Course Collection

The Course Collection (CC) holds the most popular titles. Most are available for loan for six hours during the day and overnight from 16:00, some are for reference only. Both staff and students can ask for items to be transferred into the Collection when they are in heavy demand. We also transfer items into the Collection if they have multiple holds.

Although it is not Library practice to purchase texts for every student, we recommend that your tutors request the Library to buy copies as follows:

  • at least one copy for the Course Collection (6-hour loan or non-loan) for course textbooks your tutor recommends you buy yourself
  • about one copy per 10 students for ‘essential’ reading (one or more of which might be made 6-hour or 7-day loan)

However, if you feel there is an unfulfilled need, please contact your subject liaison librarian directly.

Where is the Course Collection?

  • Main Library Whiteknights - the Course Collection is located on the Ground Floor
  • Bulmershe Library - the Course Collection is held behind the Issue Desk

When is the Course Collection open?

The collection is open during all normal Library opening hours.

Finding items held in the Course Collection

  • Check the Unicorn catalogue to find out if an item is available in Library.
  • A list of copies will be displayed when you view the Details of the title you need. If a copy is in the Course Collection it will display with the location "Main Library Course Collection" or "Bulmershe Course Collection" on the line below the copy details.
  • Take a note of the Call Number from Unicorn.
  • At the Main Library you can collect the item from the shelves - don't forget to check items on the trolleys next to the Self-Service Points too!
  • At Bulmershe you will need to ask at the Issue Desk.

How many Course Collection items can I borrow?

You may borrow two Course Collection items at a time.

All items taken from the Course Collection must be issued, even if you only want to read them in the Library. At the Main Library you can issue and return items at the Self-Service Points in the Collection. There is study space and photocopying facilities within the Main Library Course Collection if you do not wish to borrow.

How long can I borrow them for?

Six hours during the day.

After 16:00 you may borrow them until 10:00 the following day.

After 16:00 on Friday and during Saturday and Sunday you may borrow items until 10:00 Monday.

Some popular titles are for use in the Course Collection only. These are identified by both green and red bands on the spine.

Can I renew Course Collection items?

  • You can renew CC items during the day at the Library as long as nobody else has booked them.
  • However, you may not renew them by telephone or using the self-service options on Unicorn.
  • If you borrow a CC book overnight you may not renew it the following morning, or on a Monday morning if you have had it for the weekend.

Fines

Fines accumulate at the rate of 80p per book per hour (or part of an hour) and continue to build during the hours that the Library is closed. You will not be able to borrow until all overdue items are returned and all fines paid.

Can I book Course Collection items?

You can book up to two Course Collection items for the 10:00, 16:00, and weekend loan (16:00 on Friday) slots.

Photocopies of reading list materials

The Course Collection holds photocopies of articles/chapters which are recommended on reading lists by teaching staff. These items are identified on Unicorn by the Call Number prefix: PHOTOCOPY followed by a number beginning with X (eg PHOTOCOPY--X1234) and the location Main Library Course Collection.

Can’t get hold of the books on your reading list?

If the books that you need always seem to be on loan, you can ask for them to be transferred to the Course Collection for the rest of the term. Please ask at the Ground Floor Information Desk at the Main Library or at the Bulmershe Library Information Desk. We also transfer items into the Collection if they have multiple holds.

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