Physical Library Services

Using the Library Space

All our libraries have different access policies and opening times. Please refer to the individual pages for details.

 

 

➤ Find

iDiscover

Any physical resources can be found by searching on iDiscover, the Cambridge University Libraries catalogue. Filter by resource types or by the Library you want to use.

Many of our libraries have a dedicated computer you can use to access the iDiscover calatogue, but you can also access the catalogue from your own computer or mobile phone.

See also: How to use iDiscover

Reference Only Items

Many of our collections are made available to borrow. However, there will be certain items that cannot be removed, usually valuable special collections and print journals.

See also: Scan and Deliver service

Electronic Legal Deposit (eLD)

The electronic legal deposit books, journals and web content cannot be made available beyond the physical premises of Cambridge University Libraries under the terms of current legal deposit legislation.  This can only be changed by the government through new legislation. 
 

Biological Sciences Libraries with an eLD terminal available:

  • PDN Library
  • Plant Sciences Library
  • Psychology Library
  • Genetics Library 
  • Veterinary Library
  • Zoology Library
See also:Information on how to use the eLD
Recommend resources not available in the University of Cambridge

Borrow

Cambridge Students are automatically enrolled to borrow books from the University Library, Moore Library and Medical Library.

Check out the book

  • Self-issue terminal for borrowing books available at PDN, Psychology, Veterinary and Zoology libraries. Instructions are available by the physical terminal.
  • Online and/or paper sign-out forms are used in the Plant Sciences and Cory & Herbarium Libraries. Please contact us if you require any assistance. 

Borrowing and Renewal rules

  • Loans are auto-renewed (excepted short loans)
  • Books can be recalled during your borrowing allowance. If so, return within 3 days or contact us.
  • You will receive a statement on the second day of every month which shows a snapshot of what items you have on your account
  • Books marked as "Special Reference" are overnight and weekend loans to be returned by 10 AM. No automatic renews will occur (send an email if you need to extend the period)
 

Return

Please, do return your borrowed book to the respective library in order for other users to have quick access to the resource. 

*If you need special arrangements, send an email to sbslibraries@lib.cam.ac.uk. 

The Moore Library and the Medical library drop-boxes accept books from the SBS libraries.

Please note that books returned to the different libraries may take a short while to be removed from your account. You will receive no fines but you may receive automatic emails listing those items. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

See full information about the Cambridge library return options.