University of New South Wales - Library

How do I join the Library and obtain a Library borrowing card?

UNSW User: (Academic & General Staff, Undergraduate/Postgraduate or a Foundation Student - you need to go to FM Assist to obtain forms and your card (your Staff/Student card is also your Library borrowing card).
Non-UNSW User: (Reciprocal borrowers, Visiting & Honary Fellow,Non-salaried UNSW staff, Alumni, Schools Partnership Program, NIDA staff & students) – you need to obtain a Library membership application form (available from the library loans desk) and also consult your borrower type for membership procedures and any associated fees.

You can pay your fine at either the COFA campus or the Kensington Library at the Level 2 Service desk.

When an item you have borrowed is Reserved by another user than the item becomes Recalled. The Library will inform you via an e-mail notice will be sent to you. You can also view your electronic Borrower Information Record via the LRD which will indicate the NEW Due (DATE) of the item - users who do not have an e-mail account will be sent a printed notice. The Recall Notice will alert you to the NEW due (DATE).

How many items can I borrow?

There is a limit on the total items to be borrowed from the Library depending upon your borrower type.

What is the fine for a late return?

The amount you can be fined depends upon the type of item and how many days the item is overdue.

How can I renew my books?

There are two possible methods of renewing your items on loan:

Your Borrower Record which can be accessed via the top left link on the Library catalogue (LRD);
Telephone (during Library opening hours):
(02) 9385 2650 (Kensington campus);
(02) 9385 0713 (College of Fine Arts, Paddington).

How does the Library contact me?

If you have an e-mail address most Library notices will arrive here – please check your e-mail In Box twice/week and ensure that it is NOT FULL. You can also access your electronic Borrower Information Record via the Library catalogue. For those borrowers who do not have an e-mail address the Library will post you a printed notice.

Where can I borrow high demand materials?

Materials that have been placed on short loan by Academic staff are available for loan by UNSW staff and students only from the Level 2 MyCourse (Reserve)/ Multimedia collection at the Kensington Library. For COFA items please contact the COFA Library.

How do I borrow multimedia materials?

The general collection shelves (COFA, Biomedical, Physical Sciences and Social Science and Humanities libraries do hold videos) which can be borrowed just like a standard item. The Level 2 MyCourse (Reserve)/ Multimedia collection also have videos and lecture cassettes please see here for more.

What is my Library borrower number?

Your Library borrower number is the (X.........) number that appears below the barcode on your card.

How long can I borrow an item for?

The period you can borrow an item for depends upon its type and status - and if the item is recalled during the loan period.

How can I reserve an item that is currently on loan to another borrower?

You can only reserve an item if you are a UNSW User (Academic & General Staff, Undergraduate/Postgraduate, Foundation Student or a Visiting & Honary Fellow employed for a period longer than 3 months).

To place a reservation:

search the UNSW Library catalogue and locate the item;
click on the highlighted call number in the holdings column;
click on Request;
enter your Student/Staff number and Unipass (or your borrower X...... number in the first box and your date of birth DD/MM/YYYY in the second box - provided you have reservation privileges).

To know when your item has arrived:

your Borrower Record indicates the listed item as "Hold Until (DATE)" you can collect it within the 4 day period indicated - please bring the call number with you when collecting the item;
An e-mail notice will be sent to you - please bring the call number with you when collecting the item.