Library

OneSearch is the library’s discovery service via which you can search across not only the physical collections in our libraries but will also give our students and staff access to eBooks, eJournals and articles drawn from our vast array of online resources.

Access OneSearch

In addition to those resources accessible via OneSearch, the library also has extensive access to online resources providing a range of text and media content. For each course area we have a number of subject specific resources and tools which will support students with their learning and development. These are detailed on the Subject Guide pages of the Library’s Intranet Site.

All students, academic staff and support staff are able to borrow items from the library.

How do I get a library card?

All you need is your university I.D. card which will be issued to you when you enrol at the start of your course or at the beginning of your employment with us. It is also available as an e-card via the University app. You will need to have your university I.D. card or e-card with you if you wish to borrow any items from the library. If at any time your card is lost or stolen you will need to contact the IT Helpdesk to arrange for a new card to be issued to you.

How long can I borrow an item for?

Items in the library have different loan periods depending on how much demand there is for the item. The loan categories are 4-week loan, 7-day loan, 4-hour loan and reference. Please be aware that all items are subject to recall, but you will have longer loan items for at least a week.

Reference and 4 –hour loan items are for use in the library only.

How many items can I borrow?

Students and staff may borrow up to 50 items at a time, Entitled Visitors may borrow up to 5 standard loans.

How can I check my library account?

You can check your library account at any time online. Access OneSearch through the website, sign in and then select 'my account' from the drop down menu at the top of the page. This will take you to your account and will display what items you currently have on loan, when these items are due for return and any outstanding fines that you may have. You can also check your library account by selecting 'Account' on the Self-issue kiosks.

How can I renew my items?

Your items will auto-renew providing they have not been requested or there is an issue with your account.

Please note that 4-hour loans cannot be renewed during termtime under any circumstances.

How can I request items?

Any standard (4-week) loan or 7-day loan item can be requested.  Please log into OneSearch and search for your item, select request and input which library site you wish to collect it from and click request.  You will receive an email when it is ready and you then need to reserve a collection slot to come and pick it up.  Details are in the confirmatory email.

Why are my items being recalled?

If the items that you have borrowed are reserved by another user the items will be recalled from you. You will receive email notification of which items are being recalled.

Recalled items are in demand and need to be returned within 7 days or fines will be incurred.

Lost, damaged or stolen items

When items are issued to you, you are accepting responsibility for them. If any items are lost, stolen or damaged whilst they are issued to you, you will incur our standard lost charge. For these reasons we strongly advise against borrowing items on behalf of others.

Self-issuing and returning items

Items (including almost everything in School Resources!) can be issued at any time using the Self-issue kiosks in both our libraries. Select 'Borrow', scan your University ID card or e-card and place multiple items on the flat. Please make sure all items have been issued before removing them by checking the screen. Books, DVDs and CDs can be returned using the Returns machine on the top floor of the Martial Rose Library or the kiosks at West Downs Library. Non-book items from the School Resources collection should be returned using the kiosks.  The kiosks also give receipts showing what has been issued and returned. Please ask for a demonstration or assistance at the Library Desk.

As with all University facilities, there are rules and regulations relating to conduct within the library and use of library materials. These rules must be adhered to at all times.

Noise in the library

The Martial Rose Library has Quiet Study Zones for individual work and the School Resources Centre and Study Rooms can be used for group work. However, please be aware that these areas are not soundproof and that too much noise can be distracting for other Library Users.

The West Downs library upper floor is more suited to group work and the lower floor is more conducive to quiet study.

Other study areas suitable for group work are provided elsewhere on the campus (Cyber Italia and Learning Cafe).

Mobile phones in the library

The use of mobile phones for calling purposes is permitted in the library but they should always be turned to silent mode when in the building. Text messaging is permitted in the building, but only if the phone is in silent mode.  Please consider other library users before taking a call in a study area and move to an appropriate space.

Food and drink in the library

Hot and cold drinks with lids are permitted in the Library. Cold food can be consumed in quiet study areas, but not hot or smelly food. Please use bins around the building to dispose of rubbish and be careful not to damage to books and electrical equipment. Any mess or spillages should be reported to a member of staff.

At West Downs in the upper social area food and drink are permitted.

Library fines

The library has a fining system for overdue books. Please check your Receipt or Library Account for due dates. The Library sends an email notice if your items are recalled. If your book runs overdue you will incur charges as follows:

Standard (4-week) loan and 7 day loans:
£2 a day (max. £20)

4-hour loan:
50p an hour (max. £20)

Fines should be paid immediately; fines over a certain amount will prevent you borrowing items from us. Fines can be paid on the self-service kiosks using a card.  

We encourage all students to monitor their library accounts or return items to us to avoid incurring these charges. If there are extenuating circumstances that may prevent you from keeping your account in good order please contact the library immediately by phone or email. These fines are in place to prevent valuable study materials from being kept from other users.

The library has a range of online services to support distance and flexible learners who live on mainland United Kingdom, outside the county of Hampshire or the Isle of Wight.

To use the online resources please log in to the University Intranet and visit the library's intranet pages by clicking on the 'Library' tab. You should be able to access the various resources to which we subscribe, including e-books and online articles. Please see the ‘Subject’ pages for your librarian’s recommendations.

The library has created guides on the following topics:

• Finding resources for your assignment: where to start

• Having problems accessing online resources? Trouble shooting...

The library participates in the SCONUL Access scheme, which may entitle you to borrow items from other participating university and public libraries. You can apply online. Not sure where your nearest public library is? Visit the findmylibrary website. For anyone based in and around London, the British Library is well worth a visit.

The School Resources Centre (SRC) – located on the middle floor of the library – provides a wide variety of books and resources to help with planning and delivery of activities for children in the classroom. The collection is especially aimed at students following teacher training courses, but all students and staff are welcome to use it.

Alongside children’s fiction and information books we have multimedia, teaching packs, posters and active learning toys and artefacts. These resources are shelved together in a series of eight curriculum areas which relate to the whole range of the primary school curriculum and national guidelines. Additionally, we hold journals relating to child and school-centred topics. We also have a small reference children’s book archive containing facsimiles of early children’s fiction and textbooks.

We actively promote our collection by producing a range of value-added materials, such as booklists and displays.