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Our services: Borrow from us: Borrow

From borrowing to returning, loan periods to details of charges for late returns - this guide has all the information you need about borrowing from us.

Ask DULib

Contact us through our enhanced virtual enquiry desk, Ask DULib. Search our FAQs, email us, or chat with a librarian. 
Ask DULib is available to all students, staff and users.

Ask DULib, Library Help

Borrow

You can access the Bill Bryson Library to browse the shelves and borrow any available books you require. You must bring your campus card in order to access the building and borrow any books. 

University members and visitors are strongly recommended to wear face coverings in University buildings, including the Library, and when in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet.

Please follow all our safety measures when you visit - details can be found on our Visiting our Buildings guide.

If you have symptoms of Covid-19 or have received a positive test result, you should self-isolate, book a Covid-19 test and inform the University - you must not visit the Library. Please visit our webpages for full details. 
 

How to borrow an item

  • Head to the self-service machines on Level 2 or in the East Wing of Levels 3 and 4
  • Select 'Issue' on the screen
  • Scan the barcode on your campus card
  • Scan the barcode on your item(s). The barcode should be on the front cover of the item; if not, look inside the back cover. 

If you have any problems borrowing an item, please take it to the Help and Information Desk.


How many items can I borrow?  

  • University Staff, Research Postgraduates: 40  

  • Taught Postgraduates: 30  

  • Undergraduates: 20  

  • International Study Centre borrowers, Associate & Subscription borrowers: 7  

 
How long can I borrow items for?  

 Loan type  

 Library user  

 Loan period  

 One week loan 

 All  

 7 days  

 Standard loan  

 Undergraduates, International Study Centre borrowers, Associate and Subscription borrowers  

 21 days  

 Taught Postgraduates  

 91 days  

 University Staff, Research Postgraduates  

 182 days

See our separate page for details of overdue charges.
 

Online access 

All university staff and students can use Discover or the library catalogue to search and view our electronic resources, including ebooks, ejournals, databases and etheses. 
 

Resource Request

You can ask to see items outside of our collections, suggest new items or additional copies, or request access to our print resources if you are not currently living in Durham by visiting our Resource Request webpage.