The Government’s easing of the current lockdown restrictions began earlier this week. It means the return of more of us to campus life and using the library over the coming weeks. The next due date, 29 March, will be the last manual extension for all items as we prepare to bring borrowing back to normal. Read this to find out how we will transition back to normal borrowing and support those of you who can’t yet return to campus.

Here’s what you need to know…

Due dates

The manual extension of due dates will end on the 29 March. When you borrow an item, the due date will either be the items loan period or the 29 March, depending on which is longer. For example:

• From the 2 March, if you borrow a 4-week loan it will go out for 4 weeks. 7-day loans and 24-hour loans will still be due 29 March.
• From the 23 March, if you borrow a 7-day loan it will go out for seven days. 24-hour loans will still be due on the 29 March.
• From the 29 March – You can borrow 24-hour loan items for 24 hours only.

You will need to return any 24-hour items you have out on loan on or before 29 March. Please contact your home library if you’re unable to do this and we’ll find ways to support you.

You can:

• book a fifteen minute slot to return your items at Augustine House using the online form.
• book a fifteen minute slot to return your items at Salomons Library using the online form.
• make bookings up to two weeks in advance.

You do not need to book in advance to return items at the Drill Hall library.

iBorrow laptop loans

You should return your iBorrow laptop loan on or before the 29 March. To do this, please book a returns slot and email us on library.canterbury@canterbury.ac.uk so we can make the necessary arrangements for its return. Once returned, iBorrow laptops will be safely stored for 72 hours between users to mitigate the risks of coronavirus transmission.

Automatic renewals

On the 26 March we will turn our automatic renewals system back on. It’s been a while since it was in operation so let’s recap how it works. We automatically renew 4-week and 7-day loans for you, a couple of days before the due date. The only exceptions are items that have been reserved and those not eligible for automatic renewal. You’ll receive an email notification if any of your items have reservations on them.

24-hour loans, iBorrow laptops and locker keys do not automatically renew.

Notices

From the 29 March, you will start to receive automated notices from the library again, including the monthly summary of the items you have on loan. You can use the monthly statement to keep track of what you have out on loan and ensure you return items you no longer need.

Placing reservations on items that are out on loan

You will be able to place reservations on items that are out on loan from 29 March. Once returned, a reserved book will go to the first person who placed a reservation on it. Once ready, you will have one week to collect your reservation from the reservation pick up point.

Please keep a regular eye on your University email and we will let you know if any of your items have been reserved.

If you’re placing a reservation on an item that’s out on loan please be aware that it may not be available for some time. All items will have had an automatic renewal before you can place any reservations. Current government guidelines also require us to safely store items for 72 hours before we can make them available to the next reader.

Document Delivery

Document Delivery items will need to go back to their home libraries. They’ve been with us a long time and other University libraries will be eager to see their books return to them.

You should return any document delivery items on or before the 29 March.

If you have concerns about this please contact your document delivery team:

• Canterbury
• Salomons

Can’t come on to campus?

Don’t worry, your items will continue to be automatically renewed. The only exceptions are reserved items or items that are not eligible for renewal such as 24-hour loans, iBorrow laptops and locker keys.

Please get in touch if you cannot return an item by its due date. We will try to fulfil the reservation another way and if we can’t, we’ve setup a freepost system, so you can return your items by mail. Please get in touch by:

• Email library.canterbury@canterbury.ac.uk,
• Phone 01227 922352

We are available between 9:00 – 20:00.

You can appeal library fines that you’ve accrued because of the current Coronavirus restrictions using the online form. We do not expect you to pay fines accrued for reasons outside of your control.

Need help?

For more information on borrowing visit the borrowing, returning and reservations page.

If you’re in Augustine House or Salomons Library you can ask a member of staff on the Library Point. Check our opening hours page to see when staffed support is available. You can also get in touch by phone or email.

Augustine House email library.canterbury@canterbury.ac.uk or phone 01227 922352.

Salomons Library email salomons.library@canterbury.ac.uk or phone 01227 927129