Reciprocal borrowing for visitors
Swinburne Library is open to all visitors, including CAVAL, University Libraries Australia and TAFE.
Registration
Register at any Swinburne campus library with your current CAVAL Card and student/staff identity card. Registration is subject to the conditions of the CAVAL Reciprocal Borrower Program and the following terms:
- Swinburne Library reserves the right to refuse any application for registration.
- The Library should be notified immediately of any change of address.
- Reciprocal Borrower cards are not transferable and are valid only when signed.
- Loss of a card should be reported immediately to the home institution and to Swinburne Library,
otherwise Swinburne Library can take no responsibility for items borrowed on that card.
Borrowing
You can borrow up to 10 items at a time. Restrictions apply to some items. Videos, DVDs, Prahran journals and equipment cannot be borrowed. The loan period for most books is 2 weeks but loan periods can vary from 2 to 28 days. Holds may be placed on books that are out on loan or held at another campus.
| Collection | Loan period | Number of items |
|---|---|---|
| Books | 14 days | 10 |
| Short term loans | 2 days | 10 |
*Staff and postgraduate students receive a 28 day loan period.
Renewals
Most books can be renewed if they are not overdue and have not been placed on hold for another borrower. You will need a PIN number to log in. Your PIN is the last four digits of the phone number you provided on registration. Journals cannot be renewed. Two day loans can be renewed twice only. Items cannot be loaned or renewed if you have fines of $10 or more or any overdues.
- Log in to My Library to check your loans, renew items and place holds.
- Renewals by phone (03 9214 8330) are available during opening hours.
Returns
- Return chutes are located at the library service desk.
- After hours returns chutes are available at Hawthorn, Lilydale, Prahran and Croydon only.
Overdue fines
Loans are issued subject to penalties and fines for late return:
| Loan period | Fine |
|---|---|
| 7 days or more | $0.75 per day per item |
| 2 days or less | $1.50 per day per item |
- Borrowing privileges are suspended when an item on loan becomes overdue.
- Borrowing privileges will be restored when the item has been returned, discharged, and any fines or charges paid.
- Fine amounts accrue to a maximum of $20.00 per item.
- The fine for any recalled items not returned by the specified date is $1.50 per day.
Note: Reciprocal Borrowers who have fines in excess of $40.00 or items overdue for one month or more will also be suspended through CAVAL. Borrowers who accrue fines at Swinburne in excess of $80.00 in any year will not be accepted as reciprocal borrowers in the following year.
Library notices
The Library sends reminder notices about loans, holds and overdues by email only. Notices are sent to the email address you provide when you register as a borrower. Notify the library if you change your email address.
Database access
A limited selection of databases are available to visitors on campus only. Ask at the service desk for more help.