Frequently Asked Questions
This list of FAQs provides answers to some of the most common questions asked by Birkbeck students at Stratford using the library services at UEL. If you can't find the answer to your query, please contact the Learning Support Advisers.
Q1: I’m using the self-service machine but it won’t issue the book
- Go the helpdesk and ask staff to check your library account. It could be for one of the following reasons:
- Your library account has an earlier expiry date than the date on your student card. Staff can verify your enrolment status and extend the expiry date.
- A request may have been placed on the book.
- If you have fines over £25 an automatic block is placed on your account. You will need to pay the fine before the block can be lifted.
- You may have overdue books which has resulted in a block on your account
- Check the loan type. If the book is a NOT FOR LOAN you can’t borrow it.
- Check the collection type. If the book is a UEL title you can’t borrow it.
- You may have reached your borrowing limit which is 10 items.
- If you are unable to log in to the self-service machine, go to the desk and ask staff to check your PIN number. Your default pin is 0000.
- If the problem is still not resolved, contact the Learning Support Advisers on bbksupport@uel.ac.uk
Q2: I can’t find Birkbeck books in the catalogue
- To view Birkbeck books in the UEL Library Catalogue, enter your search terms, on the left of the screen go to Refine my results, go to Collection and select Birkbeck Collection. If Birkbeck Collection is not listed it means that the book is not available.
- The ebooks listed in the UEL catalogue can only be accessed by UEL students.
- Birkbeck Library has its own collection of e-books which can be accessed via Birkbeck's library catalogue or through Birkbeck’s elibrary
Q3: I can’t find a book on the shelf
- You might be looking on the UEL bookshelves. The Birkbeck books are kept in Room 121 along the corridor.
- The book may be on loan. To reserve it, log in to the UEL library catalogue with your UEL username and password.
Q4: I need to pay a fine
- Fines for items taken from the Birkbeck collection at UEL are paid at Stratford according to the UEL pricelist. Fines for items taken from Birkbeck Library are paid at Bloomsbury. Information is available from the Birkbeck Library website.
- Fines can be paid in person, by phone or via the self-service machine.
Q5: I have lost a book
- Report the loss to a Learning Support Adviser.
- You will be expected to reimburse Birkbeck Library with the cost of any lost books. Please contact a Learning Support Adviser who will advise on the procedure. Phone 0208 223 4218 or email bbksupport@uel.ac.uk
- A block will be placed on your UEL and your Birkbeck account until the matter is resolved.
Q6: Can I borrow books from UEL through Sconul?
- No. UEL Library is listed as your home institution for the purposes of Sconul registration, so you cannot apply for a SCONUL card to borrow books from UEL. However you can apply for a SCONUL card from Birkbeck Library to gain access to other university libraries. To apply, you need to visit Birkbeck Library in person or download the application form and post it to Bloomsbury marking it for the attention of “Users Support Team”.
Q7: Can I use UEL library through SCONUL if I am enrolled on a course at Birkbeck College in Bloomsbury?
- If you are enrolled on a course at the Bloomsbury campus you may use UEL Library via the SCONUL Access Scheme. Please note, the SCONUL card does NOT give you borrowing rights to the Birkbeck Stratford collection, as the latter is a dedicated collection for Birkbeck students at Stratford only.
Q8: I can’t log in to a computer at UEL
- Go to the helpdesk and ask staff to check the status of your account. It could be for one of the following reasons:
- CAPS LOCK was on when you entered your password or the details were mistyped.
- You could be using the wrong Birkbeck account. As a Birkbeck student you have two different IT accounts; one for UEL and the other for Birkbeck College. The UEL account with the username u55------ should be used at UEL.
- Your password may have expired. Please ask staff to reset it for you.
- Your account is not yet active. Please ask staff to check for you.
Q9: How do I access Birkbeck’s online resources e.g. ejournals etc.?
- Birkbeck's electronic resources can be accessed remotely via the Birkbeck Library website.
- You'll need to set the Institutional Athens cookie which is a very simple process. Instructions are given on the Birkbeck elibrary website For assistance with using the Birkbeck elibrary, please contact a Learning Support Adviser at bbksupport@uel.ac.uk
Q10: How do I obtain materials not available in this library?
- Apply via Birkbeck Library. The cost is £1 for each satisfied request. For further information check Birkbeck's interlibrary loan guide.
Q11: Can I request an item to be transferred from Birkbeck Library?
- To borrow a book from the main campus library, you need to visit Bloomsbury to obtain the item and return it back there. You can also reserve Birkbeck Library books online by logging in to the library catalogue.
Q12: How do I find out what disability support is available?
- Contact the Disability Office. Tel: 020 7631 6336/ email: disability@bbk.ac.uk
- Further information is available from the Disability web pages.
- You can book a 1-2-1 with our Disability officer at STRATFORD
Q13: What assistive technology is available at Stratford?
- There is a dedicated assistive technology room. This is locked so ask for the key held at the issue desk. It should remain unlocked outside staffing hours. For further information see UEL's disability support guide.
Q14: How can I book a PC in the Assistive Technology room?
Q15: What training is available for assistive technology?
- Demonstrations and advice on assistive technology can be arranged through the Disability Office. Check Birkbeck's Disability support guide.
