Managing your account
You can easily and quickly manage your library account using the My Account option of the Library Catalogue.
You can:
- View your loans and return dates
- Renew your resources
- Reserve resources
- View any library charges and link to our online payment service
- View the status of any inter library loans you have requested
How long can I borrow a resource
To ensure fair circulation resources have different loan periods these are:
12 week loan - Teaching Practice (for education students only)
4 week loan - Available at all sites (will be reduced to one week if reserved by another user)
2 week loan Slides - Available at The Murray Library only
1 week loan - Available at all sites (this includes teaching practice for non-education students)
1 week loan Audio Visual resources- Available at all sites
1 day loan (Short loan) - Available at all sites
1 day Staff only - Open University videos
Fines will be charged for the late return of resources
Please note short loan resources are in high demand so we must ensure they are returned on time. These resources are marked with a green date label and green spinal stripe. Short loan resources must always be returned to the site you issue it from.
Fine and overdue resource rates
The current fine rates for the return of late resources are:
4 week - 10p per resource per day
1 week - 20p per resource per day (includes audio visual material)
Short Loan - £5 per resource per day
Slides - 1p per slide per day
Please note each resource can incur a maximum fine of £15 every time you allow it to become overdue.
Please note that the above charges do not apply to University laptops. The charges and penalties for the late return or failure to return a University laptop are governed by the Terms and Conditions of Loan of a University Laptop.
If you have a library charge you can now pay this online by logging on to My Sunderland, clicking on the News Feed tab and using the 'Library Account' box.
Why standard loan periods can be reduced
If the resource you are borrowing has been reserved the loan period will change from 4 weeks to 1 week. This is to ensure the fair circulation of resources. Due to this please check and keep your receipt.
Why does the library bill for resources
Unreturned Resources
Bills will be sent for any unreturned resources. The bill will be for the full replacement cost of each resource, included a non-refundable handling charge of £10 per bill.
If resources are not returned by the date stated on the bill letter the following actions may be taken:
The unpaid bill is sent to the University Finance Dept who contact a debt collection agency to retrieve the outstanding amount
Withdrawal of library borrowing services
Prevention of re-registration on your course
Prevention of your Graduation
Lost Resources
If you think you may have lost a library resource please let us know as soon as possible as this could reduce the amount you have to pay.
If the bill for lost resources are not paid by the date stated, you will then receive another bill for unreturned resources. This will include the £10 non-refundable handling charge and be subject to the procedure stated above.
Paying library charges online
Paying library charges online, 24/7
Outstanding library charges can be paid by accessing the e payment service from the 'Your Library Account' box.
Logon to My Sunderland.
Click onto the Me tab and then on the Learning button
Your outstanding balance will appear in the right hand corner of the screen.
Click on Pay Online and follow the instructions carefully.
Your bank will not charge you for this transaction.
Please note that some banks may refuse a transaction if the amount being paid is very low.
Please remember that any outstanding library charges may affect your borrowing and renewal rights.
