Bradford College

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How Do I ...

How do I join the library?

You can register as a member of the library if you have a valid Bradford College ID card.
Please come to the library counter or speak to a member of staff.

How do I borrow books?

You can borrow books from any of the College Libraries if you have your Bradford College ID card. 
You can take books out at the self-service machines or at the library counter.
Borrowers are encouraged to use the self-service machines to borrow and return books.

How long can I borrow a book for?

Standard loans are for 3 weeks.
Books with a yellow spine label are for 1 week.
Books with a blue spine label are for 2 days.
There are also short loan items available for 3 hours from the library counter.
School Services books, at McMillan Library, are issued for 1 term.

How many books can I take out?

How do I access 'my account'?

• Click on the ‘my account’ tab at the top of the Library Catalogue page
• Enter your I.D. number (this is on your Bradford College I.D. card)
• Click on ‘Logon’ You will now be able to see the items you have on loan.

How do I renew my library books?

You can renew your library books as long as no one else has requested them.  You can renew a week loan for an extra week, or standard loans for three more weeks, at a time.

You can renew:

• 24 hours a day online by accessing ‘my account’ on the Library Catalogue.
• Using a self -service machine during library opening hours
• In person or by telephone at the library counter during library opening hours

You do not need to bring your books into the Library to renew them – you just need your Bradford College I.D. card.

How do I find books in the library?

The Library Catalogue lists all the books, e-books, journal titles and DVDs that are available in the library.  Type in the author, title or subject in one of the boxes.  Instructions for using the Library Catalogue can be found through the Help tab at the top of the Library Catalogue page.
If you need any further help please contact a member of staff at the Library.

Make a note of the shelfmark (classification number), including the three letters that follow it, of the book and look for the shelfmark on signs around the Library to find the right shelf.
For journals click on show library holdings to find out where they are held.
E-books can be accessed by clicking the link shown.

How do I reserve a book that is out on loan?

You can reserve books on-line using the Search function on our Library Catalogue (OPAC),
once you've found the correct title, click the request button then follow the instructions on screen.

Please note: You must enter a last useful date. This is a date after which the book is no longer useful to you, for example the hand in date for an assignment.

If for any reason you are unable to reserve on-line, please fill in a reservation form at the counter or ask staff for advice.

Can I borrow a book or journal article which is not available in the library?

If the book or journal article that you require is not available in the library, it is possible to order it for you by Inter-library loan.  Forms are available at the library counter or can be downloaded (see Related Documents).

How do I check what books I have on loan?

You can check your library account on the self-service machine:

• At the self-service machine please press “Your Account” on screen.
• Insert your Bradford College I.D. card into the machine (Barcode first and facing up)
• Once this is done, your account window will show all the items on your account, their due dates
  and any outstanding charges.
• Press Finish
• You will then be asked if you would like a receipt.
• Press “Yes With Receipt”
• Receipt is then dispensed with all account details.

You can also see what you have on loan, by visiting the Library Catalogue and logging on to ‘my account'.

Can I use computers in the Library?

All Learning Resource Centres and Libraries have a drop-in computer area for student use. You will need your student number to set up your own password and use the PCs. You can access the Internet, MS Office and other applications, and print your documents. You will also have access to college email and the H-drive, where you can save your work.

How can I make sure a computer is available when I need it?

We use MyPC, a computer management system that allows you to book online for a time that suits you. See Related Documents for Student Guide.

How do I print from a College computer?

When you send something to print you can pick it up from any printer on campus.  Every student receives an initial amount of free credits for printing. After this you will have to top-up your print account.  Instructions for using the printers are available on each machine.

How do I top up my print account?

You can top-up your print account at Westbrook, Trinity Green, Grove Library and McMillan,
using self-service top-up machines.

Can I use my own laptop in the library?

Yes you can. The College has a Wireless Network. 
Your equipment should be fully charged, as Health and Safety rules do not allow you to use our electrical service and do not allow you to use our wired network system unless your laptop has been PAT tested. Please ask at the library counter.Instructions on how to configure you laptop for our WIRELESS network are available on request at the library counter or on the Student Intranet.

Do you keep past dissertations?

The library holds student dissertations submitted for some degree programmes.  Please ask at the library counter for details on accessing these.

Who is the librarian for my subject area?

Contact a Librarian

Are there any quiet study areas in the library?

The library is a quiet study area.  We have group study rooms, some with presentation equipment.  Silent study rooms can be used as long as required.  You will need a pass to use some of these areas, please ask at the library counter for details.

Do you charge fines?

Fines are charged on all overdue books/items:

Standard/School Services Library Loans…10p a day
Week Loans    ……………………………….30p a day
2day/Inter-Library Loans...………………….40p a day
Short loans …………………………………..20p for first hour, then 30p an hour.

How do I get e-mail reminders?

Email reminders should automatically go to your student email address.  If you wish to change it go to the Library Catalogue and click on the link, which says, "Click here to register/update your email address." Bear in mind that some web-based email accounts (i.e. Yahoo and Hotmail) can't be accessed from on campus, so please check this beforehand.

What happens if I am ill?

If at all possible please let us know by phone so that we can renew your books for you, 
or visit the Library Catalogue and renew them using ‘my account’.

If you are not able to visit the library, when you return to college please bring either a letter from your tutor on official 
College paper or a copy of a sick note, INCLUDING DATES OF ABSENCE, to show us, to confirm your illness.

Can I use Leeds Met Library?

Students and staff of Bradford College can apply to become a guest user of Leeds Met. through the Regional University Network (RUN) scheme.  Students should be studying on a course validated by Leeds Met.  For more information please go to the Leeds met website.

• Leeds Met. Website - Information for Regional University Network

Application forms can be picked up at the Counter of one of the College's Library and Learning Resource Centres.  The completed form should be signed by a College tutor and include a passport photo.