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Borrowing and returning items

Borrowing books

As well as books the library has other equipment you can borrow, including laptops and skeletons.

Finding books

Search the Library catalogue. This will tell you if we have the book you are looking for and in what format.

  • eBooks - many of our books are available online as eBooks and can be accessed directly from a link in the catalogue.
  • Paper copies - the catalogue will tell you which class number to find it at. If all the copies are already on loan, you can add a reservation.
  • Not on the catalogue – You can fill in the online request an item for purchase form and we will consider buying a copy. Alternatively, you may want to use one of our library access schemes to visit another library that may have a copy.

How many books you can borrow

  • Undergraduate Students: 30
  • Postgraduate Students: 30
  • Non-Academic Staff: 30
  • Academic Staff: 30

Issuing the books to your library record

Use the self-issue machines on Floor 0.

Note: We updated to a new system in September 2019. Unfortunately, there are a few books which are not recognised by the new machines. If this happens, please see a member of library staff who will be able to help you.

Return dates and renewals

My Library record is where you will find a record of all the books you have on loan and when they are due back. You will need your University username and password to log in.

Books are either 1-week or 4-week loans. We do have some 3-day loans too.

The library system will attempt to automatically renew your books as they come up to their return date. However, renewals are not always possible, so it is important that you look out for any email notifications about your books. You may need to try and renew your books manually.

Returning books

There are two ways to return your books:

  • Self-return machine - this is in the wall to the left of the Welcome Desk outside the library.
     Note: if, when you return your book, you get an 'unknown item' message it is because the book was issued before we changed systems. The book will not come off your record immediately as it needs to be returned manually by a member of library staff.
  • Manual book drop - this is on the external wall of the library. You can find it by walking along the external walkway to the left of the entrance to the building, heading towards Student Central.
     Note: the book will not come off your record immediately as staff only collect books returned this way at 09:00 every week day morning to be processed.

Freepost book return service

We are pleased to be able to offer a freepost service to all University of Bradford students. This enables you to return your books without having to come back to the University and without incurring any costs.

Note: this service is only available from within the UK.

What you need to do:

  1. Take a photo of the books you are returning.
  2. Package your books securely, making sure each package is no heavier than 10-12kg. Although the maximum weight allowed is 20kg, this is very heavy and we would prefer you send the books in multiple packages.
  3. Go to our page on the Royal Mail website and follow the instructions to print off your freepost label(s). 
    Note: when asked for an order number, please use Library.
  4. Make a note of the tracking number(s). This is to help us resolve any problems if they occur during transit and for your own peace of mind.
  5. Take your book package(s) to the post office. Alternatively, you can use the Royal Mail Parcel Collect service.

Please allow 10 days for the package to arrive at the library and the books to be removed from your record.

You can still use this service if you do not have access to a printer. Post office staff can scan the QR code that will be in the email that Royal Mail send you upon registering your package. They will be able to print the label for you.

For any help or questions about this service please contact us at [email protected] or use the Library help service.