Borrowing
Who can borrow?
Only members of Oxford University holding blue-topped cards are entitled to borrow.
Which books can be borrowed?
- Any book that does not have a yellow "library use only" sticker on the spine is available for borrowing.
- Some RSL borrowable items have a red sticker which identifies an overnight loan.
- Material from the Alexander Library of Ornitholgy collection cannot be borrowed.
- Material from the Sherardian LIbrary of Plant Taxonomy collection cannot be borrowed.
- Journals are not for loan.
The library catalogue does not indicate the loan status of RSL material held offsite. Such material will be processed as requested and labelled appropriately for loan or reference. The majority of offsite material will be reference only.
How many can I borrow?
The maximum number of loans which can be taken is 15, which is the same for all categories of borrower.
Please note: only three Short Loan items may be borrowed at once.
How long can I keep a book?
| Type of loan | Spine label | Length of loan |
|---|---|---|
| Week loan | Purple or no label | 7 days |
| Short loan | Red | Due back 10:00 the following day (one hour after opening on Saturday or Sunday) |
| Vacation loans (excluding Short loan) | Purple or no label | Begin Monday Week 8 and are due back Tuesday Week 1 |
| Reference only | Yellow | Cannot be borrowed |
If I return a book late will I get fined?
Yes, the fine rates are:
| Type of loan | Amount of fine |
|---|---|
| Week loan | 20p per day |
| Short loan | 50p per hour |
If you owe more than £10.00 in fines you cannot borrow or renew existing loans until you have returned the overdue items and paid some of your fines. You will need to pay enough to bring your fines below the fine threshold.
How do I borrow books?
Take any books that you wish to borrow from the Radcliffe Science LIbrary to the self-issue machines or the Lending Services Desk in the Entrance Hall.
Lending Services close 10 minutes before library closing time.
How do I return books?
Return books to the Enquiry Desk or Lending Services Desk or drop-box of the library from which it was borrowed.
What happens if someone already has the book: can I reserve it?
If you need a book which is out on loan, you can reserve it using SOLO: you will be notified by email when the requested book is available.
Can I renew books?
- As long as no one else has reserved them, you may renew books up to 9 times without having to take them into a library.
- Overdue books cannot be renewed using SOLO.
- If you have a book out which someone else has reserved, you will receive a notification email.
How can I renew and reserve books?
- To renew online, log in to your SOLO account using your SSO (Single Sign-on) ID.
- Online renewals must be done before 23:55 (11:55 pm) on the day that they are due.
- You may also renew books in person.
- You can also renew by telephoning the library from which it was borrowed.