Borrowing Regulations

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REGULATIONS FOR USE BY MEMBERS
Borrowing

Members may borrow up to 30 items at any one time of which not more than ten items at a time may be borrowed from each of the following four categories:

  • In demand
    All newly published acquisitions are given the status of ‘in demand’ and may be borrowed for a period of up to 3 weeks. ‘In demand’ fiction is denoted by a pink strip running along the base of the book and ‘in demand’ non-fiction by a green strip.
  • Magazines and journals
    Magazines and journals issues may only be borrowed for a period of 3 weeks. These items are only available for reference whilst on display in the Reading Room. They are released for borrowing once the next issue has been acquired.
  • Audio and DVD
    Audio cassettes and CDs and DVDs may only be borrowed for a period of up to 3 weeks. There is no extra charge for borrowing these items.
  • White label
    Items that have been in the library stock for more than 18 months and for which immediate demand has passed are given a white label and may then be borrowed for a period of up to12 weeks. However, books published before 1851 may not be borrowed from the library and books published between 1851 and 1900 may only be borrowed at the Librarian’s discretion. Valuable, rare and fragile items – whatever their age - may only be used in the library and may have to be consulted at the table provided in the Reading Room. Their availability for use is again at the Librarian’s discretion.
Reference only

Books of reference are denoted by a yellow label and may not be removed from the library.

Reservations

It is possible to reserve individual books, audio cassettes, CDs and DVDs, and magazine and journal titles on application to a member of staff. Application may be made by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . There is no extra charge for reservations.

Recommendations

Recommendations for new acquisitions are welcomed. Please enter your recommendations in the ledger (non-fiction books, magazines and journals) or on the slips (fiction books, audio cassettes, CDs and DVDs) provided in the library. Alternatively, email them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Recalls and overdue letters

The library may recall any item requested by another reader provided it has been on loan for at least three weeks. All items may be recalled by a member of staff at the expiration of the full term of the applicable loan period. Should a member fail to respond to a recall notice, the Librarian will suspend a member’s borrowing from the library and report the failure to respond to the board of trustees.

Lost or damaged books

Any damage to or loss of books must be made good to the satisfaction of the board of trustees.