Your library questions answered
We know that there is a lot to take in when you first start at uni – sometimes things can get a bit confusing. That is why we have put together this handy guide to some of your frequently asked questions.
Using the library
How do I become a library member? Do I need a library card? How much does it cost to use the library?
The use of the Library and its resources is free for Deakin students, and as a student you’re automatically a member!
Your Deakin student ID is your library card. You can download the Deakin Borrow app and log in by scanning the barcode of your Deakin Card, which will let you borrow items from your phone using the camera function. Alternatively, scan your Deakin Card at our self-checkout machines to borrow items there.
If you are an online student, you can request a Deakin Card here. However, you don’t necessarily need a Deakin Card as you can log in with your student details on our website and request items through the website.
You can select the ‘View my loans and holds’ link on the library website homepage to see your account details (including your student number) and keep track of all your loans and requests.
If you’re looking for your unit readings, or for when your borrowed books are due, you’ll find that information in this section of the library website.
Accessing course texts
How do I download my course e-books? Do I need to buy my textbooks, or can I borrow them from the library?
You can visit our Get textbooks page, where you can search for your prescribed and recommended textbooks by unit code. Many of your required texts will be available in the library. However, other students will want to access them as well, and even if they’re available digitally, often only a certain number of users can view them at once. If you want to have unlimited access to a textbook whenever you need it, the only way to ensure that is to purchase a copy.
You’ll also find a link called ‘Unit Readings’ on the library website homepage, which will take you through to a search for your unit reading lists. Your reading lists will usually include a wide range of resources (such as articles, videos, web pages and readings) as well as your prescribed and recommended readings, but these are sometimes not available until the start of the trimester. You can also learn more about using your reading list through our Skills for study page.
Borrowing
How many times can you renew a book loan? How many books can I borrow at once? What happens if my books are overdue?
You can find out how many library items you can borrow, and for how long, by checking out our ‘Borrowing from Deakin’ page.
We have automatic renewals on books – but your loan will only renew if nobody else has put a hold on it. You will definitely get it for the first loan period, and then it will depend on the demand of the book. The best way to keep track of when your books are due and if others have requested them is by visiting the View my loans and holds page.
We know that sometimes you might forget to return a borrowed item on time, but it’s important to be mindful that other people might want that item too. We no longer charge overdue fees, but if you do not return the item by the due date we may stop (sanction) you from being able to borrow other books and accessing other resources.
Found a resource but not sure what kind it is? Look for the label on the left under the thumbnail. This one is an ebook!
Ebooks and digital resources
Can we just access the books online rather than having to borrow a physical copy? How do you know if the book is a physical book or an e-book?
The library gets access to e-books through a range of providers, and some of them have different rules about downloading and access limitations. When you find an item in the library search, you can see what kind of resource it is underneath the title and thumbnail – it will say eBook, book, electronic resource etc. You can also search specifically for e-books by selecting ‘e-book’ under Source types.
Alternatively, you can go directly to one of our e-book databases. Here are some of the major ones:
- ProQuest E-book Central
- EBSCO e-book Academic Subscription Collection
- Taylor and Francis e-books
- Springer e-books
A few other important points:
- Often the easiest way to access an e-book is to start with reading it online.
- Information on printing limits can be found within the record for an individual e-book. To protect copyright, most e-book publishers will limit how much you can print or download a title.
- Some e-books can be downloaded and read offline. eBook downloads usually have a defined period of time (which differs depending on the book). After that period of time expires, the book will not be accessible and you would need to download it again to read offline.
- Creating a loan for an e-book does not count against your borrowing. The item will not appear in ‘My account’
You can get more help and information about accessing e-books here.
If you have other questions about the library, were are here to help! Use the Library Chat or ‘Contact us’ section on the library website and one of our knowledgeable staff will be able to assist you.
The library is key to your success at uni – make the most of everything we have to offer by following our Library Basics blog series! Each week, we’re sharing a library tip, tool or service we think you should know about.