Borrowing
Members of the Library Service of the Velocity Interoperability Network may borrow from any branch and return items to any branch, including the Transit Reading Room. The number of items a member may have on loan at one time depends on the category of membership and is set out on the Membership page. Digital loans are counted separately: every member may hold six at a time.
Loan periods are the same at every branch. An item borrowed at one branch and due at another is due on the same day. Items may be renewed at the enquiry desk, by writing to the Service or through the catalogue, provided no other member has reserved them.
| Type of item | Loan period | Renewals | May be reserved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books, general collection | Three weeks | Two, if not reserved by another member | Yes |
| Books, short loan collection | One week | None | Yes |
| Large-print and audio editions | Four weeks | Two | Yes |
| Audiobooks and music on disc | Three weeks | Two | Yes |
| Past issues of periodicals | One week | One | No |
| Maps and plans | One week | None | Yes |
| Reference works and official publications | Library use only | Not applicable | No |
| E-books and e-audiobooks | Three weeks; returned automatically | One | Yes |
Reserving an item. Any item that may be borrowed may be reserved, whether it is on the shelf at another branch or on loan to another member.
Step 1: Find the item in the catalogue
The catalogue at any branch lists every item held by the Service, the branch that holds it and whether it is on loan. Enquiry desk staff will search on your behalf if you prefer.
Step 2: Place the reservation
Ask at the enquiry desk or write to the Service quoting your membership number, the title and the branch at which you wish to collect. A member may hold up to six reservations at a time.
Step 3: Wait for notice of arrival
If the item is on the shelf at another branch it is sent on the next inter-branch delivery, which runs on Tuesdays and Fridays. If it is on loan you are placed in the queue and told your position. The Service writes to you when the item is ready.
Step 4: Collect within seven days
Reserved items are held at the collection branch for seven days from the date of the notice. Items not collected in that time are returned to the shelf or passed to the next member in the queue.
Returns. Items are returned at the enquiry desk of any branch during opening hours or through the returns slot outside each branch at any time. Items placed in a returns slot are recorded on the next opening day and are treated as returned on the day they were deposited. Items that fall due on a day a branch is closed may be returned on the next day it is open.
Overdue items. The Service makes no charge for overdue items. A reminder is sent by email on the day an item falls due and again after fourteen days. A member with an item overdue by more than twenty-eight days may not borrow further items or place reservations until it is returned. Items overdue by more than ninety days are treated as lost.
Lost and damaged items. A member who loses or damages an item beyond repair is asked to pay the replacement cost recorded in the catalogue, or to supply an identical replacement copy in good condition. A member who does not settle a lost item within sixty days of notice may not borrow until it is settled. Fair wear and tear is not charged for.
Requests for items not in stock. A member may ask the Service to obtain a title it does not hold. The Service considers each request for purchase and, where the title is out of print or specialised, seeks it on loan from the library of a member organisation. Requests are acknowledged within five working days and the member is told the outcome within four weeks.
Enquiries about a loan may be sent to contact@libraries.gov.vin, quoting your membership number. For the loan of digital items, see Digital Collections; for answers to common questions, see the frequently asked questions.