Who can borrow from the Whipple library
All current staff, students, visitors and alumni with an active University or University Library card are welcome to borrow from the Whipple Library.
Borrowing limits
Members of University staff may borrow up to 20 books at a time. All other library users may borrow up to 10 books at a time.
Except for books from the Reserve collection, all loan periods are 4 weeks in the first instance. However, non-reserve loans will auto-renew for as long as you have an active borrowing account.
Reserve collection books are always due back by the end of the next working day.
Borrowing books
Borrowing will shortly be available via our Click & Collect service: this page will be updated when the service is available to library users.
Returning books
You can return books:
- To the library front desk
- Through the front door of the HPS Department on Free School Lane
- To any drop-box in Cambridge
- To your College Library
- To the University Library, in person or by post
Renewing books
Books will auto-renew unless they have been recalled, with the exception of Reserve Collection books, which will always be due the next working day.
Requesting books
Please note: all requests are currently suspended until 6 October 2020.
If the book you need is currently on loan, you can request it via iDiscover. You'll receive an email when it's ready to be picked up, and we will hold requested books for up to 5 working days.
Managing your loaned books
You can see an overview of your loans and requests at any time via your account on iDiscover.
You will receive automated statements of the books you have on loan at the beginning of each month, as well as an email notification if another library user requests a book you have on loan.
Please remember to check your emails regularly in case somebody else requests a book you have out on loan. You must return recalled books within 3 working days.
Fines
We do not charge fines for overdue books - however, regularly returning books late may result in your borrowing privileges being temporarily suspended.
If you are genuinely unable to return overdue books in good time due to extenuating circumstances, please contact us to let us know.
Lost and damaged books
If you have lost or damaged a book, please let us know. We may ask you to cover the cost of replacement.
