Library FAQs

Updates on current services

I have items that are due while the current COVID-19 restrictions are in place, do I have to return them?

All items currently on loan have been extended and will not be due while the current COVID-19 restrictions are in place, so you don’t need to come into campus to return them.
Any fines accrued during this time will be waived.
I have items on loan and want to return them, are returns chutes open?

Loans will not be due while the current COVID-19 restrictions are in place, so the good news is that you don’t need to come into campus to return them.
If you really need to return them, our returns chutes are open 24/7, so you can return them there, following current Victorian Government restrictions. Please note that there might be a slight delay in items being removed from your list of loans.
Can I have books posted to me while the current COVID-19 restrictions are in place?

The Library Print Retrievals service is open while the current COVID-19 restrictions are in place. A single chapter or article (within Australian copyright allowances) can be scanned and emailed to you; or a whole book can be express posted to an Australian address.
Please see our Print resources page for further details, or our Online resources page to see if the library has an online version.
Are there any study spaces available on campus while the current COVID-19 restrictions are in place?

The ground floor of the Baillieu Library is available with COVID Safe protocols in place to eligible students who do not have a safe of suitable space to study at home. If you previously received approval for an on-campus study space in the Baillieu Library, you do not need to re-apply.
If you have not previously received approval, you can submit a request for access.
When will the library return to normal services and hours?

The Library homepage will have the most up to date information about our services in accordance with Victorian Government guidelines. You can also check the Library Hours page for our latest hours.
I have items on hold to pick-up, how can I get them?

If you had items on hold to pick up and would still like to get them, we can have them mailed to your address. Please use the link below to enter the details of the items on hold and your mailing address for the items to be sent out to you.
https://library.unimelb.edu.au/search-tools/source-online-and-print-resources/find-electronic-material
Can I access material from Archives and Special Collections while COVID-19 restrictions are in place?

During lockdown the Reading Room may be able to organise the digital delivery of some collection items for University of Melbourne staff and students. To request digitisation of items from the Archives and Special Collections enter requests through Aeon, via webform, or contact us at reading-room@unimelb.edu.au to discuss.
Many of our collection items have previously been digitised and can be found in our online repository.

Borrowing

How do I borrow books?
You need your student or staff card to borrow books or other items at our campus branches.
Self-service machines for borrowing or renewing your items are located within the libraries. If you haven’t used one before, ask a library staff member at the service desk for assistance.
Before you go to find your book on the shelf, check the library catalogue to ensure:
- Your book is available (check the status)
- You have the correct location (there are 11 branches)
- You have the full call number (including all the numbers and letters)
We have 11 library branches where you can borrow items. Find the library that specialises in your study area and learn where you can visit our branches.
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/borrowing/borrowing/how-do-i-borrow-books
How can I renew my items?
The renewing your items page on our website will help you with:
If you are having difficulty renewing your items (online or on campus), please speak with a librarian using Library Chat or see a library staff member at one of our service desks.
You can renew your items online via your borrowing record on the library homepage, or at any of our branches on campus:
- Renew items using a self-service machine
- See a library staff member at the service desk
- Speak with a library staff member using Library Chat
You may be unable to renew your items if:
- Someone has reserved the item you have on loan
- It has reached the maximum renewal limit
- It is too soon to renew the item
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/borrowing/borrowing/how-can-i-renew-my-items
The library doesn’t have the book I need; what are my options?
For University of Melbourne Staff and Students, if we do not have the item you need, you may be able to borrow it using one of the following borrowing schemes:
- BONUS+ allows you to request items from other participating Universities via our library catalogue, with pick-up available at our campus branches. For more information, please see the Bonus+ Books webpage.
- CAVAL lets you borrow in person at participating libraries and institutions in Victoria. For more information, please see the Reciprocal borrowing from Victorian universities (CAVAL) webpage.
- ULANZ allows you to borrow in person at participating libraries around Australia and New Zealand. For more information, please see the University Libraries of Australia and New Zealand (ULANZ) webpage.
- You can place a request for items via our Inter-Library loans service. To check your eligibility and to find out more, please see the Inter-Library Loan website.
Learn more about how you can request to borrow books from other libraries or institutions on the borrowing page on our website.
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/borrowing/borrowing/the-library-doesnt-have-the-book-i-need-what-are-my-options
How do I return books?
You can return books to any of our libraries at any time with one of the following options:
- Using the automated or manual return chute inside the library
- At the service desk, please see a librarian
- Using the after-hours chute if we’re closed
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/borrowing/borrowing/how-do-i-return-books
I’ve lost my student card; what do I do now?

Please contact the library as soon as possible so we can freeze your library account. You can speak to staff at one of our branches or chat to us online using Library Chat. This prevents others from using your card to borrow.

For more information, see the replacing a lost card page on our website.
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/borrowing/borrowing/ive-lost-my-student-card-what-do-i-do-now
The library item I want is not on the shelf; how can I get it?
You may be able to place a reservation or ‘hold’ for the item.
Which items can I reserve?
You can place a reservation on items in the catalogue which are:
- Out on loan
- In off-site storage
- At another campus (but not different branches on the same campus)
Not all items are available. Please visit the requests page for details
How do I place a reservation?
Click on the blue request button at the top of the catalogue page.
How do I collect my item?
We will send you an email when your item is ready for collection. Pick up locations for all our branches are on the requests page.
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/borrowing/borrowing/the-library-item-i-want-is-not-on-the-shelf-how-can-i-get-it
How do I request and view something from the Archives or Special Collections?

