How do I find, borrow & return books?

Information for part-time and distance learning students, students on placement, researchers studying at a distance and students with children

How do I search for Library material that I need?

Star is the University of Sheffield Library’s catalogue. You can access Star from any computer with an Internet connection 24 hours per day, 7 days per week:

Directly (http://library.shef.ac.uk)
From the Library’s home page (http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/library)
From the ‘Library’ tab on MUSE (Please see Accessing electronic Library resources for further information about MUSE.)

Dedicated Star kiosks are also available in all the Library sites. Advice on searching Star can be found on its home page. Further information on Services on Star is available from the ‘See also’ box. If the Library does not have the item you need, we may be able to obtain it for you through our InterLibrary Request Service. Alternatively, your local public library may be prepared to obtain material on inter-library loan for you for a small charge.

How do I borrow books?

Self-service issue machines are available in the Information Commons and all Library sites. To issue books to yourself, you will need a valid UCard and your Library PIN. Please note that your Library number is the UCard number (not the Registration number) printed on your UCard. To obtain your Library PIN, please use the link from: http://library.shef.ac.uk/open/getpin.html. If you have any difficulty with this, you can ask a member of Library staff or email library@sheffield.ac.uk. Library staff will be happy to show you how to use the self-service machines but please be aware that at certain times, self-service facilities only are available. Information about serviced and self-service opening hours at all sites is available from the ‘See also’ box. You will normally need to come to the Library to borrow material. If you wish someone else to borrow on your behalf they will need your UCard and a letter from you providing authorisation for them to use your UCard. Full information about Borrowing from the Library, including how to renew your loans, is available from the Quick links.

Will books be recalled from me?

Items on loan to you may be recalled if they are reserved by another Library customer. However, if we have multiple copies of a reserved item we will not, as a rule, recall a copy on loan to a distance learner or part time student.
In all other cases, if the item you have on loan has a return date of more than two weeks ahead, you will be sent a recall notice asking for the item to be returned. Items due back within two weeks will be due for return on the original due date but you will be unable to renew the item.

How do I reserve a book?

Please see How do I reserve an item? in the Quick links.

How do I return books?

Self-service return machines are available in the Information Commons and all Library sites. If you have difficulty with the machines, please ask a member of Library staff. During self-service hours, drop-boxes are available at all Library sites, and Concierges are available in the Information Commons. If you are unable to return your loans in person, they may be returned by post. Please ensure that the carrier provides insurance against loss. You are reminded that you remain responsible for books until the loan is discharged by Library staff.