Borrowing and Managing your Library Account

The College Library provides access to both physical books and a wide range of electronic resources available through the University.

This page covers borrowing, requests, and returns. For guidance on searching for materials in iDiscover and locating items within the Library, please see the Library Collections page.

You can borrow 12 items from Magdalene College Library and up to 200 items across all of the University Libraries.

To borrow items, use the self-service machines located on the Ground Floor or First Floor. Select ‘Borrow’, scan the barcode on the back of your University card, and place each item on the pad one at a time. Ensure each item turns green on the screen before adding the next.

If the security gate sounds when you exit, an item may not have been loaned properly. Please visit the staff desk for assistance. If you encounter any issues borrowing outside of staff hours, complete a Borrowing Slip and place it in one of the book return boxes.

Items are loaned for seven days and will automatically renew for another seven days unless another user requests them. This cycle continues throughout the year until a request is placed or you return the items.

Board games can be loaned for four days during term time and cannot be renewed.

Some items are designated as Reference Only, meaning they must be used within the Library and cannot be borrowed. These books are marked with a red sticker or a ‘Not to be taken away’ label on the spine.

The Click and Collect service allows students to request staff assistance in retrieving items from the Reserve Collection. Additionally, students who have disclosed a Student Support Document can use this service to request any item from the Library.

To return items using the self-issue machine, place them on the pad, select ‘Return’ on the screen, and ensure all items appear before placing them in the returns box on the left.

If you are short on time, items can be left in the returns box in the lobby, but this is only emptied on weekday mornings, so they will remain on your account until processed.

Requested items should be returned via the self-service machine and placed in the returns box by the staff desk for prompt re-loaning. Alternatively, they can be handed directly to a member of staff.

Please return items when you no longer need them to ensure availability for other users.

If an item you need is on loan, you can request its return. Since loans renew automatically, some items may have been checked out for a long time but are no longer in use, so placing a request is encouraged.

If an item is in high demand and you think an extra copy is needed, you can suggest this using our Recommending Items Form.

To request an item, log in to iDiscover using the button in the top right. A ‘Request’ option will appear under the ‘Get it’ section. Once requested, the borrower has three days to return the item. You will receive an email when it is ready for collection from the reserved book shelf on the Ground Floor. If not collected within a week, it will be re-shelved.

If you have an item on loan that has been requested by someone else and do not return it within three days, it will be marked as an overdue request. Accumulating two overdue requests will block your borrowing privileges across all University Libraries until the items are returned.

To manage your library account via iDiscover, log in with your Raven details, then click your name in the top right corner. From the menu, select ‘My account’ to view your current loans, any requests you have placed, and any fines or blocks on your account.

You can also check your account using the self-service machines. Tap ‘View Account’, then scan your card to see items on loan, as well as any fines or overdue items.

A monthly statement will be emailed to you, providing a summary of your loans. This is not a request to return items, but it is a good opportunity to review your loans and return anything you no longer need. If an item still appears on your account after you have returned it, please email library@magd.cam.ac.uk or speak to staff at the desk.

In addition to your College Library, you may need to use the University Library and relevant faculty libraries for study spaces or borrowing. The Cambridge Libraries Directory lists all libraries in Cambridge with links to their websites.

Borrowing rights and limits vary between libraries. The Borrowing from Cambridge Libraries guide provides an overview of how the Cambridge library system works. However, you cannot use another College Library for studying or borrowing.

The University Library offers guidance for students, including inductions and a short introductory video about Cambridge Libraries.