Clare College Cambridge

Using the FML and Law Reading Rooms

Finding a Book

  • We use the Dewey Decimal System.
  • Use the Heritage terminals next to the main desk or Heritage Online to see if a book is in stock.
  • The record will show the classmark and tell you if it is available.
  • Look at the floor-plans above the Heritage terminals to see where to go.

Borrowing, Renewing and Returning

  • All books can be borrowed except those marked not for loan or reference only.
  • Students can borrow up to 20 books at a time.
  • During Term there is a two week loan period.
  • Books can be renewed up to 3 times before they have to be returned.
  • Vacation loans are for the duration of the vacation.

How to borrow:

  • Use the FML Heritage terminals.
  • Scan or type in the barcode number on your University card to display your reader record.
  • Scan or type in the barcode of the item you are borrowing (for a book this is normally on the inside front cover).
  • The loan should then register on your record.
  • When the small green light appears on the hand-held scanner pull the round de-activator bar slowly and firmly down over the barcode to desensitize it.
  • The item can then be taken out of the library.
  • If the alarm sounds please take the book to the member of staff on duty for them to check and desensitize.

How to renew:

  • Do this from Heritage Online
  • Click on Enter, then Your Account.
  • Type in the barcode on the back of your University card (V****).
  • Select the tickbox to highlight the item you wish to renew and click the Renew button.

NB: Renewals are not permitted if the book has been recalled, nor if the book is overdue and you are being fined for it.

How to return:

  • Put them in one of the two book boxes or return them to a member of staff.
  • The inside book box is situated at the foot of the Bennett Room stairs, off the library foyer, and the outside one is beneath the library office window.

NB: Please do not return borrowed books to the trolleys in the library or to the shelves.

Overdues and fines:

  • After a short grace period, fines are levied for overdue books at the rate of 50p a day to a maximum of £30 per person per Term.
  • Overdue books not returned within seven days of their due date will result in a borrowing block being placed on the account until the book has been returned.
  • Any fines accrued during the Term will go on your College bill.
  • Failure to return a book may result in the borrower being charged the replacement cost plus an administration fee of £5.00.
  • Please do not lend any book that you have borrowed to anyone else.

NB: If for any reason you are unable to renew your books you must email the Library (library@clare.cam.ac.uk) to explain the situation.

Reserving

  • If a book that you need is on loan to another reader you can reserve it at one of the FML Heritage terminals or online (http://www.clare.cam.ac.uk/academic/libraries/index.html).
  • The item will then be recalled by library staff.
  • On its return you will be notified by email.
  • Collect from the library office within 3 days.

Book Recommendations

  • We welcome recommendations for book purchases from students.
  • Fill in the Online Book Recommendation Form or a Recommendation form (on the table in the FML and on the reference shelves in the Turpin Room)