Lending Services transcript
Interview with Nejla McFarlane. By Andrea Hurt
Andrea
Welcome to the Lending Services section at the University of Melbourne Library. We can help you with all your borrowing needs. Every branch library has a loans desk and there are many different collections and loan rules in each.
Today we are talking with Nejla about what lending services are available at Melbourne Uni.
Hi Nejla
Nejla
Hi Andy
Andrea
I suppose the first question is Who can borrow?
Nejla
All students & staff of the university can borrow from our libraries. Students use their student card, while staff need to bring their staff card to any of the lending desks on campus to get a barcode which enables them to borrow.
If you don’t fit into either category, we also have a service where you can apply to be an Approved Borrower at our libraries. So if you are a student or staff member from an interstate or overseas university, or a member of the public who wishes to borrow, you can apply for this card. There may be fees involved, but you can find out more information from the library website or speak to any Lending Services staff.
The Library is open to the public though, so people without a library card can still read items in the library and access items online.
Andrea
So what happens if I forget my library card? Can I still borrow?
Nejla
Unfortunately not. However, some branch libraries may hold your items for a short time until you get your card.
Andrea
And what kind of items does the library have?
Nejla
The library holds a wide collection of items including books, journals, dvd’s videos, maps, reference material, microfilm & fiche, exam papers and newspapers. We also have Cultural Collections and Archive material, which are great for assisting with research.
Andrea
So Nej, can I borrow everything?
Nejla
Everyone with a library card can borrow 28 day loan material. Restrictions may apply to short term loan items depending on the type of card you hold. You will also notice on the library catalogue that some material is marked ‘not for loan’, and can only be used within the library. So it really depends on the item.
Andrea
And when I have borrowed the books, can I extend the loan if I still need them longer than the due date?
Nejla
You can renew most items, as long as you do this on or before the date they are due to be returned, and if no other borrower has placed a hold on them. There are some items such as short term loans and Reserve material which can’t be renewed.
Andrea
So how do I renew them?
Nejla
Well, most people find it easy to renew material online via the Library catalogue. You can also renew material at the loans desks, via the Self checkout machines or over the phone by calling 8344 0444 when the library is open. You can even renew through the student portal. So it’s quite easy.
Andrea
Great. Does anything happen if my books are overdue though?
Nejla
Well, there’s good news and there’s bad news. The bad news is that once an item is past its due date, you can’t borrow anything else. We also fine on every item when it’s overdue and fine rates are higher for short term loans.
The good news is that the library waives library fines in early January, for students who keep their total fines under $15.00 per year.
Andrea
That’s fabulous!
Nejla
It is. So as long as you don’t exceed that $15.00 total each year you don’t have to pay. However once you have, you must pay the total fine to be able to borrow again and to reset your credit. Fines and overdue items need to be cleared up before you get your results or graduate.
It can be easy to accrue fines, especially if short term loan items become overdue. So we do advise patrons to try to avoid fines altogether. Remember to always check the due dates of your items after you have borrowed them. You receive a printed receipt with the due date listed, when you borrow items. But if you lose the receipt, you can check the dates online through your library record.
Andrea
OK. But if I do have fines, how can I pay them?
Nejla
Only campuses outside Parkville accept cash. On the Parkville campus you can pay at large branches by EFTPOS, University photocopy card, cheque, money-order or by VISA or Mastercard. And you can use your credit card to pay over the phone too. If you need assistance, ask the library staff at your branch which options are available.
Andrea
OK, well where do I return my books when I’m finished with them?
Nejla
It’s preferable to return the books to the library you borrowed them from. However if you really can’t return them at that location, you may return them at any other University of Melbourne Library branch. Media items however, must be returned to their original library.
There are After hours return chutes available if you can’t get to a library when it’s open.
Andrea
Right. Now if I notice on the catalogue that someone else has borrowed the book that I need, is there anything I can do about it?
Nejla
There is. You can place a hold on 28 day & most 7 day loans via the catalogue by hitting the ‘Request’ button at the top of the record. When it is returned the book will be “held” behind the loans desk in your name, and you will then receive an email notification that the book is ready to be collected.
Andrea
That’s really good. And what if the book I need is only available at another campus?
Nejla
Again, you simply hit the Request button on the top of the catalogue and select which branch you’d like the item to be sent to. An email will advise you when you can collect the book from that branch.
Andrea
Now if a lecturer said they put books on Reserve – what does that actually mean?
Nejla
Well there’s a Reserve Section in all branch libraries. Reserve consists of material that is in high demand and this can include: books, photocopied articles, exam papers, reading packs & media. The loan period is usually 2 hours or overnight loan depending on the demand. There are high fines on this material so please return these items to the Reserve Desk on time. Some recommended reading material however, has now been digitized and can be accessed via your LMS subject.
Andrea
Now, is it possible to borrow from other libraries?
Nejla
Yes it is. The Library is part of the CAVAL reciprocal borrowing program, which means that our users are able to borrow from many other Victorian Universities and TAFEs. One of these may be close to your home. A CAVAL card must first be obtained from any University of Melbourne Loans desk.
Andrea
And finally, are there any other services that the library offers?
Nejla
Certainly. There are lap-tops available for 3 hour hire on the Parkville campus from the Baillieu, Education Resource Centre and Legal Resource Centre. Discussion rooms are also available for hire from selected branch libraries. Similarly, Carrels & study rooms are also available for higher degree students from a few libraries.
To find out what additional services are available, remember to check out the library website at www.lib.unimelb.edu.au or visit your branch library.
Andrea
Thanks a lot Nej. That was great.
Nejla
You’re welcome Andy.