How to borrow a library book:
You have many options when returning books. You can:
Return books to the library enquiry desk (either Ipswich or Colchester) during office hours.
Return books via the self service machine at any time and place them in the return boxes in the library (if you are coming after office hours be sure to have your ID badge to gain access to the libraries) Note: Currently not available on Colchester site
Place books in the 'Library Book Return' boxes at anytime - for Colchester this is the blue box outside of Villa 8 and for Ipswich this is the red box located along the Education Centre corridor. Library staff check these boxes daily, and any books found there will be returned on the system by staff.
If you are returning books borrowed from another library the self-service machine will not recognise them. Don't worry - just put them in the returns box and library staff will make sure they are removed from your account.
You can also return books to any other NHS Library within the East of England region and they will post it back to us.
The library operates an automatic renewal system:
Please note: The library has the right to recall books at anytime. Therefore, you must return a book if you are asked to do so by a member of the library team, even if it is before the due date.
* Some books may not be eligible for automatic renewal.
Can I renew books myself?
Yes you can renew books yourself, either through the library self-service machine or by logging into your library account via the library catalogue. However, because of the automatic renewal system you will only be able to do this three times. Also if you renew a book yourself this will count as one of your automatic renewals.
You can place a hold yourself through the library catalogue. When you have found a book you would like to reserve you will need to:
Please note that if you already have 8 books issued to your account, while you will still be able to place holds on new books, we do ask that you return books you no longer need when you come and collect your new reservation.
How to Place Holds - Video
Got a reading or journal article list you need help with -
Please visit our request information page for more!
The library may charge you for lost or significantly damaged books:
You are responsible for every item issued to your account. If items are damaged or lost you may be charged replacement costs and an admin fee. The exact details will be discussed on a case by case basis with the Library Services Lead. If you have not returned books on loan from us, and do not respond to our correspondence within a certain amount of time, we shall treat the books as missing and you may be charged a replacement cost and admin fee.
Please note: you must not let any one else use your account to borrow books. Each member of staff must have their own account if they wish to use our services. You are responsible for every item issued to your account. If they are damaged or lost you may be charged replacement costs and admin fee.