How does borrowing and returning library resources work?

You can borrow books and items from the library's physical collection using our self-service machines, your Student ID card acts as your library card. You are automatically a member of the library once you are fully enrolled and have your Student ID card.

We have a guide that explains how to use a library if you have never used a library before, you haven't used a library for a long time, or if you want to watch videos of issuing and returning your library books.

Borrowing resources

Once you have found the library books or resources that you'd like to borrow, take them to one of our self-service machines, these are tall thin black machines with a screen, they can be found in the Learning Hub;

• On the fourth floor, near the Silent Study area
• On the third floor, next to the laptop cabinet
• On the second floor, opposite the Library Help Desk
• On the ground floor, next to the book return point.

Once you are at a self-service machine press 'borrow' on the screen to begin, then scan your Student ID card in the scanner below the screen (hold your card so that the red light crosses the barcode)

Once it has scanned your card your library account will display on the screen. You can now place the items you want to borrow onto the shelf below the card scanner. As you place resources onto the shelf they will appear on the screen, along with their due dates. Check that all the resources you are borrowing have been listed on the screen as you do this.

Once you are ready, press Finish to close your account, you can now take your resources.

Troubleshooting

If the screen states 'Check out failed', the item can not be borrowed. The most common issue here is trying to borrow 'Shelf Reference' resources, as these cannot be borrowed and must stay within the Learning Hub. You can identify these by white 'Shelf Reference' stickers across the bottom edge of the book.

Some 'Exhibition Catalogue' resources (identified with a red sticker and the letters 'EXC') are Shelf Reference only, these can be used in the library spaces but cannot be borrowed or taken away. We have more information about why some items can't be borrowed.

If you are unsure, speak with a member of library staff who will be happy to help you! 😊

Renewing resources

Resources you have borrowed will have a 'due date', when they need to be returned to the library. However, if you still need them for a little longer you can renew your resources, this moves the due date further back and lets you keep it a bit longer. If you are ever unsure about renewing your resources, speak with a member of library staff and we'll be happy to help you!

Returning resources

Once you have finished with resources you have borrowed you can return them to us. If you are unable to return them personally, someone can return them on your behalf, or you can even post them to us.

I'm having trouble, can someone help me?

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