Leeds University Library

Postal loans

We will post items to students who live in the UK and Ireland.

This service applies to standard loans only - all other loan periods are too short to give enough turnaround time.

Only items owned by Leeds University Library can be borrowed by postal loan. We are not permitted to mail out inter-library loans: these must be collected in person.

Please be aware that some materials may be too fragile or delicate to post.

Returning items

It is your responsibility to make sure that the book reaches the Library in time for its due date. Fines will be charged if the item is late. Items may be renewed if not recalled by another user.

The length of time required for the item to return will depend upon the delivery method. We strongly recommend that you use a recorded delivery service with insurance since you will be liable for any loss or damage in the post.

Items may be recalled before the original due date. It is your responsibility to ensure that we have your correct address and you are in a position to receive recall notices (either by email or post). You will start to accrue fines two weeks after the date the recall is issued.

You are responsible for ensuring your loan item is returned to the Library in the same condition we sent it out. If the original packaging is still intact you may re-use it; if you need to replace the packaging, please use similar materials.

Return address for all postal loans:
Distance Learning Services
Health Sciences Library
Level 7
Worsley Building
University of Leeds
Leeds
LS2 9JT

Postal loan entitlement

Students registered as distance learners
10 free postal loans per academic year
Additional loans cost £5 per item

Healthcare students on placement
Five free postal loans per academic year
Additional loans cost £5 per item

All other students
Loans cost £10 per item

Applying for a postal loan

Email distance-learning@library.leeds.ac.uk, providing the following information:

  • Your name and student number / library barcode number, plus your phone number
  • Your course title (eg MSc Clinical Embryology)
  • If you are a Healthcare student, confirm that you are currently on placement
  • The full details of the requested item (title, year or edition, author's full name (if applicable))
  • Your postal address. Bear in mind that if the item is delivered when you are not at home you may have to collect it from the depot. We send items recorded delivery so if they are not collected from the depot within a week they will be returned.
  • The date after which you will no longer require the item (if appropriate). This is in case we have any difficulty locating it, or if we have to recall it from another customer.

Your request will be processed within three working days of receipt. It will then be dispatched via a 48-hour delivery service.

If you have been informed that your request has been dispatched but you have not received it within seven days please let us know. If items are lost in the post, there is a time limit by which we need to submit an insurance claim.