Guide to lending services

How many items can I borrow? This depends on your borrower category: Borrower category No. of books Undergraduate & Postgraduate taught course 25 Postgraduate research, University & NHS staff 35 External borrower 5

How long can I borrow? This depends on your borrower category: Borrower Normal loan period Heavily requested loan period Full-time taught course student 1 week 2 days Research student 4 weeks 2 days University & NHS staff 4 weeks 2 days Part-time & distance learning taught course 2 weeks 4 days External borrower 1 week 2 days

Your self-service receipt or the date label on the item will tell you the date your item is due back. Please check this carefully as the item may have been requested by someone else, and have a shorter loan period. Reference copies of core texts (green bands) cannot be borrowed. This is to ensure that at least one copy of a heavily used textbook stays in the Library.

Can I keep books for longer?

As long as no-one has requested your books we will automatically renew them for you up to the expiry date of your account.
We will send you an email to let you know if any of your books cannot be renewed due to requests on them, and we will also send you a weekly borrowing statement to remind you which books you have out on loan and highlight any that have been requested.

It is essential you check your weekly borrowing statement and library account regularly to avoid fines, and ensure no-one has reserved the items you have on loan.

What happens when someone requests an item I have on loan?

You can usually keep it until the due date but you may not be able to renew it. Occasionally we may have to ask for books to be returned earlier than the original due date but we will give you plenty of notice if this is the case.

What if I return my items late?

Fines are only charged for the late return of requested items but accumulate at the rate of £2 per day. You can still continue to borrow providing you have less than £20 in outstanding charges.
If you have any problems with your library account please contact the Library HelpDesk at library@sheffield.ac.uk

How do I obtain an item that’s on loan?

Sign in to StarPlus
Search for the item you want. Click on 'Get it' and then ‘Request’and choose your site for collection.
You can reserve any loanable item held by the Library. Staff will search for items not on loan and currently on the shelves, but remember it’s usually quicker for you to look for these items yourself.  If an item is out on loan we’ll notify you as soon as it becomes available.