Guide to Lending Services

How many items can I borrow? This depends on your borrower category: Borrower category No. of books Undergraduate 15 Postgraduate 25 NHS staff 25 University staff 35 External borrower 5

How long can I borrow? This depends on your borrower category: Borrower Normal loan period Heavily requested loan period Full-time taught course student 1 week 2 days Research student 4 weeks 2 days University & NHS staff 4 weeks 2 days Part-time & distance learning taught course 2 weeks 4 days External borrower 1 week 2 days

Your self-service receipt or the date label on the item will tell you the date your item is due back. Please check this carefully as the item may have been requested by someone else, and have a shorter loan period. Reference copies of core texts (green bands) cannot be borrowed.  This is to ensure that at least one copy of a heavily used textbook stays in the Library.

Can I keep books for longer?

As long as no one has requested the item you can extend the loan by renewing:

• via StarPlus (see How to renew items for more details)
• by phoning the Library HelpDesk on 0114 222 7200 or email library@sheffield.ac.uk
• by bringing your UCard / Library Card to any Library

If an item is requested by someone else you may keep it until the due date, but you won’t be able to renew it.

What happens when someone requests an item I have on loan?

Usually this means you won’t be able to renew it. However, if another copy of the item is returned by another person sooner, this may mean you can renew your item. It is essential you check your account regularly to avoid fines, and ensure no-one has reserved the items you have on loan.
We don't recall books from taught course students but, if you are either a researcher or a member of staff and you have the only copy of a requested book that is not due back for over two weeks, then you will be sent a recall email asking you to return the book within a week of the email.

What if I return my items late?

Fines are charged if you don’t either renew or return your items on time.

You can still continue to borrow providing you have less than £10 in outstanding charges. We help you to avoid fines by:

• Emailing you a reminder when your loans are due for return
• Providing 24/7 renewal facilities via StarPlus or the Library HelpDesk

You can help yourself to avoid fines by:

• Checking ‘myLibrary Account’ in StarPlus and your email box on a regular basis
• Renewing promptly, allowing time to return the item if you can’t renew

Fines can be paid in person at any Library or online.

If you have difficulty returning items you have on loan please contact the Library Services Manager at the site from which you borrowed them.

How do I obtain a item that’s on loan?

Search for the item you want using StarPlus, the Library catalogue. Click on ‘Request’ and enter your Ucard number and PIN. You can reserve any item held by the Library. Staff will search for items not on loan and currently on the shelves, but remember it’s usually quicker for you to look for these items yourself. If an item is out on loan we’ll notify you as soon as it becomes available.