How do I find library resources?
How do I borrow library books?
How many library books can I borrow?
How long can I borrow library books for?
What do the coloured stickers on library books mean?
What time do I have to return library books?
Do I have to return library books at the weekend?
How do I check my library account?
How do I renew my library books?
Why won’t my library books renew online?
How much are library overdue fines?
What is the maximum library fines limit?
How do I reserve library books?

 
 
How do I find library resources?
You can search the Library’s online catalogue via ELITE.  It will find textbooks, law reports, legislation, journals and DVDs in both print and electronic format.

  • Go to http://elite.lawcol.com
  • Login with your Student Number and Password
  • Click on the ‘My Library’ tab
  • Click on ‘Library Catalogue’
  • Enter author, title, citation or subject keywords
  • Click on ‘Search’
  • Review results list
  • Click on title for further information

How do I borrow library books?
Bring the library books and your College ID card to the library desk.  You need to present your College ID card every time you borrow a library book. 

 How many library books can I borrow?
You can borrow a maximum of 5 items.  This can be any combination of books, videos and dvds.

How long can I borrow library books for?

  • All students can borrow short loan items for 3 hours
  • Full-time students can borrow standard loan items for 3 days
  • Full-time students can borrow extended loan items for 1 week
  • Part-time students can borrow standard loan items for 1 week
  • Part-time students can borrow extended loan items for 4 weeks
  • Reference only items can not be borrowed.

What do the coloured stickers on library books mean?

The coloured stickers on library books indicate their loan type:

  • Red stickers indicate reference only items
  • Yellow stickers indicate short (3 hour) loan items
  • Green stickers indicate extended loan items
  • Items without a sticker are normally standard loan items.

 

What time do I have to return library books?

Standard and extended loan items should be returned by library closing time on the date of return.  This is normally 8.00pm from Monday to Thursday and 6.00pm on Friday. 

Short (3 hour) loan items should be returned by the time and date of return.  This will be written on the date label when you borrow the item.  

Do I have to return library books at the weekend?

During term-time, the library is open at the weekend, and you can borrow and return library books as normal.  However, our rules do not require library books to be returned at the weekend, and your return date will always skip to Monday.  Similarly, our rules do not require library books to be returned on bank holidays, or during advertised Christmas or Easter vacation periods.

How do I check my library account?

You can check your library account online via ELITE.  It will show your name and address, items on loan, reservations, and fines and fees.

  • Go to http://elite.lawcol.com
  • Login with your Student Number and Password
  • Click on the ‘My Library’ tab
  • Click on ‘My Library Account’
  • Enter your College ID (student number) and Last Name
  • Click on ‘Login’

 
How do I renew my library books?
You can renew your library books online via ELITE.  You can normally renew items up to 15 times, providing there are no outstanding reservations, or other blocks on your library account.

  • Go to your library account on ELITE (see How do I check my library account? )
  • Find the ‘Items on Loan’ section
  • Tick the box next to the item(s) that you want to renew
  • Click on ‘Renew’

Please note online renewals do not work if you are using the Safari internet browser – please use Explorer, Firefox and Chrome instead.

If your library books fail to renew, please contact the library immediately.  Otherwise they may become overdue and subject to library fines.

Why won’t my library books renew online?
The most common reasons that library books fail to renew online are:

  • Your book is reserved by another student
  • You have reached your maximum renewal limit
  • You have reached your maximum fine limit

Please note online renewals do not work if you are using the Safari internet browser – please use Explorer, Firefox and Chrome instead.

If your library books fail to renew, please contact the library immediately.  Otherwise they may become overdue and subject to library fines.

How much are library overdue fines?
Library fines are charged at the rate of £1 per item per day for standard and extended loan items, and £1 per item per hour for short (3 hour) loan items. 

What is the maximum library fines limit?
There is no maximum library fines limit. 

The maximum charge per item is £5 per transaction.  However, you can exceed this if the item becomes overdue on more than one occassion.

If your total library fine reaches £25.00, your library account will be blocked, and you will be prevented for borrowing until you have paid your library fine.

How do I reserve library books?
You can only reserve library books if all of the Birmingham Library’s copies are currently on loan. 

  • Find the book on the library catalogue (see How do I find library resources? )
  • Check that the library does not have a copy available to borrow
  • Click on ‘Reserve’
  • Enter your College ID (student number) and Last Name
  • Click on ‘Login’
  • Select ‘Reserve’
  • Click on ‘OK’
  • Select ‘Any Copy’
  • Re-enter your College ID (student nunber)
  • Select ‘Birmingham’ as your centre library
  • Click on ‘Submit Request’.