Loans
To borrow an item, after locating the document you are looking for, take it from the shelves and go to the loans desk with your library card with barcode. The documents kept in rooms that are not accessible to the public should be requested online using the catalog. In some cases, consultation is only possible by appointment.
Users can borrow up to a maximum of 100 documents each. The initial duration of the loan is generally 7 or 28 days, with some exceptions. At the expiry date, the loan will be renewed automatically up to five times, provided that the item has not been requested by another user. Loans of books from the author collections cannot be renewed.
To return a book, you can give it to the personnel at the loan desk or put the item in the returns box at the entrance to the library.
Late returns are subject to a fine, with no exceptions, as set out in the library regulations.
Type | Date | For loan | Reproductions |
Books | Pre-1900 | No | To be carried out by the library. Delivery within 24 hours (Requests made after 15.00 on Friday will be dealt with on the following Monday) |
1900-1950 | No | Permitted on the overhead scanners | |
Post-1950 | Yes | Permitted on the overhead scanners | |
Periodicals | Pre-1900 | No | To be carried out by the library. Delivery within 24 hours (Requests made after 15.00 on Friday will be dealt with on the following Monday) |
1900-1950 | No | Permitted on the overhead scanners | |
Post-1950 | Only for academic staff, assistants and collaborators | Permitted on the overhead scanners |
Loans and reproductions
Access to user account
Identify yourself with your SWITCH eduID account that is created when you register with swisscovery
In your user account, you can check past and current loans, their expiry dates, active loan requests (reservations), any unpaid fines, messages and blocking from the library, and your own personal data and preferences.
Managing loans and your user account
Identify yourself as described above
In the catalog, open the record with details of the chosen document
In the section "Options for loans and requests", click on "Loan" (or "Request" if available for that item)
If available, select the place to collect it from. Press "Send request" to confirm.
Access your user account
Identify yourself as indicated above
Select "Renew all" in the account overview
