You can use Library Search to find the items you need. You can use Library Search on your computer or mobile device wherever you are in the world.
Watch this 3-minute video to learn how to use Library Search.
Type in keywords or the full title of an item. Use the filters on the left to narrow your search by 'Material Type'. Tick 'Print Book' to show only physical books in the library. Tick 'eBook' and 'Article' to show items available online.
Write down the call number of the print book you want to borrow. The call number will help you find the item.
If the book you want is already on loan to somebody else, you should place a reservation. If you don't place a reservation, the current borrower may keep it until their renewal period ends, because they will not know that you are waiting for it.
You can only reserve books when all copies are on loan. If a book can be reserved, a 'Reserve This Item' button will show in its Library Search record.
If a book is available, use the call number to find it yourself. We don't fetch books for you unless you qualify for the Fetch and Proxy service as part of our Privilege scheme.
Watch this 2-minute video to learn how to reserve a book.
You can reserve up to 5 items at a time and cancel a reservation anytime in your Library Account.
Once the book is returned, we'll email you to let you know it's ready to collect from the Reservations shelf. The email will come from no-reply@oclc.org and be sent to your Birmingham Newman email account. You have one week to pick up the book.
When you pick up the book, issue it to your account using the self-service kiosks or at the Service Desk on Level 1 during staffed hours. The book is reserved for you only.
If you don't collect the book within a week, it will be re-shelved and available to all users.
Please note: We can only fulfill requests when the current borrower returns items. Expect at least a 7-day wait between placing your request and being notified that your item is ready.
Students can borrow up to 20 items at a time. This includes books, School Experience Collection items, and a laptop.
Different Items have different loan periods and renewals:
| Item type | Loan period | Renewal | Overdue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book - main collection | 7 days | 26 automatic renewals | Account blocked |
| School Experience Collection | 6 weeks | 1 automatic renewal | Account blocked |
| Laptops | 4 hours | 0 | Fine and account blocked |
Items are due back after the maximum number of renewals has been reached, or if another user requests them. The library will email you (no-reply@OCLC.org) when you need to return your items. Please return your items on time to avoid having your account blocked. If your account is blocked, you will be unable to borrow anything else until you have returned the overdue items.
You can check what items are on your account using the self-service kiosks in the library or by checking 'My Account' on Library Search.
If you can access an item online, you'll see a button labeled 'View eBook' or 'View full text' in its Library Search record.
You might need to sign in to your library account to view online content.
Watch these videos for help on accessing electronic content:
Last reviewed: 16 January 2025
