Needed your book yesterday?
Consider these 3 efficient ways to get the book you need
1. Request it - we have the item but its out on loan, you still have time before your work is due (1-4 weeks)
2. BONUS+ it - we don't have what you want or its out on loan. You should receive it within a couple of days to a week.
3. CAVAL it - we don't have it or its out on loan. There's no reason why you can't get it today.
Request it
If a 7 day, 28 day or 90 day loan item you need is on loan, on display, in repair, or being relabelled, then you can request place a request for it. When the item is returned it is put on the holdshelf for you to collect straight away. If more than one person has requested the item the borowing period reduces to one week for each person.
If you need an item that is on loan for 90 days and you request it in most cases the loan period is reduced so you can get access to it much quicker.
How to place a request
- Search the library catalogue
- If the item status has a due date then click on Request
- Enter your details:
- Your name
- Your library barcode
- Choose your pick-up location if the item is not on your campus
- Select Submit book request
- Select the item you wish to hold
- Select Request Selected Item
Request notification emails and request collection emails
Request notification emails
When someone requests an item that you have out on loan we send you an email to let you know ahead of time that you will not be able to renew the item. If you're a staff member with an item on 90 day loan you may receive an email from the library to let you know that someone has placed a hold on the item and to let you know that the due date has changed to an earlier date.Request collection emails
We email you when your item is ready to collect. The item is kept on the holdshelf for a maximum of one week for a 28 day or 90 day loan, or three days for a 7 day loan. We use the email address in your patron record. Information on setting up or altering your More information about emails for requests and overdues can be found at library mail.BONUS+ it
You have access to a huge number of resources from 11 Australian and New Zealand universities at the click of a button. Items are delivered to the library of your choice within days.How to request using BONUS+
- Search the library catalogue
- If the book you want is not available, click on the BONUS+ icon
and the search is repeated in the BONUS+ catalogue - Select Request This Item
- Select University of Melbourne
- Enter your details:
- Your name
- Your library barcode
- Choose your pick-up location
More information on BONUS+Click on Submit
CAVAL it
You can borrow at other Victorian universities and TAFEs in person with the CAVAL reciprocal borrowing program. This can be a very quick way to get hold of the resources you need if you're willing to travel. Go to the CAVAL website for a list of all participating institutions and information including how to search for books at other universities.
Borrowing at another university
To borrow at other universities you need to take a CAVAL card (which you get from us at the service desk) to the library and register. Once you have registered you will be able to borrow at that particular library up until the expiry date written on the card. There is room on the card to register at three other libraries so if you need to join more you'll need to get another card.
Overdue items and fines accrued at other university libraries will result in suspension of your library record with us as well.