Borrowing and returning material

Library card

You can obtain a library card from the Reference and Archival Services Desk by filling in and signing an application form and showing proof of identity. Users must abide by the library's Conditions of Use. A library card is needed to borrow or reserve material and to request material from the Closed Stacks.

Borrowing material

You can borrow material at the Reference and Archival Services Desk.

Material that cannot be checked out

Most of the library's materials can be freely borrowed, but some materials such as newspapers, magazines, law books and reference works can only be used in the Reading Room.

Loan period

The loan period is 28 days. The loan period for material used in parliamentary work is 112 days.

Renewing material

You can renew material using the SELMA database , provided material has not been reserved. The library's staff will be happy to help.

Reservations

You can reserve material that is on loan using the SELMA database. A library card is necessary. The library's staff will be happy to help.

Requesting material from the Closed Stacks

You can request material from the Closed Stacks using the SELMA database and a library card. Material is available about an hour after a request is made and is kept at the Reference and Archival Services Desk for three days. Material requested after 3.30pm can be collected the next day after 10am.

Returning material and reminders

Material should be returned or renewed by the due date.

The first reminder will be sent within 24 hours of the due date. A library user who has overdue material cannot borrow new material.

» Library of Parliament service guide