00 per item)

£1.00 per day(max: £20 per item)

Short Loans: £1.00 per day (max: £20 per item)

£2.00 per day ( max: £20 per item)

Inter-Library Loans: £1.00 per day (max: £20 per item)

n/a

Please remember:

You cannot borrow or renew if you have outstanding fines of £10 or over

All fines must be paid in full by the end of the academic year

Any item not returned after a period of 2 months beyond the due date will be invoiced for the replacement cost.

Statement on Library Fines Income

Fines Appeals

Fines Appeals

The fine structure has been agreed with the Library Advisory Group which has representation from the Students' Union.  Fines are avoidable if you return books when they are due.  Higher fines apply when the item you are holding on to is requested by another user.  Fines enable us to ensure fair access to resources for all users.

Policy on Fines and Appeals

Contact us

 

Contact for …

Who …

Telephone

Email

Renewals

Answerphone

01782 733230

loans@lib.keele.ac.uk

iNFO Point Enquires service

Duty Staff

01782 733535

library.help@lib.keele.ac.uk

Counter Supervisors

Ruth Cooke

Julie Peers

Debbie Steventon

 

01782 733233

01782 734159

01782 733233

r.m.cooke@keele.ac.uk

j.peers@keele.ac.uk

d.m.steventon@keele.ac.uk

 

Customer Services Manager

Ruth  Chell

01782 733503

r.chell@keele.ac.uk

Inter Library Loans

Duty Staff

01782 733236

library.interlibraryloans@keele.ac.uk

Health Library

Duty Staff

01782 556582

health.library@keele.ac.uk

Other Borrowing FAQs

How will I know if my loans are overdue, requested or recalled?

You can always check on when your loans are due back on the library catalogue. If a loan is due for return we'll also send a message to your University e-mail account.  Please ensure you check this e-mail account on a regular basis!

I've lost a book; what happens next?

When you report a book that you have on loan as missing or lost we’ll start a search of the Library for it.  If it isn’t found within 30 days you’ll receive an invoice for the replacement cost plus an administration fee. You can pay for the book before the 30 days elapse. If the book is found normal overdue fines are payable on it up to the day it's returned. 

I can’t renew my loans.  Why?

You might have a fine of £10 or more; you would need to go to Library Services to pay it.  If this is not the case, please call 01782 734159/01782 733233. Or leave a message on 01782 733230 (Answerphone)

It's 3am and I can't take out any books. Why?

The Library System runs a series of essential maintenance programs between 3am and 4am. These have the unfortunate effect of restricting issues, returns, renewals or reservations. Please try again outside this period.

I'm on placement/based off-campus

If you're a medical student on placement at the University Hospital North Staffs or at Shrewsbury you can request items be sent from either site to the Campus Library (and vice versa).

Any off-campus user (Keele students) can register at the Library Counter for additional services.

  • Postal loans: a fee is charged to cover the cost of sending items using Recorded Delivery (£5 per parcel)  

It’s the vacation and my book has been recalled.  How do I return it?

Please return any loans either in person or by post to avoid fines.  
           

I can’t find the item I need for my course/research

If you’ve checked the catalogue you can do the following:

I'm not at Keele but I have joined the SCONUL Access Scheme

Full details of the SCONUL Access scheme can be seen here.

I'm a Keele graduate. Can I use the Library services?

You're welcome to use the Campus and Health Libraries free of charge for reference. Unfortunately we will not be able to offer you internet access.  To borrow, please register for membership at the Library Service Counter - an annual fee of £25 is charged.   You can then borrow up to 4 items, excluding Short Loan items. 

I am a member of the public: Can I use Keele's Library services?

You're welcome to use the Campus and Health Libraries free of charge for reference.  Unfortunately we will not be able to offer you internet access.  To borrow, please register for membership at the Library Service Counter - an annual fee of £50 is charged.   You can then borrow up to 4 items, excluding Short Loan items. 

Any other questions? Please Contact the Library