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Borrowing Limits, Lost Books & Fines

Automatic Renewals

All standard loan and 3-day loan items will automatically renew except in cases where:

  • Another user has requested the item. In this case you will receive a text and email to let you know the item has to be returned in 3 days or fines will be added to your account.
  • You have another overdue item on your account.

The automatic renewal will take place two days before the due date of the loan. You will not be notified that a loan has been automatically renewed. You will be notified before it is due by an email to your @universityofgalway.ie email address so watch out for those notifications.

Borrowing Books

Borrowing Books

When borrowing books, use the Self Issue machines. There are machines on all floors of the Library. You must always have your ID card with you to use the machines. There are easy to follow instructions on the screen.

If the book you require is already checked out, you can place a hold on the book.

If you are unable to perform a loan using the self-issue machine, please check your account to ensure:

 

  • You do not have overdue books that must be returned
  • You do not have your full quota of books already

If none of the above apply, there may be an issue with the book. Bring it to the staff at the Library & IT Service Desk to resolve the issue.

How Many Books Can I Borrow?

The number of standard loan books that can be borrowed depends on the category of borrower. A standard loan book is one that does not have a 1 Day or 3 Day loan sticker on the spine of the book.

The loan period also varies according to the type of borrower:

Category
 No. of Books No. of Days No. of Renewals
Undergraduate  6 7 9
Postgraduate Research 20 84 3
Postgraduate Taught 10 84 3
Staff 20 84 5
Assistive Technology Service Users  7 14 9

External User Borrower 

(External Users having paid for Borrowing Rights) 

 4 14 5
Summer School Students  4 14 5
SCONUL Band A, B, C  4 14 5
Recalls

If another user has requested the item, you will receive a text and email to let you know the item has to be returned within 7 days.

Loan Periods for Non-Standard Items
  • 1-Day: 1-Day loan
  • 3-Day: 3-Day loan
  • DVDs: Undergraduates 7 days; postgraduates/staff 84 days
  • Theses: 3-Hour loan, consulted in the Library only
  • Journals: Consulted in the Library only
  • Newspapers, Microfilm, Microfiche: Consulted in the Library only

E-Resource Enquiries

To submit a ticket:

  • Log into Service Desk
  • In Service Desk, go to 02. Library Services - Journals/Databases/Resource Issues
  • After that, the form will appear, and you can enter the relevant information

Fines

As of January 2026 there will be no Overdue Fees on borrowed items.

All borrowed items must be returned by their due date. Library staff will be in touch via phone and/or email if books are not returned. If they are not returned 30 days after their final due date, the borrower's account will be blocked, the item will be considered lost, and a replacement charge will be levied on the borrower's account.

Recalls

If another user has requested the item, you will receive a text and email to let you know the item has to be returned within 7 days. Library staff will be in touch by phone or email if items are not returned.

Replacement Charge

Replacement Charge are paid through your Print Credit Account.

If an item is not returned and deemed lost, a replacement charge will be levied in order to cover the cost of re-ordering the book.
Borrowers may choose to provide a second hand copy in lieu of the replacement charge  as long as the item is exactly the same edition (same ISBN) or newer edition of the same item. It must be in good condition, with no tears, missing pages, writing or highlighting.

To pay your Replacement Charge:

  • Login to your Print Credit Account
  • Select the ‘Library Fines’ link on the left-hand side menu
  • Select the fines to pay
  • Click 'Pay Now'

The amount will be deducted from your print credit and the charges marked as paid on your library account

 

Lost Books

If you lose a Library book, or if a book is stolen from you, please report it to staff at the Library & IT Service Desk.

You will need to pay for or replace all lost or stolen books. We will accept a replacement copy of the same edition, if it is in good condition. Sometimes, it is possible to buy cheaper copies from one of the secondhand bookshops in Galway, e.g., Charlie Byrne’s or Kenny's.

We will extend the loan to give you time to replace the book.