March 15, 2019, by uazrk

Libraries are changing: A new way to borrow books

In April, University of Nottingham Libraries will be making changes to our library system. This is part of a major project to improve student experience. Some of this is about updating the way we lend books so that it’s more in line with what students tell us they want. It’s all about:

• Simplifying our processes

• Maximising access to our resources

• Offering a fair and equitable service to students and staff using our libraries

So from Monday 15 April, there are going to be some key changes to the way you borrow books.

Here’s an image to explain our new flexible loans system.

Here’s the breakdown:

You can still borrow up to 60 items, but the length of time you can borrow them for is changing

We’re sticking with a maximum of 60 items when it comes to loan limits, but we are changing loan durations. This is something completely new called flexible loans, it applies to everyone, and it means two things:

1. We’re giving more people better access to all our library books. Rather than having a short loan system, which our data tells us isn’t widely used, we’re introducing a dynamic new approach for all books. Books will be normally issued for one week, but if they are in high demand you will get them for two days.
2. Books on loan automatically renew unless someone else wants them. If that happens we’ll let you know and you will have a week to bring your book back. So unless we tell you, you won’t have to do anything, just keep the book until you no longer need it.

We’re making it easier for you to reserve the books you need

Under our old system, when you went to reserve a book with multiple copies, you had to go through a list and pick the one you thought you could get hold of first. We’re taking the guess work out of this process.

Now you simply reserve the book’s title and the system will choose the quickest copy to get for you, saving you time and simplifying the process. So that’s one less step for you!

And if the book’s not in your most convenient library, we’ll get it there. Just make sure you pick it up as quickly as you can, because we’ll only be holding it for two days (unless you are part-time, a distance learner, or have declared a disability, in which case you’ll have seven days).

You’ll only be fined for late books requested by other people, and when you do, it will be £1 a day, up to a maximum of £10 per item

We’ve done a lot of work with students on how they think our fines system should work. In a recent survey, students told us that the ideal fine amount would be £1 a day, up to a maximum of £10 per item so that’s what we’re going with.

It’s important to us that you’re able to get the most out of our libraries while you’re here, so we hope you’ll welcome these new changes. And if at any point you need some help while you get to grips with them, our library staff are always on hand to support you. And you can keep an eye on updates via our Twitter page: @UoNLibraries.

You can read more about our new loans policy in a briefing note that we’ve created.

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