Borrowing

Library members can borrow from our healthcare specialist book collection. All books are catalogued on Library Search.

Borrowing by Keele users

Information regarding borrowing rights for Keele staff and students is available on the Campus Library website.

Borrowing by NHS users

NHS users are allowed to borrow up to 20 items. Loan periods up to 4 weeks are available depending on the popularity and type of item.

Borrowing by students on NHS placement

Students on placement take on the priviledges of the NHS organisation where they are on placement, and can usually borrow up to 20 items. Loan periods are available for up to 4 weeks depending on the popularity and type of item.

Self-service

You can avoid queues at the main counter by using the self-service machine to take out and return books. You will find the self-service machine at the main entrance to the Health Library.

Automatic renewals

The majority of users (including Keele staff and students and NHS users) will have their loaned items renewed automatically.

Exception cases are:

  • Items requested by another user
  • When your library account is £10 or greater in deficit
  • NHS members where your membership expiry date is less that 3 days after the renewal date
  • Students withdrawn from courses and users with expired memberships

Please check your email account or your account on Library Search to ensure your items are renewed.

Monthly Statement

The Library system automatically sends out a monthly statement to your Keele email account or the email address you registered with the library. It shows any items that have been requested from you,  current loans, due dates, and any outstanding fines.

Renewing items

All users can renew items an unlimited number of times, as long as the item has not been requested by another user.

You can renew:

  • online via Library Search
  • via telephone to the library
  • in person by bringing your library card to the enquiries counter

Please note that items may be recalled.

Requesting an item

You can request that an item be saved for you.

  • If the item is already out on loan a hold will be placed on the item and you will be added to the queue to receive it when it is returned to the library.
  • If the item is not on loan the item will be picked off the shelf for you the next time the request list is processed by staff.

You can request items via Library Search or ask a member of staff at the counter.

You can also request that an item at the Campus Library or The Health Library at County (Stafford) be sent to the Health Library for you to pick up here. Please speak to a member of staff at the Library.

You will be informed by email when your item is available for collection. You must collect it within 7 days, after which it will be returned to the shelf.

Returning items

Items can be returned to a member of staff at the Health Library main counter, via the self-service machines or via the returns bin by the side entrance. Please note that there are no out-of-hours return facilities.

Overdue charges / fines

If you do not return or renew your borrowed items by the given date then charges will be added to your record. You cannot borrow or renew items if you have £10.00 or over in outstanding charges or fines.

Fines for overdue requested items are charged at £1 per day, and are limited to a maximum of £20 per item.

Items overdue by 2 months are considered lost and you will be charged for a replacment copy. Lost items will be charged the full replacement cost.