Using the library
Borrowing
All current University students and staff can borrow from the library. You should be registered to borrow automatically.
You can borrow up to 12 items at a time. This includes books, DVDs, and borrowable equipment such as DVD players. Reference books such as dictionaries are not borrowable.
You can borrow items using either the self-issue machine in the foyer or by going to the library front desk.
Most loans are for 28 days initially then automatically renew, including over the vacations. Books with 1-day loan stickers and/or yellow and black tape can only be borrowed overnight.
Year abroad students can borrow normal loan items but not 1-day loans. See the library's information page for more details on year abroad resources.
All loans must be returned before you graduate or leave employment with the university.
Alumni are welcome to use the library for reference.
Library loans can be returned to us at any time we are open, either through the self-issue machine or by bringing them to the library desk. You do not need your Camcard to return items.
If the library is closed you can use the dropbox to the left of the doors into Lady Mitchell Hall. This 'Sidgbox' is emptied daily, but please note that if you drop a book there the day it is due back it will likely not be collected until the next day and will therefore be considered overdue.
Please do not drop any equipment such as DVD players or laptops into the Sidgbox. Return these directly to the library.
If you need an item that is on loan to another user, you can recall it by logging into iDiscover. Recalling an item gives the current borrower three days to return the item. Once it's been returned you will receive an email; you then have two days to collect it, not including weekends.
Recalls are turned off during vacations. You will not be able to recall any items, and your own loans also cannot be recalled.
Please ensure you return any items you have on loan that have been requested by others by the date in the notification email.
Only short loan items accrue fines if they are overdue, at a rate of £1 per item per day. This includes short loan equipment such as DVD drives. You can pay fines by card by logging into iDiscover or in cash at the library desk.
If you are ill or circumstances mean you can't return an item on time, please get in touch with us. We are always happy to help you if you let us know.
Printing
There is a printer in the stairwell outside the library main entrance. It provides A3 or A4 paper sizes, printing in colour or black and white, as well as scanning and photocopying.
You can print from a browser using Web Print, or install the Print Deploy software if you require colour printing. For further information on printing, including how to install Print Deploy and check and top up your printer credit, see the University IT help pages.
Library policies
Food and drink
Hot and cold drinks are permitted if they are in a cup or bottle secured with a lid.
Food containing nuts is not permitted. Other food is allowed. Please be considerate of other library users and do not bring in anything messy or with a strong smell.
Please also take care not to spill food or drink on the library materials, furniture, or floor. Report any spillages to the library desk immediately.
Donations to stock
The library follows the Cambridge University Library and Archives (CULA) donation policy. You can find details of the policy on the CULA website.
Accessibility and inclusion
The library welcomes all users including students and staff, as well as alumni and members of the local community for reference purposes. If you have any questions about access to the building or how we can assist you in using the library, please get in touch.
The library has step-free access on the first floor using the main building lift. Step-free access to the second floor can be arranged by consulting the library staff, however the third floor is not currently wheelchair accessible. Further accessibility details are available via AccessAble. Library staff are always happy to help fetch materials from high shelves or from the second and third floors on request.
Gender neutral, men's, and women's toilets are available throughout the building.
In the foyer we have a range of equipment which you can use in the library including wrist rests, coloured overlays, an ergonomic mouse, and ear defenders for noise reduction. You can also ask at the desk for laptop stands, book stands, and writing slopes. We are always happy to take recommendations for additional accessibility aids.
Library floorplan
Library tour
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