Searching
Each collection has its own catalogue and way of identifying material that you can request.
Visit the searching page for links to each collection website.
Requesting
To place requests, use the Aeon request system.
There is also a request button on the right-hand side of items which are in the library catalogue.
Viewing
Items can be viewed in the Reading Room by appointment.
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/borrowing/borrowing/how-do-i-request-and-view-something-from-the-archives-or-special-collections

Fines

How can I pay my fines?
After you have returned your overdue item, charges will be applied to your account. When the charges for your overdue library items exceed $25 you will be required to pay the late fees.
Our payment options include:
- Online payment via the library catalogue. Login to your borrowing account on the library homepage, under Quick Links.
- Card payment at the library service desk in one of these branches: Baillieu, Law, Giblin Eunson, ERC and Southbank libraries
You are not required (or able) to pay if your late fees are under $25. To learn more, please see the fines and suspensions page on our website.
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/fines/fines/how-can-i-pay-my-fines
What happens if I lose or damage an item?

Lost items
Please see a library staff member at one of our service desks or contact us via Library Chat to report a lost item.
A standard charge plus a processing fee will be applied to your borrowing account for each missing item.
Lost items can be replaced with an identical copy of the item. A processing fee of $15 will be applied to your borrowing account for replacement of the missing item. For further advice about replacement items, please speak with a library staff member.
Damaged items
Please report damaged items to a library staff member for assessment.
For more information please see the replacing a lost or damaged item page on our website.
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/fines/fines/what-happens-if-i-lose-or-damage-an-item

Library spaces

What are the library opening hours?

The library opening hours for all branches are on the library website.
What is the after hours study zone and what hours is it available?

Selected libraries are available as a study space outside of library opening hours.
When operating as an after hours study zone, the information desk is closed, library collections are not available for browsing or borrowing.
For libraries and times available visit the library opening hours page.
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/library-spaces/library-spaces/what-is-the-after-hours-study-zone-and-what-hours-is-it-available
Can I eat or drink in the library?
You CAN take in and consume
- Hot and cold drinks with a lid
- Food that is not smelly or messy such as cold snack food, fruit, nuts and chocolate
You CANNOT take in
- Drinks without a lid
- Food that smells or is messy such as hot food.
Many libraries have areas where no food is allowed. Please check signage or ask a librarian if you are unsure.
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/library-spaces/library-spaces/can-i-eat-or-drink-in-the-library
I can’t find a study space, what are my options?

The Studying on campus webpage provides a range of options for you to study on campus. This includes drop-in study spaces, library branches, and booking options for PCs and quiet study spaces.
There are 11 Libraries across our campuses. To help you find a seat, the Find-a-Study-Space website is updated in real time to show you how busy the study spaces are within libraries across the Parkville, Southbank, Werribee and Burnley campuses.
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/library-spaces/library-spaces/i-cant-find-a-study-space,-what-are-my-options
Are there limits on the number of people in each library

Yes, currently the number of people in each library is capped due to COVID requirements. If you arrive at a library and it is at capacity, you may have to wait until a place becomes available or go to another library that has available capacity.
See library opening hours (live link to https://library.unimelb.edu.au/library-opening-hours) for details.

Library membership

I am studying at another university. Can I borrow items from the University of Melbourne libraries?

The Library participates in several borrowing programs with many Australian and New Zealand university libraries.
You will need to have your student ID card or other photo ID plus proof of current enrolment to register for borrowing.
To find out if your university participates in these programs, and for further information, check out Borrowing from other Libraries page.
Permalink: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/contact_the_library/faqs/library-membership/library-membership/i-am-studying-at-another-university.-can-i-borrow-items-from-the-university-of-melbourne-libraries

Searching for specific library resources

How do I access Australian Standards?

Check out our Standards Library Guide which provides the basic information required for locating standards as well as details on where you can locate them.
How do I access a thesis?
Check out our Theses Library Guide which shows you how to find Masters and PhD theses, online and in print, from:
- The University of Melbourne
- Other Australian universities, and
- Outside Australia
How do I find images?

Check out our Images Library Guide which will help you find images and provide information on how to use images in your work.
How do I access maps?

Check out our Geospatial (GIS), Spatial Data and Map Resources Library Guide which provides information on Victorian, Australian and international resources.
How do I access news?

Check out our News and newspapers Library Guide which will help you access news from Australia and around the world.

Research skills

I’m a new student. How can I learn about library services and resources?

The New Students Library Guide contains essential information for new students to get set up and connected to the Library's services and resources.
How can I develop my library research skills?

The Research Essentials Library Guide will help you level up your researching skills, including tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your time searching, reading, and writing.

Library FAQs

Updates on current services

Borrowing

Which items can I reserve?

How do I place a reservation?

How do I collect my item?

Searching

Requesting

Viewing

Fines

Lost items

Damaged items

Library spaces

Referencing

Library membership

Searching for specific library resources

Research skills