What can you borrow and for how long

ANU staff and students can borrow items from the ANU Library collection using a current ANU ID Card or Library borrowing card.

Not a current ANU staff member or student? The ANU Library welcomes members of the community to use its libraries and become a registered external borrower.

If the ANU Library does not have the item you need, eligible clients may request and borrow resources from other libraries. 

 ANU staff, postgraduate  
& honours students
UndergraduatesExternal borrowers
Maximum number of items100  
(maximum of 4 reserve items*)
100  
(includes up to 4 reserve items*)
15  
(includes up to 6 orchestral sets)
Loan periods 
Books, serials and audio-visual materials26 weeks4 weeks4 weeks
2 renewals6 renewals6 renewals
Reserve items*2-day** & 2-hour***2-day** & 2-hour***Use in Library only
Primary material  
(Law Library)
Use in Library only Use in Library only Use in Library only 
Music scores26 weeks4 weeks4 weeks
Laptops7 days (students only)7 daysn/a

* reserve items include 2-hour, 2-day, and private copies.

** items can be renewed online via My Library Record once only.

*** most 2-hour reserve items can be borrowed overnight if borrowed within the last two hours of branch opening hours.

Laptop loans

You can check student laptop availability by entering ‘ANU laptop’ into SuperSearch – the result will appear as ANU laptop. After checking if a laptop is available, go to the relevant branch information desk during business hours so a staff member can check it out for you. If you have any questions, please ask a library staff member.

Returning items

Items can be returned via the return chute at any branch library*, regardless of where the item was borrowed.

Failing to return an item by the due date or time may incur a penalty as set out on the Fines & charges page.

Laptops must be returned during staffed hours to the same branch information desk from where you borrowed it.

*Note - as of 2024, you can no longer turn items to the Art & Music Library return chute.

Renewals

You can renew items you have on loan via My Library Record.

You cannot renew:

  • overdue items
  • recalled items
  • items obtained through Document Supply Service
  • laptops
  • 2-hour loans.

Recalled items

Another borrower may recall an item while it is currently on loan to you. When this happens, you will receive a recall notice by email. Recalled items must be returned within 10 days, unless the due date is earlier. Overdue recalled items will incur a penalty as set out on the Fines & charges page until they are returned.

To recall an item on loan to another borrower, select Request in the Catalogue record. You will receive an email when the item is available for you at the information desk. You can also check the progress of your recall via My Library Record.

Advice for ANU staff

If you have not been issued with an ANU ID card, or your Library borrowing card has expired, you may be requested to provide staff with an official ANU letter, or a letter signed by your Head of Department, confirming your identity and status as a current employee.

Reference documents

Use contact details to request an alternative file format.

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