Information for distance learning students
Postal Loans
Students who are registered on a distance learning course and unable to visit the Library may request for books to be posted to their home address.
Please note that not all of our books can be borrowed via the postal loan service.
We are unable to send:
- reference items
- bound journal volumes
- current journal parts
- books held in the High Demand Collection
We are also unable to post books to students based outwith the UK and Ireland.
If you need a single chapter or extract from a book, or a journal article, then we advise you to request this via our photocopying service, more information on this service is below.
Postal loan books are also subject to recall from other borrowers.
How to apply for a postal loan
You can apply in the following ways :
- Use the search on the Library homepage to make sure that the books you need are available. The results will also indicate if the Library has an ebook available for you to download
- Complete the Distance Learning Request Form
- Return the form to Library Services, University of Glasgow Library, Hillhead Street, Glasgow, G12 8QE, Scotland, UK, or
- Scan and email the form to library-dds@glasgow.ac.uk
If you have any difficulties using the postal loans service, please contact Library Services, library@glasgow.ac.uk, 0141 330 6704.
How many books can I borrow?
Registered Distance Learning Course students are entitled to borrow 30 items through our postal loan service.
Books are issued for 3 months but are subject to recall from other borrowers. If a book is required by another borrower it must be returned to the Library within a week of the date the recall request being placed. We will notify you of the new due date for return by post and e-mail.
It usually takes at least 3 - 4 days for the library to process and dispatch postal requests. This may take longer if the item is out on loan.
Returning books by post
You are responsible for paying the postal charges for returning the book to the Library. Fines will be charged for the late return of books and for loss or damage. We recommend that you use a secure and traceable method of returning books. If you are returning books through the Post Office obtain a free certificate of posting (P6159) which provides compensation cover for loss or damage up to a value of £28.
Photocopying Service
If you need a copy of a book chapter or journal article from the Library that is only available in print, you can submit a request to our Photocopying Service using the Distance Learning Request Form. Remember - online versions of many books and journals are available so you should double check!
How much does it cost?
The cost is 10p per sheet copied + £5 handling fee.
How long does it take?
Normally two working days from receipt of the request.
Contact: Document Delivery Service
Email: library-dds@glasgow.ac.uk