Frequently asked questions

How many items can I borrow? 20 books for two weeks at a time and 2 CDs and 2 DVDs for one week at a time.

How do I find the book that I am looking for? Use the Heritage terminals adjacent to the main desk or Heritage online from the FML home page or at (http://clarecollege.heritage4.com/). The record will show you if the book is available or not.

I cannot find the book that I need in the catalogue Ask a member of staff to help you search the catalogue; if we do not have the book you can recommend it for purchase.

What if the book I need is not on the shelf? Look on the shelves around the area where the book should be in case it has been wrongly shelved.  If you still cannot find it ask a member of staff to help.

How do I recommend a book?  Use the Online Book Recommendation Form link on the FML homepage, or one of the Book Recommendation Folders in the FML or the LLRR.

Can I reserve a book? If a book that you need is on loan to another reader you can reserve it at one of the FML Heritage terminals or by using the Clare College Online Catalogue link on the FML homepage.  The item will then be recalled by library staff. On its return you will be notified by email and the book will be kept on the Reserved Books shelf in the library office for three days for you to collect.

Can I renew my books? Yes, this is done by using the Clare College Online Catalogue link on the FML homepage.  Click on Clare Online Catalogue, then Enter, then Your Account.  Type in your Reader code which is on the back of your University card.  Select the tickbox to highlight the item you wish to renew and click the renew button. NB: Renewals are not permitted during the last week of term, nor if the book has been recalled by another student, nor if the book is overdue and you are being fined for it.

Will I be fined if I don’t return my loans on time? Yes, after a short grace period. Any fines accrued during the Term are added to your College bill.  If you do not return overdue books within 7 days of their due date a borrowing block will be placed on your account until the book has been returned. If you do not return an item you will be charged the replacement cost plus an administration fee of £5.00

Where do I return my books? Put them in one of the two book boxes or return them to a member of staff. The inside book box is situated at the foot of the Bennett Room stairs, off the library foyer; the outside box is beneath the library office window. Please do not return borrowed books to the trolleys in the library or to the shelves.

Does the Library stock any magazines? We have a very limited collection of journals including - The Week, Economist, Prospect, TLS & Private Eye. During term time we also have a small collection of foreign newspapers, which can all be found on the first floor.

How do I borrow a DVD or CD? Take the empty case from the shelf to a member of staff who will then issue you with the DVD or CD. 

How do I use the photocopier?  Use your University card.  Insert it in the value loader on the wall beside the copier and charge it with cash (20p, 50p £1 & £2 coins only) up to the value of £10. Put the card into the unit attached to the copier; the cost will be deducted from your card as you copy.

Are there any computing/printing facilities available in the FML? Six PCs are available in the Downstairs Computer Room and two computers are in alcoves on the upper floor. The Upstairs Computer Room is in the library building, but is accessed from outside (open 24/7). There are two PCs and a printer in the LLRR, and two computer rooms on K staircase. The computers are managed by the University Computing Service who issue all students with a PWF password. Double-sided printing can be done on all the printers.  Colour printing can only be done in the Upstairs Computer Room. Any printing done is charged to the individual's PWF account.

 Return to Library Home Page