Our services: Borrow from us: Return

Self-service returns  

How to use the self-service returns machine: 

• Head to the self-service machines on Level 2, opposite the Help and Information Desk
• Select 'Return' on the self-service machine display
• 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
• Check the message on the screen and place your item(s) in the green or orange bin as directed
• Once you've returned all your items, press 'Finished' on the screen. If you'd like a receipt, press the 'Print Receipt' button.

If you have any issues using our returns machines, please take your items to the Help and Information Desk.

Free postal returns 

Available to all UK-based staff and students not currently living in a DH postcode.

We are offering a free postal returns service to all UK-based staff and students who are not currently living in a DH postcode, allowing you to return any items to us without having to travel to the Library.

How does it work? 

To use this service, simply visit the Royal Mail web portal to prepare and print your own postage label at home or generate a QR code. Please ensure that each parcel you send weighs less than 3kg (you can send more than one parcel) and is packaged securely and robustly with the use of appropriate parcel packaging to avoid any potential damage.   

You can then take the parcel to any Post Office branch or a Customer Service Point attached to any Royal Mail Delivery Offices to be posted; if you selected the QR code option, Royal Mail staff will print the label for your parcel at this point.   

Your parcel will then be tracked by Royal Mail until it is safely returned to us. The items you return may not be removed from your library account immediately. Please continue to check your library account and if they are still there 10 days after posting, please contact us through our live chat service.

If you have any questions about this process, or have books to return but are not currently in the UK, you can contact us through our live chat service or by emailing main.library@durham.ac.uk.