Loans

This service allows users to borrow library materials, including set texts for exams, for a specified period of time.

Who is entitled to borrow

User registration for borrowing

The first time you borrow books you must register at the Library, show an identity document and, for students, the university badge.

How many books can I borrow and for how long

Number and duration of loans

Books are loaned for 30 days.

Textbooks (Dewey LT section) are loaned for 30 days to internal University of Bologna users. For others, they are available for reference only.

Up to 10 books may be borrowed at the same time.

Authorisation to borrow on behalf of another user

Registered users who are unable to come in person may authorise someone else to borrow on their behalf. This requires completion of the form available in the attachments section at the bottom of this page, to be presented at the loans desk together with copies of the identity documents of both the authorising party and the authorised person.

Loan by delegation

The Library allows borrowing by proxy, by filling out the delegation form attached, to be delivered to the Library Front Office with a copy of the delegating party's identity document.

Self-service loans and returns

Self-service loans

Registered Library users may borrow books independently during opening hours by using the self-service workstation located in front of the loans desk. A computer identifies the user through the badge and records the loan by reading the RFID label attached to the book.

Self-service returns (24/7)

Books may be returned using the 24/7 returns box accessible from the window on Corso Giovanni XXIII.

Simply insert one book at a time into the slot and the computer will automatically record the return and send a notification to the user by e-mail.

Booking or extending a loan

Bookings

Documents currently on loan can be booked from the online catalogue

When a document is returned, the Library will promptly send a notification via e-mail and the item will be reserved for up to 3 days, including the day on which the notification is issued.

Here is a short video on how to make a booking from the online catalogue.

Extensions

Only one extension may be requested for a period of time equivalent to the duration of the loan, if the document has not been booked by another user.

Extensions can be requested starting from 3 days before the loan expires:

Here is a short video on how to extend a loan from the online catalogue.

Requests

You can request a document directly from the online catalogue so that it is kept at the loans desk for up to 3 days, including the day on which the request is made.

Here is a short video on how to make a loan request from the online catalogue.

Due dates and fines

Due Date

You will receive a reminder three days before the due date. Extending the loan or returning the documents by the due date avoids penalties.

 

Fines

In the event of a late return, borrowing will be suspended for a number of days equal to twice the number of days overdue. Until the item is returned, no further documents may be borrowed (see the attached University Regulations).

Stolen or lost books

Users who are unable to return a book because it has been lost or stolen must purchase a replacement copy and deliver it to the Library in person.

Damaged books

When a book is borrowed, its condition must be checked jointly by a staff member and the user, so that its condition is recorded on the loan form.

  • Book underlined in pen: the user is required to replace the damaged copy with a new one. The same procedures apply as for lost or stolen books.
  • Book underlined in pencil: the user may either erase the markings or replace the book with an intact copy.
  • Damaged book: the user is required to replace the book with a new copy.