Library services and information

Library offers services mainly to the Turku University of Applied Sciences students, teachers and staff. Library is open to all customers.

Library card

You need the library card for

• borrowing
• self service borrowing
• borrowing Ellibs e-books
• renewing loans
• requesting material.

You need to fill in an application for a library card and present a valid ID in order to receive a library card with borrowing rights. The information you fill in the application is registered to the library system register.  

Carry a valid ID when picking up your library card! By undersigning the library card application you accept to follow the library rules.

Library cards of the other university libraries in Turku can be activated at the TUAS Library. However, the library card application must always be filled in and all libraries must be informed about the changes in contact information separately.

With the library card number and a PIN code you can access your patron information and place reservations in the Aura Online Database.

If you lose your library card

The library card is for personal use only and the card holder is responsible for all loans borrowed with the card.

Contact the library immediately in case you lose your library card in order to prevent any misuse. You will be issued a new card for a fee.

Changes in address or other information

A library card holder can check his contact information in the Aura Online Database or by visiting the library.

The library register will not be updated automatically when you change your contact information in the student register, so please inform the library about the changes as soon as possible!

Changes can be informed by

• address change form
• phone
• visiting the library.

Borrowing and loans

A TUAS library card holder has the right to borrow all loanable materials in TUAS libraries:

1. Check and write down the holdings and shelf mark (call number) at the Aura Online Database
2. Check the address and opening hours of the library holding the item
3. Pick the item from the shelf and take it to the loans desk
   • in some libraries there is a self service loan system
   • Remember to carry your library card with you!

You are responsible for all material borrowed with your library card.

Loan periods

• Books 28 days
• Textbooks 14 days
• Short loans 7 days
• Periodicals 14 days - current issues only overnight and weekend loans
• Theses 28 days
• Reference material overnight and weekend loans
• Videos and DVDs: for teaching purposes or 14 days
• Ellibs electronic books 2 hours or 1 day

Libraries have other materials as well: sheet music, CDs, standards etc. Ask about loan periods at the library!

Returns

When borrowing you will receive a due date receipt. Take notice of the returning or renewing your loans by the due date.

Loans can be returned to any of the TUAS libraries.

Overdue loans will be charged a fee according to the price list.

Charges and fees

Use of the library and borrowing is free of charge, overdue loans are charged, as well as some of library services, see price list.

Notices

All notices about overdue loans is sent by email if you have informed your email address to the library.

First notice is sent 2 days after the due date, second notice 8 days after, third notice 15 days after and fourth notice 23 days after the due date.

If loans are not returned or renewed after the four notices, a bill will be sent. Collection of receivables will be forwarded immediately after the due date of the bill to a collection agency. Thereafter, you should contact the collection agency about the scheme fo payment.

You will receive a courtesy notice by email when the due date is approaching in case you accept email notices.  

Losing borrowing rights

In case a library card holder has not levelled the balance of the library charges, he might lose his borrowing rights. By leveling the balance the rights will be regained.

One might lose one´s borrowing rights by not following the library rules. 

Renewals

A library card holder can renew the loans by

• logging in to the Aura Online Database
• visiting the library
• email, or
• phone

You may renew your loans 20 times, unless there are requests by other customers. The reasons you do not succeed in renewing your loans might vary. 

Reservations

A library card holder may reserve material on loan

• via the Aura Online Database
• at the library
• by phone
• by email.

The library card number and contact information are compulsory when reserving! A reservation is valid for maximum of six months.

When a loan is returned to the library and is available, a reserver will receive a notice by email or by mail. See more information on how to receive notices by email.

The reserved material is to be picked up within 5 working days.