What are the loan types and rules of borrowing?

Types of library loans

There are a few different types of loan rules for the resources, indicated by a sticker which can be found on the spine (edge) of the book;

• Standard Loan resources have no special sticker on the edge of the book, they can be borrowed for up to four weeks
• One Week Loan items have a yellow sticker on the edge, they can be borrowed for one week
• Shelf Reference items have a white sticker with red text, these items cannot be loaned, but they can be used within the Learning Hub.

Students and staff loan allowance

University of Northampton students and staff may borrow up to 20 items at any one time and this can be made up of books, health kits and up to ten School Experience Items. This entitlement also includes a laptop from the laptop cabinets.

Education students may borrow up an additional 10 items from the School Experience collection. This does not apply to Foundation Level Teacher Training Students who may only borrow 20 items.

Associate and SCONUL members loan allowance

Associate and SCONUL members may borrow up to five standard loan items. One Week Loan items and laptops cannot be borrowed as these items are in high demand.

Renewing resources

Resources may be renewed up to 15 times each, provided the resources have not been requested by another user. School Experience items are issued for a week and may only be renewed twice. For education students School Experience items issue for a term, and can also be renewed twice.

If you are trying to renew an item but getting an error message we have a guide to help identify the issue. You can always contact us at libraryhelp@northampton.ac.uk and we'll be happy to help.

Why can't I renew?

You can renew your resources if you still need them, providing you with a new due date. There are a few reasons why you can't renew your items:

• If an item is seven days or more overdue
• It is more than 6 days until your item is due back
• Once items have been renewed 15 times you will need to return them to the library. If you still need the resource, speak with a member of library staff and they can help you return and borrow it again
• You won’t be able to renew items that have been requested by other users, these will be listed as ‘Hold’ on your account. Please remember to return ‘Hold’ items on time as you will be charged £1 per day if they are overdue
• If you owe more than £20 you will not be able to borrow any new items from stock, or renew anything that you have on loan.

Who can I speak to about this?

There are lots of ways you can contact us, any time of the day or night:

• email at libraryhelp@northampton.ac.uk
• our Chat service by clicking on the blue speech bubble at the bottom right of every page
• speaking with a member of library staff at the Library Help Desk, located on the second floor of the Learning Hub during staffed hours
• ask us a question using our 'Submit a Question' form
• call us on 01604 89 3089