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 Guide 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 the next day when the loan period expires. There will be a three-day grace period for all overdue circulation book loans (including curriculum materials) 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?

Circulation books can be renewed online via the Library Catalogue. CityU books and books borrowed via HKALL may be renewed TWICE.

However, online renewal is denied under these circumstances:

• The item is overdue. (To renew book(s) that are overdue, you need to bring it/them to the Circulation Counter.)
• The item is being requested by other user(s).
• It is too soon to renew the item (you can only renew the item within 7 days before the due date).
• The maximum number of renewal for the item has been exceeded.

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 the Library Catalogue. 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. Look up the full record of the book concerned in the Library Catalogue.
2. Click on the "Request" button.
3. Enter your name, CityU ID number and Library PIN, and then click on the "SUBMIT" button. (If you have any problem with your Library PIN, please approach the Circulation Counter.)
4. Select the desired copy (if there is more than one copy of the book). Then click on the "REQUEST SELECTED ITEM" button.

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

When I tried to view my circulation record, I was asked for a PIN. How can I get a PIN?

A PIN is a personal identification number for the Library Catalogue.

For students who enrolled in and after August 2002, the initial Library System PIN is the same as your Electronic ID Password. For others, a PIN can be created yourself in the Library Catalogue, following the steps below:

1. In the Library Catalogue, click on "Your Circulation Record / Renewal" in the left navigation menu.
2. Enter your name and your CityU ID Number (staff: enter last 6 digits of CityU ID Number; students: enter all digits of CityU ID Number; Alumni Library Ticket: enter the Ticket Number; others: enter all digits in the barcode number). Then click on the "SUBMIT" button.
3. When prompted to create your PIN (i.e. a password), create it. A PIN can be alpha-numeric and the maximum length is 8 characters.
4. Enter your PIN again to confirm it. Then click on the "SUBMIT" button.

If you have forgotten your PIN, please go to the Circulation Counter or call 2788-8316 to request deletion of your PIN. And then you may create a new one yourself.

Can I check out periodicals or reference materials?

No, they are for use in the Library only.

Can I check out audio-visual materials?

CityU Students may check out 2 items of media resources at any one time for three days. Academic/administrative equivalent staff, research staff and demonstrators may check out 10 items of media resources at any one time for 7 days. For other users and further details, please consult the Media Resources Guide.

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 CityU Library. The check-in point is the Circulation Counter. Please do not return books of ther UGC Libraries via the bookdrops.

Can I return media resources to the bookdrops?

No. Media resources borrowed from the Circulation Counter must be returned to the Circulation Counter while those borrowed from the Media Resources Collection Room must be returned to the EasyReturn Unit for CD/DVD collection in the Media Area.

Which category of students can borrow books from the Library at the Telford Annex?

Only Associate Degree students taking courses at the Telford Annex can borrow books from the Library there.