Library users' rights and responsibilities

Users of the University of Bristol Library should familiarise themselves with the General Regulations for Library Services and Facilities. (The regulations are also available in printed form in the University's Student Handbook and Staff Handbook.)

A summary of users' rights and responsibilities appears below.

Rights

As a registered member of the University you can expect:

• to be able to use any branches of the Library whenever they are open;
• to be able to borrow and reserve books and other material providing you do not have outstanding fines or overdue materials;
• to be served as quickly as possible whether in person, by phone or by email;
• to be able to access your own borrower record, and for confidentiality of your borrower information to be maintained;
• to be able to access all electronic resources provided by the Library;
• to find information about our services and resources publicly available, and introductory guidance to be provided;
• to have your queries and correspondence dealt with promptly, courteously and thoroughly;
• your comments and suggestions about library services to be welcomed and responded to promptly;
• opening hours and services to be reviewed regularly.

Responsibilities

As a user you are expected:

• to carry your University identity card with you – please look after your card, and do not lend it to anyone else;
• to complete the loans procedure before removing materials from the Library;
• to return all items you borrow on or before the date or time of return - fines are charged when materials are returned late;
• to take care of all materials borrowed in your name – you may be required to pay the cost of replacing material that is lost, damaged, marked or defaced in any way;
• to check your University of Bristol email regularly and respond to library notices, and to check your own borrower record regularly using the library catalogue;
• to inform us of other contact addresses and any subsequent changes of address – failure to do so does not excuse you from responding to recall notices;
• to comply with copyright regulations and publishers' licence terms when you copy materials, whether in print or electronic format;
• to use the Library and its resources for the purpose of academic learning and research alone and not for other forms of commercial gain.

While in the library we ask you to act courteously and to respect the needs of other users and staff. Please maintain silence in designated areas for silent study. On entering the library, set mobile phones to silent mode. Please refrain from eating and drinking, except on the ground floor of the Arts & Social Sciences Library and designated areas in other branches (please note: hot food and alcoholic beverages are not allowed); consumption of water from a clear bottle or water fountain is permitted.