Borrow, recall, return

Students and staff can borrow, recall and return items.

Borrow

Use the Library search to find the item you need. Then:

  • Use the classmark and signage to find it on the shelves.
  • Add it to your library account and borrow it using the self-service machines.

When you only need a chapter of a book or a single journal article, you can request a scan. Library staff will email the pages to you if the item is available for scanning.

Borrowing limits

The maximum amount of items you can borrow is:

  • Staff: 50
  • Postgraduates: 40
  • Undergraduates: 25

Recall

If the item you need is 'out on loan' (borrowed by someone else), you can request the item is returned to the library - this is also known as a 'recall'. You will be emailed when the item is available for collection.

To request an item to be left for you to collect from a specific library building, log into your Library account, find the item you want on Library search and if it can be requested, click on the 'request' button.

You can select the library most convenient for you. You could pick it up at the Main Library, JF Allen Library, St Mary’s College Library, or the Walter Bower House Library. You can also request any items held at the Walter Bower House Library to collect in the Main Library. 

Recalls help University libraries to monitor demand for a title, so if something is recalled more frequently, we may look for alternatives, or purchase additional copies.

Return

To return an item, you can:

  • Use the self-service returns machines inside the libraries.
  • Use the book drop letterbox outside the Main Library entrance when a building is closed.
  • Post it to the following address:

User Services
University of St Andrews Library
North Street
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9TR

Automatic renewals

Books will automatically renew after 4 weeks unless they are recalled. Each renewal allows you to keep the book for 4 more weeks.

The following limits apply:

  • Undergraduates and external users: 4 renewals
  • Postgraduates and staff: 20 renewals

Charges and fines

If you have any concerns about paying fines or want to discuss the charges, contact us by emailing library@st-andrews.ac.uk as soon as possible. We will do all we can to help.

The following charges may apply:

  • If a book is recalled and not returned, there is a charge of £2 per day up to a maximum of £20.
  • If you lose or damage an item, you will be charged the cost of replacement plus £10 administration fee per item.
  • If an item is sent to you by post, there is a charge of £6.70. 

Inter-library loans

  • All overdue items: £1 per day
  • Renewing an item: £4
  • Not collecting an item that has been ordered for you: £10 

There are no overdue fines for books and items borrowed from the University's Libraries. These items are renewed automatically, unless they are recalled by another library user.