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University of Groningen Library
University of Groningen Library Support Frequently Asked Questions Borrowing

Borrowing books

  • How can I borrow books?

    To borrow books, you need a valid University card / library card.
    Books that are in the closed stacks can be requested using our catalogue 
    SmartCat, and collected at the Self Service point.



  • What is the loan period?

    The loan period is four weeks, or 10 day in case of short-term loans. This period will be extended automatically (a maximum of 24 times for staff and 12 times for students and other borrowers), unless another borrower reserves the publication. The publication must be returned at the end of the loan period or when someone reserves the publication.
  • What happens if I am late in returning books?

    The loan period will be extended automatically (a maximum of 24 times for staff and 12 times for students and other borrowers), unless the publication is reserved by another borrower. If you fail to return a book after the maximum loan period has expired or in case of a reservation a replacement fee will be charged. Further information: Request, pick up, return
  • Where can I collect books that I have requested?

    You will receive a ready-for-collection message stating the location where you can pick up the book.

  • How can I see the location of a particular book?

    By clicking on the title you want in SmartCat, you can look under 'Availability’ to see the collection in which the book is kept and its call number. If the book is in the closed stacks, you can request it.
  • How can I borrow books from other libraries? (ILL)

  • How can I request books in SmartCat?

    Click on the title you want and then click the Request button. UG students and staff can login with their P or S number, other borrowers use the 04 number next to the barcode on their library card, and the associated password. You will be notified by email when the book is ready for you to collect.
  • How long does it take before I can collect a book I requested?

    Normally, books requested on weekdays before 4 p.m. will be available within 3 hours, unless the publication has to come from the Zernike repository. In that case, the book will be at your disposal the next weekday from 12 noon. You will receive a message when the book is ready for pick-up.


  • How long does it take before I can collect a book I reserved?

    You will receive a message stating that you can collect the book when it has been returned by the previous borrower. We do not know in advance how long this will take.
  • How can I request an edition of a journal?

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