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Borrowing, returning and charges
Returning Library books
Books can now be returned by using the external book returns slot outside the Sheppard Library; you do not need to come in to the library to return books. The returns slot is available 24 hours a day.
On-campus Library Services
You are automatically registered as a member of the Library within 24 hours of enrolling and will receive a student ID card; please keep this safe.
Your student ID card is also your library card and allows you to borrow laptops, books, renew items (if needed) and check your library record.
Please note: You will need your ID card to access the Sheppard Library.
You can check your library account using Library Search. For full details please see our Library Search Guide
Students that are registered with the Disability and Dyslexia service will have additional help and extra resources. Please see the following webpage for details: Library support for disabled students
Borrowing Books
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, it has been necessary to limit access to our physical collections and put additional precautionary safety measures in place:
At the present time access to our physical collections is not possible.
Most books can be provided as an eBook, but where an eBook is not available you will be able to use our Click and Collect Service.
Click and Collect appointments currently run Monday to Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm
Book Renewals
Any renewable books you borrow are automatically renewed for a maximum period of 52 weeks; however there are some exceptions to this, please see below:
- the item is not a renewable type (i.e. loan period shorter than 7 days)
- the item is requested by another student
- you owe £20 or more in charges
- the item has been on loan for more than 52 weeks
- your library account has expired or is about to expire
If your loan fails to renew due to one of the above reasons and the problem is then resolved, you will need to manually renew the item to reactivate the automatic renewals process. Please see our Renewals Guide for more information.
Students that are registered with the Disability and Dyslexia service will have additional help and extra resources. Please see the following webpage for details: Library support for disabled students
Accessing Reference Materials
If you need to view reference only materials such as journals, reference books etc. then please contact your subject liaison
librarian here
They will arrange an appointment for you to view these materials in the library.
Library material marked ‘reference use only’ may not be borrowed.
Borrowing entitlements
Here are the maximum number of items you can borrow:
Main library | Short loan | Media equipment | Laptop | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Undergraduates | 12 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Postgraduates | 14 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Teaching | 12 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Assistive Technology Equipment
Assistive Technology Equipment can be loaned for 3 hours. These are available on request from UniHelp in the Sheppard Library and can only be used within the library. This equipment must be wiped down after each use with anti-bacterial wipes; this is to ensure it is ready for the next user. Please note, these items may not be removed from the Library. For a complete list, please see Practical help and equipment on the Library support for disabled students page.
Searching and Reserving
- You can search for materials using Library Search
- Items that are not available in EBook format may be requested through our Click and Service (See our Click and Collect Guide for details).
- You may reserve up to five items at any one time.
Please note that failure to return by the due date will incur charges. The new return date will be sent via email to your Middlesex student account
Library charges
Charges are applied for late and lost items, and for Inter-Library loan services. To help you keep track of your library account, we will email you a weekly borrowing statement that shows you when your items are due for return, whether any have been requested or if you have any charges outstanding. Please check your @live.mdx.ac.uk student email account for updates and requested item emails. For more detailed information about library charges, please see the Library Charges guide for further information.
Library charge payments can be made by credit/debit card; please contact UniHelp
Your library account will be updated 24 hours after payment has been successfully made. If payment is made at the weekend your account will be updated on the next working day.
If you have any problems concerning payments you can also contact the library via UniHelp
Items believed returned
If an item or items have been returned but are appearing as 'on loan' on your account – please contact the library as soon as possible to inform us and the item will be marked as 'Claimed Returned' on your library account.
- The item(s) will be searched for three times in the library, during this period the item(s) will appear on your library account as 'Claimed Returned'.
- Items found will be checked in and no further action is necessary.
- Items not found will be marked as lost and you will be charged the replacement cost of the item and overdue fines.
- Until any lost items are either paid in full or returned you will not be able to borrow or renew any other items.
- A letter will be sent informing you that this is the case
If you find and return the book, only the overdue charges will apply, so please return any items before paying any charges.
Laptop loan charges
The charges for overdue laptops issued from the laptop cabinets are: 50 pence per hour, up to a maximum of £50.
Thereafter, laptops are considered ‘lost’ if still not returned and the borrower is billed for the full cost of replacement (which is currently around £738.00).