Borrowing from the University of Plymouth library
All you need to know

Book Loans
All books on loan will now be due on the 15 February 2021. This is to account for the National Lockdown. Please check your library account and contact us if your books have not renewed. You will be unable to recall a book during this time.
If you need help accessing alternative resources, please speak to your Information Specialist.
Book returns
You can return your books, including Inter-Library Loans, to the library by using the red returns bin located in the level 1 foyer.
The Charles Seale-Hayne Library is open 24/7 during term time. You must bring your University ID card to access the building and wear a mask at all times.
Inter Library Loans
We are currently unable to supply Inter Library Loan book requests due to the national lockdown. You can still make article and chapter requests. If you need help accessing alternative resources, please speak to your Information Specialist.
Borrowing books
Who | How many | How long |
---|---|---|
Students | 20 | 6 weeks |
Staff | 20 | 6 weeks |
Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students | 20 plus an additional 40 items from the School Experience Collection (SEC) | 6 weeks (16 weeks for SEC) |
Associates | 6 | 6 weeks |
The library is open 24/7 term time. Loans may be due back during vacation periods.
Renew
You may be able to renew your loans if you need to keep them longer. To renew via the Primo homepage, sign in (top right of the page) using your University username and password, and select 'My Account'. Further information is available on Library & IT Self Help
You will not be able to renew if:
Someone else has placed a recall on an item (return the item by the new due date to avoid a fine).
You owe £25 or more in fines and/or charges.
If you are away from the University, you can post items back to us ‘For the attention of Library and IT Enquiries’.
If the Library doesn’t have what you need, you may be eligible to use our Inter Library Loans Service.
Return
You will only be fined if you’re late returning an item requested by someone else.
Library stock is issued for 6 weeks unless another borrower requests it, in which case it becomes a 7 day loan. If one of your loans is requested, you will receive a recall email notification with the new due date. Fines are charged for overdue recalled items.
Overdue category | Penalty |
---|---|
Overdue book – not recalled | No fine. Account suspended until item renewed or returned. |
6 weeks overdue – not recalled | If not renewed within 6 weeks of the due date, an item is deemed lost and you are charged the replacement cost. |
Overdue book – recalled | A fine of £2 per item per day to a maximum of £50 per item (if not returned within 7 days of recall or by due date if sooner). |
Overdue inter-library loan | £5.35 renewal fee per item. Other fees may apply* |
Lost item | Cost of item replacement from library suppliers. |
* please see our Inter Library Loan self-help article for more information.
Invoiced charges:
If you have over £25 of charges on your account, you will be invoiced and your library account will remain suspended until the balance is brought below £25.
To avoid fines:
Check your emails and library account regularly and return or renew items on time. Remember items can be recalled at any time. A recalled item cannot be renewed and must be returned within 7 days or by the original due date, whichever is sooner.
The following library notices are sent to your University registered email address:
You can pay fines:
Get the books you need quickly with request and recall.
We operate a request and recall system so we can make popular items available to as many customers as possible.
If an item you need is on loan, don't wait for it to be returned – simply place a request.
Your request will trigger a recall. Recalled items cannot be renewed by the current borrower and must be returned within 7 days of the request being placed, or by the original due date, whichever is sooner. You will receive an email once your requested item is available to collect. Reservations are held by the Information Desk on level 1.
All items are subject to recall at any time including vacations.
Make sure you return any books you don’t need and check your emails for recall notices. Fines are charged for overdue recalled items.
Library support tailored to your needs.
Support services are available to enable access to library resources for University of Plymouth students who are
Services include:
For full details, see our Library Guides:
The Charles Seale-Hayne Library, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
24/7 term time. Phone / Live Chat / Email: Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00