Library Out Loud

Some compulsory textbooks are available from the Library, but these are in very high demand so we strongly recommend you have your own copy if you need reliable access during the semester. 

We’ve reviewed and improved access to compulsory textbooks, though students are still expected to have their own.  

If you want to borrow a compulsory textbook, you need to know: 

• You can search for it in Discover using the title or course number 
• The Library may have it as an ebook (our preference) or print book. Both usually have limited access, such as restricted users at one time, waiting lists, or short loan periods.  
• We buy one print copy for every 50 students in the course, an increase from the previous one copy per 100 internal students.  
• There is likely to be a waiting list for compulsory textbooks in print. This means that the issue period may be shorter (set at 14 days), or the books can be recalled with the due date then becoming at least 14 days from the recall email.  
• The Short Loan collection (for use in the Library only) will no longer have compulsory textbooks. These had very low use, so we have added them to the borrowing copies. 
• Note that recommended textbooks have a more generous ratio, one copy per 15 students, as you aren’t expected to buy these. 

For details on borrowing periods and recalls, see borrowing, returning and fines.

If you’d like to contact us about borrowing textbooks, see ask questions and get support.