Borrow, return, recall

Borrow

Find the item you need on Library search and then use the classmark and signage to locate it on the open shelves, or browse. 

Use the self-service machines to borrow the items. 

If you only need a chapter of a book, or a single journal article, you can request a scan and where we can, we will email the pages to you. Not all of our collections are available for scanning. 

Recall

If the item you need is out on loan, recall it. When it is available for you, we'll email your University account and you can collect the item from the hold shelf in the library you select. Walter Bower House Library is open and you can browse and borrow there, however, for your convenience, you can also recall any items from Walter Bower House to collect in the Main Library. 

Return

Use the self-service returns machines inside the libraries. When the buildings are closed, you can return items using the book drop letterbox outside the Main Library entrance.

If you can’t get back to the Library to return books, please post them to us:

User Services
University of St Andrews Library
North Street
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9TR

Charges and fines

If you have any concerns about paying fines or want to discuss the charges, please contact us by emailing library@st-andrews.ac.uk as soon as possible. We will do all we can to help.

Below are the different charges that Libraries and Museums may apply. 

If a book is recalled and not returned, there is a charge of £2 per day up to a maximum of £20.

If you lose or damage an item, you will be charged the cost of replacement plus £10 administration fee per item.

If an item is posted out to you, there is a charge of £6.70. 

There are also charges associated with Inter Library Loans: if you would like to renew an item, this will cost £4 and if you do not collect an item that has been ordered for you, you will be charged £10. All overdue Inter Library Loans are charged at £1 per day.

There are no overdue fines for books and items borrowed from the University's Libraries. These items are renewed automatically, unless they are recalled by another library user.