Most print books and DVDs in the library are available for students, staff and other registered library members to borrow.

Using the Self-Service Kiosks

Every campus library has a self-service kiosk allowing you to borrow, renew and return items.

To borrow items using the self-service kiosk you need a UWS student or staff card.

Your digital card can be found on the student app. Physical student cards can be requested from the hub, physical staff cards can be requested from IT.

If you do not have a card, or there is a problem with the self-service kiosk, a member of staff at the library info point will be able to help you.

Borrowing from the Kiosk

The kiosk has a touch screen. To borrow the item(s):

1. Tap the ‘Borrow’ icon on the screen.
2. Below the screen, scan your digital or physical card.
3. Place item(s) on the glass below the screen.
4. The item(s) will show on the screen as they are issued to your borrower account.
5. Tap 'Finish'.
6. You will have the option to receive an email to your student or staff email address. The loan receipt email will give the details of when the items are due to be returned or renewed.

Renewing Items at the Kiosk

1. Tap the ‘Renew’ icon on the screen.
2. Below the screen, scan your digital or physical card.
3. The screen will show everything on your borrower account.
4. Tap the ‘Select All’ button. If you only want to renew an individual item tap the box next to it.
5. Tap the ‘Renew Selected’ button.
6. Tap 'Finish'.
7. You will have the option to receive an email to your student or staff email address. The renewal receipt email will give the details of when the item(s) are due to be returned or renewed.

Returning Items at the Kiosk

Items can be returned to any campus library. Your student/staff card is not needed to return items.

1. Tap the ‘Return’ icon on the screen.
2. Place the item(s) on the glass below the screen.
3. The item(s) will show on the screen as they are returned from your borrower account.
4. Place item(s) in the box below the glass.
5. Tap ‘Finish'.
6. You will have the option to receive an email to your student or staff email address. The return receipt email will give the details of item(s) that have been returned with the date, time and campus they were returned to.

If you would like to reserve an item for collection, or all of the copies of the book you would like to borrow are on loan, there is a request service available. Books held at any UWS library can be requested and delivered to the campus of your choice for you to collect.

UWS students and staff can make a request using One Search. Other registered library members can contact library@uws.ac.uk, telephone 0141 848 3888, or ask at a library info point for staff to make a reservation for them.

Making a Reservation Using One Search

Logging in to One Search

1. From UWS One Search, choose 'sign in' at the top right of the screen.
2. A ‘login using’ box will appear. Click on 'UWS Students & Staff' option
3. Your name will appear at the top right-hand corner indicating you are logged in. (You may need to enter your e-mail address and password.)

Finding the Item

1. To find the item you wish to reserve, use the main search box. Enter a keyword or the title of the item.
2. Choose 'Availability - in the library' and 'Material Type - books' from the filters on the right to limit the search to print books.

Making the Reservation

1. Click on the title of the item you would like to reserve.
2. Under ‘Get it’ you will find information on availability.
3. Click on ‘Reserve’. A box will appear with details of the title you requested.
4. Use the arrow to select the pickup location.
5. Add a comment if there is anything you need to let us know. This is optional.
6. Click ‘Request’. You will see on the screen that your request has been placed.

What Happens Next?

1. If the item is on the shelf in the library, it will be put aside for you to collect, usually by the next day. If the item is on the shelf at another campus, it will be sent to the campus of your choice. This can take up to a week.
2. Students and staff will receive a message to their UWS e-mail address when the item is ready for collection. Other users will be contacted through the e-mail address they have registered with the library.
3. If the item is on loan it will be recalled. You will be emailed when it is available. 
4. You will have 7 days to collect the item.
5. If you do not collect the item within 7 days, it will be put back on the shelf or made available to the next person on the waiting list and you will need to make a new reservation.

UWS library uses a recall system for books that are on loan and needed by another student or member of staff. This gives everyone a chance to use popular items.

How does it work?

If all of the copies of an item are on loan and a request is made, an email is automatically sent to the borrower who has the copy with the earliest return date. This is because they will have had the most chance to use the item. 

The original date the item was due to be returned will be brought forward.

What should I do if I get a recall e-mail?

If you receive an e-mail saying an item you have borrowed has been recalled, check the new return date.

If you have finished with the item, return it to any campus library as soon as you can. If you are still using it, return it by the new return date shown so that it can be passed on to the next person waiting to use it.

A few books cannot be borrowed to take away from the library. These are marked 'Reference Only' or 'For Use in Library Only'. 

Print journals cannot be borrowed. Items from our Special Collections and Archives are for use in the library only, unless special arrangements are made for an external event or exhibition.

You can photocopy or scan articles and sections from reference books if you need to use them outside the library. Guidance on how much you can copy is available next to the Printer/Scanner/Copier machine. 

Items from Special Collections and Archives may not be suitable for copying or scanning. Contact Specialcollections@uws.ac.uk for advice.

UWS students and staff are automatically given an account to be able to borrow books

If you are not a UWS student or staff member you will need to join the library to be able to borrow books.

Special arrangements are in place for DAGCOL students and University of Glasgow students based at Dumfries campus. Local college students and staff and school 6^th year students can join as an associate member.

Visit Services for Partners & Associates for more information.

Members of the public may join the library to borrow items.

Visit Services for Visitors and Others for more information