How do the self-service machines and barriers work?

Self-service machines and alarm barriers

All library items have a special tag inside that allows you to borrow them using the self-service issue machines throughout the Learning Hub. We have a guide to borrowing library resources using these machines. If the barrier alarm sounds as you take a book through, it means that the book needs to be borrowed. Some items, such as Shelf Reference items, cannot be loaned and so will set the alarm off if you take them through the barriers, these can't leave the library spaces of the Learning Hub and will need to be returned. You can drop it through the returns machine on the ground floor before you leave.

Items from other libraries that use the same RFID system can trigger the audible alert, mobile phones and laptops may also trigger it.

If you have gone through the barriers with a book that you haven't borrowed yet, there is a self-service issuing machine for borrowing on the ground floor of the Learning Hub, opposite the SID and next to the returns machine.

Returning library items

The returns point can be found on the ground floor of the Learning Hub, opposite the large wall-mounted screens. There are also other drop off bins on each floor and two outside the Learning Hub.

I think I might have an item that isn't on loan to me

There are lots of ways you can contact us, and we will be happy to help. You can:

• 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