Borrow and Renew - Library account FAQs

How can I access my library account?

Go to My library account to see your items on loan, reservations, interlibrary loan requests and past loans. You can also opt-in to receive SMS text messages.

How many items can I borrow?

Any interlibrary loans or documents you request from our Document Supply Service are in addition to these limits.

How long can I keep my loans?

The standard initial book loan length is 1-4 weeks. You can see the due dates of your loans by logging into My library account.

Interlibrary loan terms are set by the home library. See: interlibrary loans. 

If you have declared disability, you may be entitled to extended book loans. See: Disability and accessibility support. 

How do I renew my loans?

As a courtesy to other users, please return any items you are not using - but book loans will renew automatically unless:

• another customer has requested the item
• your Library account is expiring soon
• or the Library requests all books back at the end of a term.

We will email you to let you know that the books must be returned. 

If you enjoy renewing loans manually, you can do so on or before the due date:

• Online via My library account
• By phone or email - contact the Library
• At the self-service kiosks at any Cranfield Library

What happens if an item I have borrowed is recalled by another customer?

If you have received an email asking you to return your loans because another customer has reserved them, please do this as soon as you can. A book loan is guaranteed for the initial loan period. After any renewals, the loan period will be shortened if the book has been recalled by another customer. If you need the item again, ask us to reserve it for you when you return it.

What happens if my books are overdue?

If your loans are overdue, your Library account will be suspended and you will not be able to borrow any other items until your overdue loans are returned. You are responsible for any items you borrow so any losses or unreturned items must be paid for in full.

If you have overdue loans which are not required by other users, you will not be fined when you return them.

How do I reserve an item to borrow?

Find the item in Library Search and choose Reserve a copy. If prompted, log in using your Cranfield University username and password.

We will email you when your item is ready for collection or you can opt in to receive a text message alert from us.

Unable to pick the book up in person? We can post it to you - see: Postal and scanning services.

Can I borrow eBooks and audiobooks?

The Library offers a wide range of eBooks and audiobooks.

• When using Library Search, you can limit your search results to material type to Audiobook or eBook. Some suppliers may ask you to log in or download extra software before you can start listening or reading.
• Libby is a free app that gives you access to fiction and non-fiction eBooks and audiobooks – all through your public library. Cranfield students can use it too!  Check out our blog post on Libby to learn how to get started.

If an audiobook isn’t available, many eBooks and online documents can still be listened to using text-to-speech tools. These tools read the text aloud and are especially helpful for users with print disabilities.

• HTML format eBooks work best with these tools – PDFs can be more difficult.
• Try tools like Microsoft Immersive Reader or browser plugins such as Natural Reader or Read Aloud.

Check out our guide to Free accessibility tools for more information.