Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can't I connect to the Library Catalogue?
Sometimes users will experience difficulties when using Internet Explorer whilst trying to connect to the Library Catalogue. The error message you get is An error has occured during initialization of the user interface, please follow these instructions (PDF, opens in new window) to fix the problem.
How do I request an item?
- From the Library Catalogue, select the item you want to request
- Click on the Request link, which will take you to MyRecord (opens in new window). Login using your UniSA username and password; other users should login using their Library Barcode as Username and Last Name as Password.
- Select the item you want to request and the Pick up location
- Click on Place Request
- The item will be added to your Requests Pending list
How do I check the status of an item request?
- Select MyRecord (opens in new window) and login using your UniSA username and password. Other users should login using their Library Barcode as Username and Last Name as Password
- Scroll down to review your requests
- Requests pending are not yet available. Check your Queue position
- Requests available are ready for collection at your Pickup Location. These items will be held for 4 days. Check the Expiry Date of the request
For more information regarding your request Ask the Library
How do I borrow a Kindle?
- Kindle ebook readers can be requested or borrowed from all campuses.
- Kindles must be picked up and returned during library staffed hours. They are not available for loan when Security are on duty.
Details of Kindles and available titles are on the Library catalogue.
How do I renew my items?
Renewing items will extend your loan period by the same amount of time as the original loan from the date of renewal, not the from the original due date
- Select MyRecord (opens in a new window) and login using your UniSA username and password. Other users should login using their Library Barcode as Username and Last Name as Password
- Tick the check box next to the item you would like to renew
- Click on Request Renewal
- The status will change from On Loan to Renewed and the due date will change
Items charged to you can be renewed up to four times, with the following exceptions.
You cannot renew an item if:
- It has been requested by another patron
- You have accrued more than 60 demerit points and are suspended from borrowing
- You owe more than $120 in Library fees
- You have already renewed the item four times
- Your patron record has expired
If you are having trouble renewing your items please Ask the Library
What can I do if I have lost my card?
You are responsible for all items borrowed on your card.
Lost UniSA ID cards should be reported to Campus Central immediately.
Lost Library issued cards should be reported to the Library immediately.
When should I receive a Library notice?
Notices for UniSA staff and students (including OUA) are sent via email to your UniSA email account.
Notices for other borrowers without a registered email are posted.
- Courtesy reminder notices
For items with a loan period of 14 days or more borrowers may be sent a courtesy reminder notice 3 days before the day the item is due. Non receipt of this notice does not excuse late return of items. To avoid demerit points you need to return the item or renew it online by logging onto MyRecord (opens in new window). For further information contact Ask the Library - Overdue notices
An overdue notice is sent for all overdue items 1 day after the due date. A second overdue notice is sent 7 days after the due date for overdue items with a loan period of 14 days or greater. Demerit points start to accrue when items become overdue.
How can I avoid demerit points and fees?
- Take note of the due date on your loan receipt
- Renew your loans on or before the due date through MyRecord (opens in new window)
- Read your University email every day to check for courtesy notices
- Don't ask others to return items for you
What can I do if I disagree with my demerit points or fees?
Visit the Service Desk where the penalty was incurred or Ask the Library.
Library staff will consider all legitimate concerns about Demerit points and fees. Reasons that do not constitute a basis for dispute are:
- lack of knowledge of Library policy
- unwillingness to take responsibility for material loaned to a third party
- forgetting the due date
- non-receipt of Courtesy reminder notices via email or in the mail
- email inbox was full
- disagreement with Library penalty policy
- returning items to non-UniSA libraries by mistake
- not being on campus
- on study period breaks, summer vacation or on placement
- changed opening hours
What can I do if I have lost a library item?
Contact the Library immediately using the Ask the Library service to discuss your options
Payments for lost items may be made by:
- Cash is added to your Student ID or Casual User card at the Autoloader within the Library and payment is receipted and your record updated at the Service Desk.
- Credit card payments (Visa or MasterCard) can be made at the Service Desk or by phoning 1300 137 659 during business hours.
- Cheques and Money Orders can be posted to: University of South Australia, Library Administration, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001.
Library fees cannot be paid at Campus Central or via WebPay.
Can I replace a lost item instead of paying the fee?
It may be possible to replace a lost item.
Contact the Library immediately using the Ask the Library service to discuss your options, which may include purchasing a replacement item and paying the $27.50 processing fee.
If an item has already been invoiced an additional $20 invoice processing fee is also payable.
How do I borrow from other institutions?
To borrow from Flinders University Library or University of Adelaide Library, present your UniSA Staff/Student ID card at the Service Desk. For more information on borrowing conditions at these Libraries, please see their websites.
To borrow from TAFE SA Library, you must present your UniSA Staff/Student ID card and a Letter of Good Standing from UniSA Library. Please Ask the Library for further information on this letter.
To borrow from another University Library that is a member of ULA (University Library Australia), it is important to verify eligibility with the Library you wish to register with as local borrowing conditions may apply.
