Frequently Asked Questions

Electronic books (e-books) provide the full text of books electronically via the internet.

They can be accessed on your desktop or on mobile devices via the Books and eBooks tab on Library Search 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Once you locate a book, you can access it using the 'Access options' button.

Alternatively you can browse our collections via the Ebook databases - A-Z of Library E-Resources.

If prompted for your username and password; these are the same as your University email and password.

You must access these resources using links provided by the Library, as we use custom links to authenticate you as a London Metropolitan University student/staff member.

For problems with your e-book access, please use the chat or library email to request support.

There are 4 bookable study rooms available at the Learning Centre, Holloway Road and 10 non-bookable study rooms available at the Aldgate Library.

How do I book a Library Study Room at Holloway Road?

1. Head to the Study room Holloway Road (for groups only) page.
2. Click 'Book item'.
3. Log into your library account by entering your university username/password at the login prompt.
4. Select the day and time you would like to book a room.
5. Click 'Submit'.
6. Choose the room number you would like by clicking on the mark column (only those available will appear).
7. Click 'Submit' and wait a few seconds.
8. If successful a booking confirmation will appear.
9. Click 'Ok'.

For rules and further information about the rooms, please see: Study rooms and zones - Visit the Library

Use this link to log into your library account and sign in using your London Met username and password.

You will also find this link in the menu on the Library homepage.

We will accept a replacement copy of lost, stolen or destroyed items. This needs to be approved by the appropriate Academic Liaison Librarian.

Contact your Academic Liaison Librarian before buying books, email: alls@londonmet.ac.uk with your full name and your student number.

• The replacement copy must be the same title as the one on your loan record.

• It must be a new copy.

• We only accept the latest edition of the title.

• Where items are out of print, we may accept a second hand copy. Please discuss with your Academic Liaison Librarian before you purchase.

• If you are not able to provide a replacement copy you will be charged a minimum fee of £50.00 per item, but the charge may be higher as we charge the actual price for more expensive items. If you find the lost item(s) within 3 months, we can refund the payment, less an administrative charge of £10.00 per item. We do not refund if a replacement copy has already been accepted.

• You will be billed immediately for the replacement cost of the book plus any overdue fines.
   
• Payments are made online via ePayments.

Yes. Networked computers as well as multi-purpose printers and scanners are available throughout the libraries. You can send items to print via your mobile device, laptop or the library computers.

For more information on printing see: Printing, photocopying and scanning - Student Zone.

Headphones may be used anywhere in the Library but please make sure that the volume is set to a level that does not allow any sound to be audible to other Library Users. This is especially important in the Silent Study areas where low level noise can still be very distracting. Please be considerate to other Library users.  Please note, the Library does not supply headphones.

Library Search indicates whether or not an item is available or out on loan.  If they are out on loan a due date is shown.

For items you have borrowed, you are able to find the due date by logging into your Library Account.

Alternatively, visit the Library Information Desk on campus, email library@londonmet.ac.uk, or get intouch via Library Chat.

Staff and students can access the University's free WiFi network by connecting to eduroam. 

If you have recently changed your university password, you will need to "forget" the eduroam wireless network and then log into eduroam again with your new password.

If you are visiting from another university then you will need register for eduroam with your home institution before you arrive.

If you are still struggling to connect, contact IT.

The library uses a classification system called the Dewey Decimal system. Library Search will show you the call number (sometimes known as classmark or shelfmark or spine number), based on Dewey Decimal, for physical books. Note the call number down and then check the shelves for that number.  Material is arranged on the shelves in numerical order.   A book will have a label on its spine with the relevant call number.

Fines are charged for the late return of physical items.  You will only receive a fine if the item has been reserved by another person. There are no fines for online resources including e-books.

Fines charged:

• 1 week loan - £1.00 per day
• 3 week loan No charge
• InterLibrary Loans  -  £1.00 per day

Users can pay fines online via ePayments.

Use Library Search to access a wide range of e-journals no matter where you are. Select the Journal Titles tab to search by journal name.  

You'll need to log-in with your London Metropolitan Univeristy username and password to access the e-journals.

You'll find lots more help and guidance about using journals in our guide: Understanding journals.

Your Academic Liaison Librarian can help with: 

• research for assignments, dissertations and projects
• effective use of Library subject collections, databases and other resources
• referencing and plagiarism
• basic study skills
• any other information needs you may have related to your studies

To find your Librarian and a link to book an appointment see: Academic Liaison Librarians - Studying at London Metropolitan University.

The Librarians also provide subject guides which give details of key resources and library-related information for your subject: Subject Guides - LibGuides at London Metropolitan University.

You can get in touch by email at alls@londonmet.ac.uk. 

The library service offers a wide range of e-resources for students and staff.  You can browse the full range or filter by subject on our Library A-Z of e-resources.

Also check out your library subject guide which will give you suggestions of key e-resources in your subject area.

Visiting, external and partnership users have limited access to these resources. 

Yes! At Holloway Road Library, we have a large collection of DVDs you can borrow.

You can also access a wide range of films, documentaries, and other video content online
through our streaming services. Browse the full list via our A-Z of Library E-Resources.

If you need a book, article or chapter, for your own research, first use Library Search to ensure the book is not already held in the Library collections.  For articles, you may also search in relevant online resources in case they are not covered in Library Search.  

If they do not show any matches then go to Request it! and fill in the form.

The InterLibrary Loans Services will attempt to get hold of the item for you on your behalf currently at cost to you.

To find a book within the Library you will need the book's unique call number (also called a classmark or shelfmark). If you have not already found the call number, please use Library Search.

The library uses a classification system called the Dewey Decimal system. Library Search will show you the call number, based on Dewey Decimal, for physical books. Note the call number down and then check the shelves for that number.  Material is arranged on the shelves in numerical order.   A book will have a label on its spine with the relevant call number.

Loaned items will continue to renew automatically as long as they are not reserved or overdue, and your account has not been blocked.

You can check your loans and renew yourself via Library Search. Log-in using the button on the top righthand corner.

If you need help renewing please ask in person at the Library Information Desk or online via Library Chat.

Special Collections is part of Library Services. It comprises several reference only collections including: The Trades Union Congress Library, The University Archive, The Frederick Parker Archive,  The Archive of the Irish in Britain, Artists' Books, and oversize (mainly art and design) books. 

You can pay your fines online via ePayments.

To make a payment you will need your London Metropolitan University ID number and your date of birth.

Fines may take up to 48 hours (Mon – Fri) to be removed from your library account.

Students, staff and visitors can connect to WiFi using either the Eduroam or LondonMet guest WiFi connections.

For details about connecting using Eduroam see: WiFi Access.

To connect using LondonMet guest, go in person to the Library Information Desk to register for a temporary account.

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