How do I?

... get my Library PIN?

Your PIN gives you access to your Library account for renewing your books online and reserving (putting a 'hold' on) books out on loan.

You can use the Get my PIN link on the Library homepage or in Books Search (the Catalogue) to have it e-mailed to your University e-mail address.

... access electronic books and journals?

The Search Leicester Digital Library area on our homepage is your gateway to all the digital and other information resources available.

If you are not on campus, you will be asked to log in with your University IT account and password when you try and access the contents of an eBook, eJournal or one of our information databases. Visit our page on off campus access for more information.

... borrow books?

There are self-service book issue machines on the Ground Floor. You need to have your University/Library card with you.

... return and renew my books?

You use the Self Service machines on the Ground Floor to return books and other items you have borrowed. There is also a 'drop box' at the entrance to the Library. If you are away from the University, you can return your loans by post to Lending Services, University of Leicester Library, PO Box 248, University Road, Leicester, LE1 9QD. We advise you to obtain proof of postage as you are responsible for their safe return.

You can renew your loans online using your Library account. Log in using your Library number (this is the number on your University/Library card beginning '075 ...') and your PIN.

You can also renew your loans by 'phone on 0116 252 2043 or in person at the Library Service Desk.

You cannot renew books if they are reserved by someone else, or if you have large Library fines.

... get books when I am not in Leicester?

We have thousands of eBooks which you can find using the Books Search option on the Library homepage.

We operate a postal loan service for Distance Learners throughout the year.

We offer a vacation postal loan service for campus based students at the start of the Christmas and Easter vacations. Books that you have reserved which become available during these times can be posted out to you at your request. You will receive information by e-mail when the service is available.

In many cases, you can also use other university libraries where you are.

... reserve a book someone else has borrowed?

Use the 'Place hold' option in the Books Search (Catalogue) record of the book you want.

Other people can also reserve books which you have on loan. When this happens you cannot renew these loans and you will be asked to return them within 7 days.

When an item you have reserved becomes available, we put it in the collection area in the Express Zone on the Ground Floor and send you an e-mail.

You can check your reservations online using your Library account.

We keep reserved items for you for 7 days.

... get help?

Visit our online tutorials and guides for more information on how to use the Library. Have a look at your My Subject page which links you to specialist information sources for your subject.

Contact us; we are available during staffed service hours: