University of the Arts London

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

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How do I join the Library?

Currrent students or members of staff can join by taking their ID card and enrolment slip or proof of contract to the library of their home college.

Which libraries can I use?

Current students or members of staff can use any University of the Arts London library, not just those of their own college.

What do I do if I lose my ID card?

Students will need to a get replacement ID card from Registry at their home college, there will be a fee for this. Staff should contact their line manager.

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Can I renew items that I have out on loan?

You can renew items, up to four times, if they have not been reserved by another user. This can be done from any computer with internet access using the 'my account' section of the library catalogue. Click here to go to the catalogue. You will not be able to renew videos or DVDs if you have borrowed them from CSM

Can I find out what I borrowed last term?

Yes, either (1) go to the Library start page and select the option 'View your loan history' or (2) go to the 'my account' section of the library catalogue, login and then click on the 'loan history' link which can be found in the loans section.
This service is currently set to show loan history going back 2 years.
Click here to go to the catalogue start page.

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Do you charge fines?

Yes, fines are charged on overdue items Monday-Friday, including vacations, up to a maximum of £10 per item. They are not charged at weekends, bank holidays or when libraries are closed. click here for details of current fines.          

How can I use the self-service kiosks?

You can borrow, renew and return your items.  You can also see some basic information about your account.  For detailed information about your account (such as reservations and items on loan), please use the My Account option on the Library Services web page or via the Library Catalogue.

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Can I pay fines through the self-service kiosks?

Yes - the kiosks accept cash and credit/debit card payments.  If you are not able to pay your fine but would still like to borrow items, you can pay it later, providing it is under £10.

Can I renew my items on the self-service kiosk?

Yes - you can renew an item up to 10 times, providing it has not been reserved by someone else.

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Can a member of staff show me how to use the self-service kiosk?

Yes - there are members of staff roaming in the library and near the service points who can assist you.

Where should I return items?

You are able to return any item to any of the UAL libraries.  When items are returned through the self-service kiosk, the screen will indicate whether the item should be placed on a returns trolley or in the book bin provided.

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What happens if an item appears on my receipt more than once?

If you borrow an item through the kiosk and it appears on the receipt multiple times, it has only been issued to your account once but you have used up a renewal.  To avoid this happening in future, move the item(s) off the kiosk shelf once they have been issued to your account.

Why do I need a receipt?

The receipt shows you how many books you have out on loan and when they are due back.

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Books that I have never borrowed are showing on my library account.  What should I do?

Please see a member of staff as it is possible that the details of books that were in close proximity to you while you were using the kiosk could have been detected.  It is a good idea to avoid having books on the kiosk shelf while you are using the kiosk.  You may also want to ensure that students queuing to use the kiosk after you keep a slight distance to avoid detection.  We are working with the kiosk supplier to manage the sensitivity of the detection kiosk.

I have returned a book but it is still on my library account.  What should I do?

Please ask a member of staff to check your record for you as there could be a number of explanations.

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Can I reserve a book or other loanable item?

Yes, if a copy is out on loan you can place a reservation on the library catalogue. An email will be sent to your University email address when the book is ready for you to collect.

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I have reserved a book - when will it be in?

This depends on when the person who has it out returns it! When you reserve it they will be sent a letter asking them to return the book as soon as possible and by the due date at the latest. When they return the book we will send an email to your University email address. Your reservation will be kept for one week from the date of the email.

Do I search for videos and DVDs in the same way as books?

Yes, the library catalogue contains details of all our stock, whether books, periodicals, videotapes or CD-ROMs. If you just want to search for a DVD or video click on 'search limits' on the library catalogue and select film, video or DVD in the item type box then click 'set limits'. Click here to go to the library catalogue.

There's a book I need, but it's at one of the other sites. How do I get it?

If the item is at another University of the Arts London library, you need to go to that library to borrow the item yourself.

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Can I return a book at a different library from the one where I borrowed it?

Yes, so long as you borrowed it from one of the university libraries. Our staff will accept the book and remove it from your library record, then arrange for it to be transported to its home site.

I have found a reference that says 'journal article' in Location. What does that mean?

This is a reference to an article in a periodical (or magazine) that is kept in one of the University of the Arts London libraries. If you look at the top of the screen you will see the name of the periodical, the date and month, and the pages.

Is the Learning Zone another library?

No. Although the Learning Zone provides a limited stock of core textbooks for reference, it is primarily a resource centre that provides PC, Macs, WIFI, scanners, printers, photocopiers, trimmers, lightbox, cutting table, flexible/group study space, presentation rooms, state of the art A/V equipment and comfy chairs. The Learning Zone will soon be offering a laptop loan service as well. Its extended opening hours (Mon-Sat 10am - 11pm and Sun 12pm - 6pm during term time), flexible study space and informal atmosphere complement the services offered by the Libraries.

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Can I print from the library catalogue?

Yes, you can print from the library catalogue using the print option at the bottom of the screen. You will not be able to print from most dedicated catalogue terminals in the libraries as they do not have printers attached. As an alternative you can email your results to your University email address from these terminals.

There is a book on my reading list that doesn't appear to be in the Library!

First, make sure you check the library catalogue. If it does not appear on the catalogue, please tell a member of library staff.

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I found a book on the catalogue but it says "on order". What does this mean?

This means we have ordered the book and are waiting for it to come from the suppliers. If you would like to borrow a copy of it when it comes in please speak to a member of library staff.

Can I suggest a book the library should buy?

Of course, we encourage it! While we cannot guarantee to buy it, we welcome any suggestions for items to add to our stock. All you need to do is give the details to a member of library staff

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What is an inter-library loan?

Inter-library loans are books or periodical articles that we get from another library as we do not have them in stock. Inter-library loans are available to degree and post-graduate students to support their dissertations and to staff and research students. Click here for the inter library loans policy [pdf].

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How much can I copy from a book or periodical?

No more than a chapter (or 5%, whichever is the greater) of a book, or a single article from a periodical issue. Full details are posted above the photocopiers in each Library and are also available on the copyright section of the LLR pages. click here to go to our copyright pages.

Can I scan an image from a book to use in my work?

For more information on this and other issues relating to copyright check the copyright pages.

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What is an e-journal?

Usually an electronic version of a printed journal, although occasionally they only exist in electronic form. Click here to go to the Find e-Journal section of the e-Library to search through Library Services subscriptions to e-Journals

Can I access databases or e-journals from home?

Yes, the majority of our e-Resources are available off campus, using your University username and password. A small number may need a seperate username and password. click here for more information.

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Where's the best place to start looking for information on the Internet?

For academic subjects, a good place to start would be Intute. If you don't find what you need, click here to try the information skills section.

Can I look at other university library catalogues?

Yes, there is a list of UK and Ireland higher education and research institutions' library catalogues on the i page, click here to go to the other libraries section.

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Can I use other university libraries?

There is an agreement between most Universities (SCONUL Access Scheme) that allows staff and students to use the libraries of other universities. The services you can be offered depend on your course and the university you wish to visit. To take advantage of this scheme, apply at the library desk for a SCONUL membership card. click here for details of the access schemes

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