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Borrowing Policies

Collections

UNIC library houses various collections of materials. Each collection has its own loaning policies. Read through each one of them for more details.

Reserve Collection

Main Collection

Special Collection

Other collections are:

Journals Collection

Audiovisuals Collection

Rare Book Collection

Oversize Collection

Projects / Theses

Newspapers

Reserve Collection

Each course has one or more “textbooks” or several “recommended reading” books essential for reading by all in a class. A copy of each is kept on Reserve for rapid circulation. The distinctive feature of these materials is that they must be returned within 3 hrs, overnight (5.00pm – 10.00am the following morning), in 1 day or in 3 days, depending on the lecturer’s indication. Two (2) Reserve books/items may be loaned out and loans are made on the basis of “first come first served” with reservations permitted only ONCE within the same day. Fines for overdue Reserves are 70c per hour, or €5 per day, with an increase of €45 per day during exam period. The purpose of short loans is to enable all students to have access to some books within the specified time limit assigned by the lecturer.

Main Collection

This collection holds the largest number of books in the library which can be loaned out to users. They are normally loaned out for 15 days depending on the status of the borrower. Smaller collections, such as Fiction, Biography and Junior Fiction also fall in this area. Books from this collection appear in UNIC Primo as "Standard Loan".

Special Collection

What these collections have in common is that they are comprised of materials which can be referred to within the library, but are not available for loan. These might be encyclopaedias, dictionaries, indexes and similar multipurpose research tools as well as subject related reference materials. They are all located in different designated areas of the library, with specific prefix in front of the Call Number on the spine of the book, which sets them apart from the Main library collection.

There is a general "Reference collection" with general multi-disciplinary research tools. Reference materials are also located in the "Cyprus Reference collection", the "Rare Books collection" and the "Oversize collection".

Journals Collection

Here you can find a small number of current print journals located on the sloping shelves, with the latest issue displayed on top of the shelf and the older issues underneath. (Mainly the Print Journals covers Architecture, Design etc.)

Audiovisuals Collection

This is a small collection of audiovisual materials relevant to the courses taught. They are not loaned out to students, but they can be borrowed for viewing in the library with the ID card reserved at the Circulation Desk. Lecturers can borrow 3 videos/DVDs for 1 week (see Borrowing Policy). In case of loss or damage, the user will be asked to pay the replacement cost of the item.

Rare Book Collection

A very small collection of books of great research value which may have ceased publication, are limited editions, autographed copies or first edition of significance. They are identified by specific prefix and are located in a closed reserve area with in-library access only.

Oversize Collection

A selection of oversize books in various disciplines, which are shelved in a separate shelving area because of their size. These books are not for loan.

Projects / Theses

These are a selection of past student projects and theses which you may refer to for their level and content. They are NOT to be copied or loaned out.

Newspapers

There are various daily English and Greek newspapers, located on tables at the entrance of the library for casual reading and research. Most of them are stored for 2 months only.

Staff & Faculty

Borrowing

Since you are a member of the Library (Join the Library)  borrowing is for free according to the borrowing regulations. If you are late to return/renew your items you will need to pay a fine.

*Your Library membership card should ALWAYS be presented whenever you need to borrow or return materials. Your card is personal and no one else can use it for borrowing.

How do I borrow?

  • You can check out the items you need to borrow at the Circulation Desk or aSelf Check out Machine using your Library Membership card.
  • The date of return is stamped at the back of the book.
  • It is your responsibility to remember the dates for materials to be returned/ renewed and avoid the fine. 

How many items can I borrow and how long can I keep them?

Check below the maximum number of items that can be borrowed at one time and the length of the loan period.

Type of User

Item Allowance

Duration*

Full-time Faculty

25

6 months (180 days)

Part-time Faculty

10

6 months (180 days)

Research Staff

15

1 month (30 days)

Administrative staff

5

1 month (30 days)

*Only for standard loan Main Collection books. For other items contact the Library Circulation Desk (libithelp@unic.ac.cy)

Returning/Renewing your Loans

How do I return my loans?

Before or on the due date listed at the back of the book, you must return your loans to the Circulation Desk or the 24/7 Drop Box located adjacent to the Main Door Entrance. Otherwise, a fine will be assessed.

How do I renew my items?

Visit the library, present the items and your Library membership card at the Circulation Desk to renew your items.

External Members & Alumni

Borrowing

Since you are registered with Library (Join the Library) borrowing is for free according to the Borrowing regulations. If you are late to return/renew your items you will need to pay a fine.

 *Your Library Membership card should ALWAYS be presented whenever you need to borrow or return materials. Your card is personal and no one else can use it for borrowing.

How do I borrow?

  • You can check out the items you need to borrow at the Circulation Desk or Self Check out Machine using your Library Membership card.
  • The date of return is stamped at the back of the book.
  • It is your responsibility to remember the dates for materials to be returned/ renewed and avoid the fine. 

How many items can I borrow?

Type of user

Loan allowance

External User

5

Alumni

5

Returning/Renewing Your Loans

You can keep your books longer if you renew them. You can do this either at the Circulation Desk or by contacting us (+357) 22842100 or send us an email (libithelp@unic.ac.cy)

  • Renew your books online 1 day before the deadline.
  • If your books are overdue, you must return them to the Circulation Desk, settle any fines you may have, and if you wish you can borrow them again.
  • Items can be renewed online up to 3 times. If you wish to renew your books for longer you have to return them to the Circulation Desk and borrow them again.

Overdue Items/Fines

Items not returned or renewed on time are considered overdue and fines are payable on them.

*Please note that in case of items that have not been returned or fines that have not been paid you will lose your borrowing privileges.

How much do I have to pay for overdue books?

If you are late to return/renew your books you will need to pay a fine of 0.30€ per day, per book.

Recalls

  • The Library retains the right to recall any items that are urgently required for a particular cause.
  • If an item is recalled, the current borrower is notified by phone or e-mail that the book has been recalled and a new due date is specified for the book to be returned, regardless of the date originally stamped at the back slip of the book.
  • Recalled material should be returned within 2 days from the day of Recall or the user is liable to a fine of 1.70€ per day.