Alumni and External Library Policy: Home

Scope
This Policy outlines the library's service to external visitors and borrowers.

Who can use the library?
University alumni and members of the public can use the library, as visitors, for reference purposes only without needing to register, provided they contact the library beforehand to arrange an appointment; and must report to the campus Reception or Gateway Desk, and obtain a visitors card, before using the library.

Borrowing
To borrow items, external membership is offered to -

• University alumni can continue to borrow books for three years after graduation for free.  After which, as external borrowers, at a reduced annual fee of £15 per year.
• Staff, postgraduate students and distance learners of other UK universities may use the library and borrow books, if their own university is a member of the SCONUL Access scheme.  For more information and to apply see - SCONUL Access.
• Members of the public as external borrowers, at the annual fee of £25 per year.
• Artists in Residence, while they are working with the University, as external borrowers for free.
• School art teachers, careers advisers and librarians working in Surrey and Kent as external borrowers for free.
• As a member of the Canterbury Circle of Libraries UCA Canterbury offers lending and borrowing service to students and staff from following organisations: Canterbury College, The Kings School and, Canterbury Christchurch University.  To request to borrow an Item from the UCA Canterbury Library, please visit your own library and they will complete a request form for each item for you to bring with you to collect the items.

Borrowing Limits and Fees
External borrowers may only borrow three week loan books -

Terms and Conditions of Borrowing

• External visitors are entitled to access the library print collections for reference only purposes.
• External borrowers will be able to borrow, subject to their borrowing limits, three-week loan books only.
• The due date will be emailed to the borrower when an item is issued on loan.
• External borrowers will only be able to borrow books from the campus they are registered.
• Automatic renewal of items is not available to external borrowers.
• Failure to return an item will result in the borrower’s library account being blocked until the item is returned.
• If an item is lost the borrower will be charged the current replacement cost plus an administration charge.
• Items which have not been returned at the time the borrower’s membership has expired will be treated as lost and become chargeable.
• All issues relating to library borrowing accounts should be raised with the Gateway Desk. The library will endeavour to resolve disputes and account issues within 14 working days.

Accessing Online Resources
External visitors will be able to - 

• access the University guest wifi
• search the library collections using LibrarySearch from their own personal devices or via an Open Public Access Catalogue kiosk

External visitors will not be able to access online resources, except where licensing agreements permit access as part of the Walk-in Access scheme.  This scheme allows a member of library staff to search for content on a visitors behalf.  To use the scheme you must contact the library to arrange an appointment before visiting.

Code of Conduct
All library visitors and borrowers are expected to agree and comply with the Library Code of Conduct.

Expiry
Alumni borrowing expires 3 years after graduation unless renewed at the library for the reduced fee.  All other external borrowing access expires 12 months after registration unless renewed at the library and fee paid as appropriate.

Identification
Visitors must wear their visitors card at all times when on campus.

All borrowers must present their library card to borrow items.  It is the responsibility of the borrower to inform the library of any changes to their contact details or if their card is lost or stolen.

How to become an External Borrower
To join the library as an external borrower - download, print and complete the Alumni and External Borrower Application Form and visit your local campus library.

Review
The Library will review this Policy every year and any significant changes will be considered and approved by the Director of Student Services.

January 2024
Review: January 2025