Library services for part-time and distance learning students

This web page contains advice on making the best use of Library services for part-time and distance learning students, and hints on how to obtain course material. It outlines:

Borrowing from the Library

Loan periods

Part-time and distance learning students are able to take out Long Loan items (normally 4 weeks) for six weeks and One Week Loan for two weeks. Unfortunately, no extended borrowing is available for High Demand (24 hour) items. We appreciate that the 24-hour loan period for High Demand Collection books may present problems to students who visit the University irregularly, we therefore advise that you avoid using this loan period.

Please note that books are subject to recall after one week for other users. Notices will be sent to your Loughborough University email address.

Borrowing books by post

You may have books posted to you for a fee. Books will normally be posted using Recorded delivery. The average cost of sending a 1kg parcel First class Recorded delivery is £4.35 (more for outside the UK ).

  1. Check whether we have the item(s) in stock by browsing the Library Catalogue on the web.
  2. Fax the book details and your details through to the Customer Services Team or e-mail it to Ask a Librarian .
  3. The book(s) will be sent to you as soon as it is available.
  4. The postage will be charged to your borrower account. The fee should be paid by cheque prior to ordering additional books.

Returning books

If you need to return books when the Library is closed, there is a special post box (for this purpose) in the wall to the left of the Pilkington Library entrance.

Students who live at a distance may return items by post to the Customer Services Manager, Pilkington Library, Loughborough University , Loughborough, Leicestershire , LE11 3TU . We advise that you use Recorded delivery post to return your books.

Renewing and reserving items

It is possible to renew Long Loan and One Week Loan items up to five times via the Library Catalogue , so long as another borrower does not require them. You will need you student ID number and PIN. Your PIN is available from Customer Services or Ask a Librarian . The Customer Services Desk is also happy to accept telephone requests from part-time and distance learning students wishing to renew Long Loan and One Week Loan items, provided other borrowers do not require them.

We are willing to check the catalogue to see if items are available and to submit reservation requests on your behalf. All such requests should be made by phone to the Issue Desk on (01509) 222361 and you should have your borrower card to hand.

You may also request that an item is taken off the shelf for you to collect. We only hold such material for 48 hours.

Photocopying

Self service

In the Pilkington Library there are photocopiers on all floors. Photocopy credits may be purchased from the kiosk on Level 3 or from the Customer Services Desk.

Postal photocopying service

We also offer a fee based postal photocopying service. Copies of journal articles in stock will be mailed to you on receipt of a signed request form. Please note that all photocopying is subject to copyright legislation.

  1. Check whether we have the journal in stock by searching the Library Catalogue , on the web.
  2. Fill out, print and sign a Photocopy Request Form for each article for copyright purposes.
  3. You will be charged £2.50 per article. Make out a cheque for the appropriate amount payable to " Loughborough University ".
  4. Send the form(s) and the cheque in an envelope marked "Photocopy Request", to the Customer Services Team at the address given on the form.

Bookable workstations

The Library has a few workstations that can be booked online in advance. From the workstations you can access Microsoft Office, the Internet and E-mail. Ask a Librarian.

Study areas

The Library has a selection of study environments including individual and group study rooms. These can be booked online in advance.

Online resources

The Library catalogue

Library services including the Library catalogue, can be accessed via the internet. Catalogues of other university libraries may also be accessed via MetaLib.

Electronic journals and databases

The University Library has access to a wide range of electronic journals via the Library Catalogue but there is also a subject based list of e-journals.

Some sources of electronic journals are better for some subject areas than others. Some electronic journals require usernames and passwords

The fastest growing area of the Library's information provision is undoubtedly electronic information, especially electronic databases. Tips on searching effectively are available from our Learn module.

Because of licensing agreements, not all of the resources can be used off-campus. Some databases also require passwords. To obtain these, you can log on to our passwords page.

Internet resources

The Internet can be a wonderful source of information. You can use it to find both general and good quality resources.

Inter-Library Loans

If you require a book or journal article that is not held in the Library it may be possible for us to borrow it for you from another library. Further details and an ILL form can be obtained from Inter-Library Loans Service. A charge is made for this service. Please ask for details.

Using other libraries

The Library is a member of SCONUL Access, a scheme that allows academic staff, research students, full time postgraduate students, part-time, placement and distance learning students to borrow books from other participating libraries. Complete the SCONUL Access application form and present it to the Customer Services Desk on Level Three of the Library for validation. For further assistance, please contact the Customer Services Manager.

Other University libraries will normally allow students to use them for reference purposes during vacations, but we would advise you to contact them in advance.

Larger public libraries frequently have good collections of textbooks and will always try to obtain books for a small charge.

Alternatively, you may wish to visit many of the professional and special libraries services that are available in particular subject areas.

Car parking

Students should normally use the car park to which they have been allocated, but may also use the staff car park opposite the Pilkington Library after 5:30pm and at weekends.

Help

During normal office hours staff are available to give assistance from the Customer Services Desks, in person or via the telephone. Limited help is available in the evening and at weekends.

Our email enquiries service, Ask a Librarian can be used to seek assistance from the Library We will endeavour to get back to you within one working day.

It is particularly important for you to use your time in the Library to the best advantage. The Library offers tours and teaching sessions and you would find it beneficial to attend these courses. Information on what is available can be obtained from Customer Services on Level 3 of the Pilkington Library, from course tutors or your Academic Librarian.

Contacting the Library

Library staff are happy to help you with any queries you may have. Either contact Information and Enquiries, Ask a Librarian or your Academic Librarian.