National Oceanographic Library: loans and borrowing

When can I borrow?

Loans service available all year. Self-issue and self-return is available throughout library  opening times.

Further information for the opening times for National Oceanographic Library, including the vacation period can be found on the opening times page.

For all the information on borrowing procedures and the self-service options see the general information on our loans and borrowing page.

Self-issue / Self-return

Use our self-service machine to borrow and return items yourself and avoid queuing at the Loans Desk.
The machine produces a receipt listing the items and their date due or return date.
This service is available throughout library opening times

What is a PIN, when do I use it and how do I obtain it?

You can use a PIN to access and gain the full range of services from your Library account, including the WebCat self-service options such as placing holds, renewing your loans and access to ejournals via WebCat.

University students and staff no longer need a PIN. To login to WebCat they can now use their User Name and Password. For other Library users, including e.g. NERC and MIAS members, you can request your PIN at any Loans Desk, at an enquiry point or via email nol@noc.soton.ac.uk

Note: PINs cannot be given out by telephone.

Do I need to hand returns to Library staff?

When the loans desk service is open you can either hand returns to library staff or use the self-service machine. When the loans desk service is closed either user the self-service machine or put returns in the book box outside the library entrance. When the library is closed put returns in the book box outside the library entrance.

3 week, 1 week and 2 day loans can be returned to any of the University Libraries, excluding the Avenue site.

Contact details

For renewals, or any enquiry concerning loans and borrowing, email us at nol@noc.soton.ac.uk or phone during loans service hours on +44 (0)23 8059 6116.