Using our services
There are lots of ways you can access help and support. If you have any questions about our services, facilities or resources simply search our knowledge base Ask Us which contains the most commonly asked questions.
If you’d like to chat with us, pop in to see us at the Catalyst building, drop us an email or give us a call.
The Helpdesk is situated on the ground floor of Catalyst (Ormskirk). You can access specialist help and support for IT assistance, SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulties), subject specific and academic skills along with general library, Student Services and Careers queries at our helpdesk.
Online guides and tutorialsSwipe access
You will need your UniCard to swipe in and out of Catalyst in the evenings, between 5pm and 8am.
Individual study
Group rooms are available on the ground, first and second floors and you can book a study space on the 3rd floor silent study area.
Book a group roomSupporting you
Our colleagues in Student Services and Careers are available at Catalyst and are offering a blended approach with face-to-face services and virtual help and support appointments. Please visit their relevant webpages in the first instance or contact the helpdesk for key information.
Borrowing
Library and Learning Services provide access to a wide range of electronic resources via Discover More which includes over 130,000 electronic books. Please see the e-resources page for further support.
To borrow items from any of our libraries you will need your UniCard. Items can be loaned from the self-issue machines at Catalyst or at St James’s.
| Loan allocations | Number of items |
| Student including PGCEs + Masters | 25 items |
| Research / Staff | 35 items |
| External including Alumni | 5 items |
Standard loans are a rolling 2 week loan, you can view your current loans by signing in to your account at Discover More
If you are unable to visit and require access to library stock or have any further questions about borrowing library items, please contact us at [email protected].
Visitors
Visitors and members of the public are welcome to use the University Libraries for research and study. During helpdesk opening hours visitors can access the study facilities at any of our libraries and browse our print collections. A member of the team will be happy to help you find the items you need.
Outside of Helpdesk hours access is for current staff and students only.
Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times unless visiting as part of an organised school visit, event or open day. More information about events and activities for schools and colleges can be found on the student recruitment pages.
Using other libraries
SCONUL Access is a reciprocal service supported by most of the higher education libraries in the UK and Ireland. If you are a part time student, a member of academic staff, a researcher, or a distance learner you may wish to use other academic libraries, particularly if they are closer to where you live and work. Undergraduates are allowed reference only access via the scheme.
You can also take your wireless device to other universities and by connecting to the Eduroam network with your Edge Hill username and password you will be able to use WI-Fi and access Edge Hill eResources.
Library charges
Fines are only charged on overdue library and media items.
Fines are only charged on books when it has been requested by someone else. Always get in touch with us if items become overdue as you may be charged a replacement fee.
| Type of charges | Amount |
| 2 week rolling loans | 25p per day* |
| 6 week rolling loans | 25p per day* |
| general issue media items | £1 per day* |
| inter library loan | 25p per day |
| inter library loan – lost/damaged/unreturned | £185.50 per item |
*only fined if item reserved
Fines can be paid online via My Account in Discover More (minimum £1 transaction), or in person at any of our library sites. If you have lost/damaged any library or media items you will be charged the full replacement cost.
Whilst the majority of library services are provided free of charge, some services do incur a fee:
| Printing charges | Cost per sheet |
| Black and white printing or photocopying | 2p per sheet (A4) and 3p per sheet (A3) |
| Colour printing or photocopying | 5p per sheet (A4) and 6p per sheet (A3) |
Feedback
If you would like to feedback about any of services you can use the feedback form:
Feedback form