If you notice that book appears on your library account without you having borrowed it, please let us know as soon as possible so we can investigate. 

Overview of procedures

Library Regulations state that:

Members are responsible for the return of any book which is recorded as being on loan to them. This responsibility ends only when the item is checked-in, and those who fail to return books will be required to pay for the cost of their replacement.

We recognise that there are cases when customers genuinely believe a book has been issued on to their account without them having taken it out.

What happens when you tell us a book appears on your account without you having issued it?

If you notify us that you believe a book is on your account without you having issued it:

• We will conduct an initial search to check if the book is on our shelves. If it is located, we will remove it from your account and inform you. We will do this within 7 days of being informed.
• If the book cannot be found, we will initiate our formal Claimed Not Borrowed processes. The book will remain on your account during this period, and you will continue to be responsible for it.
• We will search for the book on our shelves over a period of up to four weeks, conducting at least two further searches. You will be kept updated throughout the process.
• During the search period, we request that you check thoroughly to confirm the book is not in your possession.  If you locate the book, please let us know as soon as possible. Please check the barcode sticker (a number starting M1...) on the front of the book as that is the unique identifier for that copy.   

What happens if we locate the book?

If the book is located:

• It will be removed from your account.
• If the book was recalled prior to its return, you may be liable for overdue charges (up to £15 per item).

What happens if the item is not found:

• If the book is not found after four weeks the search process will end. You will remain liable for the book and if it is still not returned it will eventually be declared lost. You may be obliged to either:
  • Replace the book with an “as-new” copy, or
  • Pay a £50 replacement fee.

The £50 replacement charge will remain on your account until paid or a replacement copy supplied.  This will prevent you from borrowing further items until resolved. You will receive an invoice for this amount.