Library Rules

These rules have been developed to ensure fairness to all students, users and staff at UCH.

1 Membership

1.1 Most students registered on UCH courses are entitled to Library membership. Staff contracted to deliver courses at UCH are also entitled to use the facilities within the Library.

1.2 All Library users must show a current UCH Access card or other form of identification on request. It will help us if you ensure that changes address or other details are notified to Library staff as well as to your University or Institution. This is particularly important with regard to your e-mail address as we use e-mail to contact students and staff about reservations, etc.

2 Borrowing Items

2.1 Items may only be taken out of the Library after they have been issued. Any attempt to remove items without having them issued may be interpreted as attempted theft.

2.2 If the alarm gate is activated as you leave the Library, staff may ask to inspect the contents of your bag and/or clothing. If this check is necessary, a third party will be present.

2.3 Library items will only be issued against a valid UCH Access card. This card must be produced each time an item is borrowed.

2.4 Any request to take Library material abroad must be agreed in advance with Library staff.

2.5 UCH Access cards are not transferable.

2.6 Each user is responsible for all items issued on their card. Users must immediately report the loss of their card to the Library.

2.7 Items will not be issued 15 minutes before closing time.

2.8 Audio-visual items are only available for viewing by staff and students of UCH. They may not be shown to a fee-paying audience, and unauthorised copies must not be made. All video and DVD borrowing and viewing is subject to the Video Standards Council age ratings.

3 Damage and loss of Library materials

3.1 Library items must not be mutilated, defaced, marked or otherwise damaged in any way.

3.2 If you find that items have been damaged please inform the Library staff.

3.3 A charge will be made for the replacement or repair of any items lost or damaged.

3.4 Students may be subject to UCH regulation governing progression or transfer if all items are not returned and Library debts are not paid at the end of every academic year.

3.5 Users must return every loaned item and clear all debts before finishing their course at UCH. Legal action may be taken to recover outstanding debts. Students in debt to UCH may have their course certificates withheld until all outstanding fines are paid in full.  

4 Behaviour in the Library

4.1 All users of the Library must not:

  • Smoke or eat in any area of the Library.
  • Drink beyond the lounge area - only bottled water is permitted.
  • Use personal stereos or similar equipment.
  • Have mobile phones switched on in any part of the Library (except in study rooms phones may be set to silent).
  • Bring in animals, other than guide dogs.

4.2 Users must respect others working in the Library and keep noise to an absolute minimum. There are a limited number of study rooms available for groups of three  students or more when working on group projects.

4.3 Users will be required to leave if they persist in causing undue disturbance or disregarding the above specific prohibitions or general rules.

If rules are broken, UCH may invoke its disciplinary procedures. Penalties may include exclusion and three-figure fines.