FAQ - Circulation of Library Materials

How many books and media resources can I check out at one time?

Please consult the section "Borrowing Regulations - Loan Quotas and Loan Periods" in the Library Regulations and the Media Resources Collection - Services and Facilities page for details.

What happens if my books/media resources are overdue or if I lose a book/media resource?

An overdue notice will be sent to you 1 day and 3 days after the due date for short loans (the loan period is 7 days or less) and normal loans (the loan period is 15 days or more) respectively. There will be a three-day grace period for all overdue normal loans and two-day grace period for 7-day media resources loans. If a book/media resource is returned within the grace period after the due date, the overdue fines will not be charged. However, if the book/media resource is returned after the grace period, overdue fines calculated retroactively to the original due date will be charged. Library materials are CityU properties for which the borrowers should assume responsibility when they are on loan. If checked out Library materials are lost or damaged, the borrower will be charged the cost of replacement plus a processing cost.

What are the rates of overdue fines?

Please consult the section "Borrowing Regulations - Fines" in the Library Regulations for details.

Can I renew book loans without coming to the Library?

Items of circulation nature, including books borrowed via HKALL but excluding short loan and media items, may be renewed online via CityU LibraryFind.

Please consult the section Borrowing of Library Materials – Renewals for details.

What can I do if the book I need has been checked out by someone else?

Any CityU circulation book which is on loan may be requested online via CityU LibraryFind. However, you cannot request a book that is currently checked out by you. To request a checked out item, please follow the steps below:

  1. In the CityU LibraryFind, look up the full record of the book concerned, then click on the "Sign in" button.
  2. Enter Electronic ID and AD/LAN Password, and then click on the "Login" button.
    (If you have forgotten your AD/LAN Password, please reset your AD/LAN Password online. If you continue to have difficulties, please contact the Circulation Counter in person for help.)
  3. In CityU LibraryFind, click on the link "Request book/journal" corresponding to the book concerned. Press the Request button to confirm.

You will receive a pickup note by email when the book is ready for collection at the Circulation Counter.

Can I check out bound periodicals?

Users with borrowing privileges can submit online requests for bound journals that are housed at the Shatin Storage via CityU LibraryFind and check them out for 3 days. Some bound journals, however, are for in-house use only.

Can I check out reference materials?

No, they are for use in the Library only.

Can I check out audio-visual materials?

CityU students may check out 5 items of media resources at any one time for 3 days. Academic/teaching/research staff and administrative staff may check out 10 items of media resources at any one time for 7 days. For other borrower categories and further details, please consult the Media Resources Collection - Services and Facilities page.

Can I return books borrowed from other UGC libraries to CityU Library?

Books borrowed from other UGC libraries on CityU-issued JULAC Cards may be returned to the lending libraries via the Circulation Counter of CityU Library on condition that they are not overdue. Users are required to fill out a UGC Book Return form for each returned book. Please do not return books of other UGC Libraries via the bookdrops.

Can I return media resources to the bookdrops?

All media resource items must be returned to the Circulation Counter during counter service hours or via the Media Return drop box outside the Library and at the Student Residence (outside Sir Gordon and Lady Ivy Wu Hall).