Library and IT Self Help

University of Plymouth staff and students are automatically members of the library. You will need your University card to access the library building and to borrow from the library stock. Library membership expires when your course ends or your staff contract expires.

As well as borrowing books and DVDs, you can borrow video cameras, digital SLR cameras and voice recorders. Please see our Equipment Loans article for further details.

Taking a book out

There are two self-issue machines on Level 1 of the Charles Seale-Hayne Library next to the entrance gates.

• You will need to use your University ID card to take books out.

• The self-issue machines will display the titles and due dates of the books you issue.

• A book will be loaned to you for 6 weeks unless another user requests the item. If a book is requested the loan shortens to 7 days.

Check your library account and renew your loans regularly. If your issued item is subsequently requested, the due date may change. Read our Requests and Recalls article for further information.

* Unless requested. If an item is recalled you will be asked to return it within 7 days, or by the existing due date, whichever is sooner. Late return of a recalled item will result in overdue charges.

There are two self-return machines on Level 1 behind the Ask Desk.

• You do not need your University ID card to return books
• Please ensure the book remains closed when returning
• Instructions on how to return a book are displayed above the machine

Check your library account to make sure all returned books have come off of your account. If there are any problems please contact us straight away.

While we are updating to a new security system you may see a message displayed saying 'unknown' and the books will remain on your account. This will only be until a member of staff processes the book and we will then return them off your account manually. It can take up to 24 hours for this to be reflected on your library account.

If you are not able to return your items in person you have the option to return the items via the post. 

Note: you will need to pay the postage fee for this as it is not something we can reimburse

Package items securely with a note inside to say they are returns (include your student number) and address them to:

Book Returns

Charles Seale-Hayne Library

University of Plymouth

Drake Circus

PL4 8AA

You do not need to send them via any special post but it is always a good idea to ask for a receipt or to keep proof of the parcel collection as the books remain under your care until they are returned. 

Any parcels are delivered to our central Post Room and then distributed to the various departments around the University so you may notice a small delay particularly if you have requested a signature. 

You can renew your books via Primo.

• Click on Sign In at the top right corner of the page.
• Select the appropriate login option
• Sign in using your University email address and password
• Click on Library account found either in the top menu or below the search box
• Click on Loans
• You will see a list of all the items on loan to you.
• Click on Renew for individual items or click on Renew All
• Click on your name in the top right corner to sign out.

You may not be able to renew if:

• Your account has been suspended due to overdue charges or lost items
• The item you wish to renew has been requested by someone else

If you are unsure why your items are not renewable or you have any other queries please ask a member of staff at the Ask Desk on Level 1 of the library or contact the library.