Borrowing & Returning Books

You must have a current TU Dublin student or staff card to borrow from the Library. Once you have a TU Dublin card you automatically have a Library account.

There are two ways to borrow from the Library:

1. At the self-check machines.
2. At the main Library circulation desk where a staff member can issue loans for you.

How to Borrow at a Self-Check Machine

1. Tap your TU Dublin card against the contactless symbol on the screen.
2. In Aungier St the machine will immediately detect what you are borrowing once you place items on the rest. In Blanchardstown, Bolton St, Park House and Tallaght you will need to use the barcode scanner on each item.
3. To use the barcode scanner for each item:

   Open the book to the barcode on the inside front cover. Do not scan the barcode on the back.
   Place the spine of the book in the “V” and push it all the way back until you hear a clunk sound.
   When you hear a sound and see a green checkmark your loan is ready to go.

Borrowing Entitlements:

*Please note: Lending of Music CDs in Park House Grangegorman Library is restricted to Postgraduate Students and Staff. They are library use only for all other students. 

• Leave your items in the Book Returns Box available in the lobby of each of the libraries and they will be checked in for you.
• Return the books using the self-service machines available in the libraries or bring the books to the library desk and give to a member of staff who will check them in for you. 
• Please Note: The books should be returned to the library you borrowed them from. 

1. Renew Online
   1. Login to your MyLibrary account using your student or staff logins.
   2. Use the check boxes to select the items to be renewed and click on Renew All.
2. Renew your items using the Self Service Machines in the libraries.
3. Ask a member of staff at the library desk to renew them for you.

Please note: Books and other items may not be renewed if any of the following apply: 

• You have already renewed the item before.
• Someone has placed a hold on the item.
• The item is overdue.

If you have any difficulty renewing your loans please contact your home library. 

Books that are out on loan may be reserved by placing a hold on them. This means when the book is returned it will be reserved for you. You can place a hold / reserve a book as follows: 

• Search for the book in the Library Catalogue. 
• Click on the Request button. 
• If there is more than one copy of the book you can then select which copy to reserve. 
• Items marked Library Use may not be reserved 

When the item becomes available, the library will send an email notification to your TU Dublin email account. 

TU Dublin libraries offer a fine free library service.

• There are no fines charged on overdue items from our collections.
• You can check return dates and any overdue loans by logging into your MyLibrary account.
• You will not be able to borrow additional items if you have any overdue items on your account. The overdue item will need to be renewed or returned if you wish to borrow any more items.
• You will be unable to renew an item online if it is already overdue. You will need to return the item or contact your home library.
• You will receive system-generated reminders in your TU Dublin email address, reminding you to renew and return borrowed items. Library staff may also contact you regarding overdue items on your library account.
• Replacement costs are charged on items that are lost or not returned.

If you have a query regarding a lost or overdue item on your library account, contact your home library.

Fine Free Library Service FAQ:

What does a Fine Free Library Service mean?

A fine free library service is one that doesn't charge daily fines for overdue books. The service isn't just about books though, it includes DVDs, music, headphones, and anything else you can loan from library service.

What about any overdue books already on my account?

All fines, past and present, have been waived. It's the perfect time to return any overdue items on your account, no matter how long you have them.

Are there still due dates on items borrowed?

Yes, lending rules still apply. Books can be borrowed for 28 days, with a renewal of 28 days if they have not been reserved by another user. After this loan period, books need to be returned to the library to allow others to borrow them. See the Borrowing & Returning Books page for more information on lending rules. 

How will I know when my items are due?

You can login to your MyLibrary Account to check the due dates of items you have borrowed. System-generated email reminders will be sent to your TU Dublin email address reminding you to renew or return your items.

What if I keep items for longer than their due date?

If an item becomes overdue, you cannot borrow any new items until the overdue item is renewed or returned. 

Why is there a charge on my library account if there are no fines?

A default replacement cost is automatically added if an item is long overdue. a default. If the item is returned, this cost will be removed automatically. If the item remains lost, library staff will contact you regarding the replacement cost of the item. 

What happens if I lose an item borrowed from the library?

If you lose an item you have borrowed from the library, you should contact your home library immediately. A default replacement cost is automatically added to your account. There are two options for covering replacement costs:

• Library staff will identify the actual replacement cost of the item, and you can pay by debit or credit card at the library desk or over the phone. 
• You can source a replacement copy yourself. The library will accept new copies and secondhand copies once they are in good condition. Library staff will be happy to help you source the most cost-effective replacement copy available.

Once the replacement cost is paid, or a replacement copy is given to the library, your account will be cleared, and you will be able to borrow additional items.