Your access to Library items and resources is determined by the type of Library membership you hold.

Library items can be borrowed using your student, staff, or Library card at the self-checkout machines or by visiting the Service Zones.

You can also use a digital Student ID via the MyUni app to borrow items at the self-check machines.

If you don’t have your physical or digital card, Library staff at the Service Zones can help you check out items during opening hours if you can provide an alternate form of identification.

First, use the Library Search [link] to search for the book or resource you need and note the call number. Call numbers (e.g., 305.42 SMI) act like an address on the shelf.

Shelves are arranged in numerical order — start with the whole number, then the decimals, and finally the letters.

If you’re unsure how to read call numbers, check the guides below or ask Library staff for help.

Call number reference guides:

If the item is not on the shelf:

• Ensure the item is held at the library you are in.
• Items may be in use by another student but not borrowed.
• It may be a Course Reading; and stored in the course readings collection.
• You can place a request for an item that is on loan or held at another library via the catalogue and we will let you know when it is ready.
• If you require assistance, please go to the Library Service Zone - staff will be happy to help.

1. Scan your student or staff ID card at the kiosk.
2. Place your items on the borrowing pad and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. You’ll see the due date displayed and can choose a printed or emailed receipt.

Need help? Library staff at the service desk are always happy to assist if you’re unsure or run into any issues.

Course Readings are essential items such as textbooks and online resources identified by course coordinators to support courses at the University of Newcastle.

Most items are available online via Canvas, and all libraries have a Course Readings section for physical items.

How do I find my Course Readings?

Your list of readings may be available via a link in the navigation menu on the left of your course in Canvas. These may be a combination of physical and electronic resources.

If you are unable to find your reading list please contact your course coordinator for assistance.

You can use Library Search for the title of items on your reading list to locate and access them.

If your course readings list contains physical items (e.g. textbooks) that you would like to purchase The School Locker is the University’s recommended supplier.

How do I borrow a 24 hour loan item?

After placing a request for Course Reading materials from Library Search, head to your selected campus library at your chosen time. See the below location details;

• Auchmuty Library Course readings shelf
• NUSpace Course readings shelf
• Gosford Hospital Library Information desk
• Wyong hospital Library Information desk

Enjoy a 24-hour loan by using the self-check machines. Ask our friendly staff for any assistance.

If you find an item in Library Search that is at another University of Newcastle campus library or currently on loan, you can place a request.

Log in with your student or staff credentials, select ‘Request or Booking’, and follow the prompts.

When your item is ready, you’ll receive an email. It can then be collected from the hold shelf or by asking at the Service Zone at your chosen Library.

University of Newcastle students and staff can request items from other institutions that are not held in the Library’s collections (including book loans, book chapters, journal articles, research reports and papers from conference proceedings).

Who can request items?

All University of Newcastle students and staff can use this service, including distance students, who can request items to be posted to their home address. Students and staff located at Newcastle Australia IHE can request a digital copy of a journal article or book chapter from the library’s collection.

How do I submit a request?

1. Go to Library Search.
2. Sign in and then search for the item.

3. If the item does not appear in the results, select ‘Can't find it? Add results from other libraries that you can ask to borrow or view’.

4. If you find the item in the results, select the ‘Request from other libraries’. You will then be presented with the following options:

• Get a physical copy (book/item loan)
  • Select the ‘Pick up location’
  • Click ‘Send’ to submit the request

• Get a digital copy (scan of a book chapter or journal article)
  • Fill in the additional information
  • Read and agree to the copyright terms
  • Click ‘Send’ to submit the request

Please note: All digitisation requests are subject to Australian Copyright Legislation, which may limit how much you can request from a book or a journal.

1. If the item you require is not appearing in the results, select the ‘Still can't find it? Have the library look for you’ link located at the top of the search results. Fill in the request form, entering as many details as possible about the item, then click ‘Send Request’.

1. Your request has now been submitted and the Library will email you when your request is ready.

When will I receive my request?

Depending on the location of the supplier and availability of the item/s, articles are usually received within 1 week and books are usually received within 2 weeks of your request being processed. If an item is located overseas, it may take longer to arrive.

How will I receive my requested item?

Digital copies of articles/chapters from books will be delivered to your University of Newcastle email address within the timeframe outlined above. Please Note: digital copies are available for 30 days or 5 views only – you must download and save the document within that timeframe if you wish to keep a permanent copy.

Books, or other physical items will be available for pick up from library selected as the pick-up location in the request form—you will be notified by email when your loan is ready. Distance student requests will be sent to the home address, unless otherwise informed.

What if there is a problem with the copy I have received?

Please notify us if there are any problems with the quality of the copy as soon as possible
T: +61 2 4921 5940
E: library-ill@newcastle.edu.au
Please allow 24 hours for a response to your email.

Having trouble?

Speak with our friendly team on Library Chat who can assist you with logging into the system or any other general issues you may be experiencing.

Students living outside the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens local government areas are eligible to request print books and other items to be mailed to them from:

• The University of Newcastle Library collection
• Other institution's collections via inter-library loan

Items can only be posted to an Australian address.

If you live close to another University Library you can also apply to become a ULANZ member and borrow from their collection. See our membership section for more information.

Requesting University of Newcastle Items

To request an item that is owned by the University of Newcastle Library:

1. Login to in MyLibrary and check that you do not have any fines, fees, or blocks
2. Check that your address is up to date in the “Personal Details” tab
3. Locate the item you want in Library Search
4. Click on “Request or Booking”
5. Select “Home Delivery- Distance Students Only” as your pick up location

Requesting Items from Other Libraries

If you would like to request an item that is not held by the University of Newcastle library you can place a request through Inter Library Loans.

Ensure you select the “Home Delivery- Distance Students Only” pick up location to have the item automatically posted to your address saved in MyLibrary.

Library Material You Are Unable to Borrow

• 7 day loans or Course Readings
• Archives, Rare Books & Special Collections
• Laptops and equipment

Returning Loans

Return items by mail in padded envelopes to the Auchmuty Library. Allow enough time for return by the date due. A return postbag is supplied and funded by SSAF.

If you have any questions or are experiencing any problems placing your request, please contact us.