All print or ebooks can be found by doing a keyword or title search on Library Search.

You will also find key reading recommendations on the reading list for the module you are studying. We have copies of essential and recommended titles for you borrow. Reading lists are put together by your lecturer for each module. You can find your reading list on your module on Blackboard. Alternatively you can find the reading lists for all modules using our My Module Reading List

Printed books are organised by subject on the second and third floors of the Library, while e-books can be accessed online by clicking on the link and logging in using your University username and password.

Borrowing and renewing books

All current students and staff can borrow up to 35 books using the self-service machines which are on the Second and Ground Floors of the Library.

Books will be issued for 7 days and automatically renewed if they have not been requested by another Library user and there are no issues on your Library Account. There is a limit of 26 renewals, you can see how many times a book has been renewed by logging into your Library Account.

We will email you if a book you have borrowed has not been renewed and you need to return it.  You will need to return books by the due date included in the email either in person or by post.  Fines of £1.00 per day apply for items that are returned late and have been reserved by another user.

Reserving a book

If all copies of the book you want are out on loan then you can reserve a copy via Library Search. You can have 8 reservations at any one time.

If you have fines to pay of over £20 or restrictions on your Library account you won't be able to reserve books.

Returning Books

You can return books using the self-service machines or by using the book return box outside the Library.You can also return books by post but you will need to pay the return postage. All items returned should be addressed to:

Library User Services Team
Library Services
Aston University
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET

You are responsible for the safe return of the item, and if it is lost while it is being returned you will have to pay for its replacement.

Library Fines

The Library only charges fines for overdue books that have been recalled or for lost items. These charges apply all year round including during the vacations.

  • The daily charge of an overdue reserved item is £1.00
  • The charge for a lost book is the full replacement cost of the current edition from a Library supplier will be charged in addition to any outstanding fines.

Contact Us

If you have a query about charges on your Library account, have problems with finding items, accessing e-books, reserving or renewing books then get in touch with us by email or by telephone at 0121 204 4525. Alternatively you can use our Live Chat widget on the right hand side of this page.