Borrowing

Who can use the Rowden White Library?

All University of Melbourne students and staff can borrow from the Rowdy for free. A valid student or staff card is required to borrow. You will need your physical card with you to borrow anything from the library (photos not accepted).

Borrowing rules

Loan limits and periods

You can take home up to 10 IRL items at a time (3 weeks for books, 1 week for magazines), plus 10 eBooks/eAudiobooks (3 weeks). 10 holds can be placed per person.

Returning items

All items borrowed from the Rowden White Library must be returned to the library by the due date via the return chutes. The due date is stamped on the date slip at the time of checkout, and can be checked on your online record.

Please do not return Rowden White Library items to other libraries at the University of Melbourne. The Rowden White Library is a service of UMSU and has no relationship with the university libraries. The return of Rowden White Library items remains the sole responsibility of the borrower at all times.

Renewing Items

To renew online, your login is the 14-digit number under the barcode of your student/staff card. Your password is the one you chose when you registered at the library. To renew items, head here and sign in using the barcode number on your card and the password you nominated when signing up at the Rowdy.

Items can be renewed in person at the Loans Desk, at the “My Account” tab online, or by phone on (03) 8344 6967. Please have your valid student/staff card with you when renewing.

Items can be renewed twice. Items that are overdue cannot be renewed online. Items that have been requested by someone else or that have incurred an automated "lost" status ( >1 week overdue) cannot be renewed at all. These must be returned to the library for at least 24 hours before being taken out again by the same borrower.

Loans are not transferable

Your card cannot be used by another person to borrow on your behalf.
Another person cannot borrow items for you on their card.

Overdue items and replacement charges

Overdue and preoverdue notices are sent as a courtesy. Failure to receive a reminder notice or maintain a correct email address does not excuse you from the responsibility of returning items on or before the due date. New loans cannot be made until overdue items are returned, renewed, or replacement charges paid.

Until all "lost" status materials are returned or all outstanding charges paid, course results are withheld, and it is not possible to enrol, re-enrol or graduate.

If items are returned, all fees and charges will be waived, and all rights restored. We do not charge daily late fees.

Not a current Unimelb student or staff member?

You can borrow from the Rowdy by joining the Friends of the Rowden White Library. $80 a year plus 2 passport-sized photos are required - ask at the loans desk for details.

If you have any queries please call the library on (03) 8344 6967 or email the library.