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UHI North, West and Hebrides Library Facilities and Services

Information and guidance about using NWH Libraries

Welcome to your Library Facilities and Services

Welcome to your Library Service

We would like to extend a huge welcome to all our new and returning students.  The Library Team are here to help you and we wish you every success with your studies this coming year.

Each of our main Libraries located in Thurso, Fort William and Stornoway provide quiet study spaces and access to computers as well as a whole range of books for you to browse and borrow. There are also two smaller libraries located in Alness and Dornoch. Further information about each of our libraries can be found in this guide, including facilities and opening times.

For an overview of our Library services please watch this video (6:39 mins) or attend your scheduled Library induction. Library staff are also here to help you with any queries you may have, either in person, by email or via Live Chat.

UHI North, West and Hebrides being part of the University of the Highlands and Islands shares library services and resources with all UHI partner college libraries. If you are a UHI student or member of staff visit the UHI library service to see the full range of resources and services available to you.

Borrowing Books

Borrowing Books

All UHI staff and students can borrow books from any UHI Library. As well as browsing our shelves you can also use Library Search (our Google like tool) to look for books held at all UHI partner libraries. You may borrow up to 15 books at any one time. The standard loan period is 28 days. You can borrow books in person by visiting any of our UHI partner Libraries plus you can also request books be sent to you from other UHI partner libraries.

As well as print books the Library service also provides access to a vast collection of eBooks which can be read online or downloaded.  

Watch our Library Search video (10:21 mins) to find out more.

Note: To login into Library Search go to 'Sign In' at the top right of the screen, then select UHI Students and Staff.

Requesting a book / Placing a Hold

Requesting a Book

You can borrow books in person by visiting any of our UHI partner Libraries.  You can also reserve books from any UHI partner Library as long as it is a loan copy. You can do this by Placing a Hold. 

Within Library Search when you click on the title of a book you can opt to 'Place Hold'. You are then usually given Pick Up Options. If you are able to pick it up in person select Collect from Library.

The Collect from Library option may not be suitable, especially if you are a distance student. If you are not able to collect it in person because for example you live too far away then you can opt for a Postal Loan.

Note: If you live near any UHI campus Library you can opt to collect books from there rather than have them posted to your home address. After you click on Place Hold (in Library Search) indicate where you would like to collect the books from by writing this preference in the text box which asks 'Anything else we need to know about this request?'. As this is by special arrangement it is helpful if you make yourself known to staff at your 'preferred' Library so they can assist further.

Note: If an eBook is available our partner libraries may not supply a print copy unless there are special circumstances. If you would like to make a special case for receiving print books please email us and the librarian will consider your case.

Renewing Books

Renewing books

Books can be renewed online by signing in to Library Search. Go to My Account / Checkouts. If your books have become overdue please email NWH Library service and we will renew them for you (as long as they have not been reserved by someone else). 

Returning books

Returning your books

You will receive an automatic email when books are due to be returned. If you no longer require a book please return it as soon as possible to make it available for other people to borrow. If you need the book longer you can usually renew it (if it is not reserved).  Books can be returned to any UHI partner Library in person.

Postal returns - Freepost

Books can be returned using a Freepost address.  Each UHI partner Library can provide you with their Freepost details. More information can be found here.