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Borrowing

Borrowing

You need a borrower's pass to borrow documents. Are you a student? Then have your student card activated as a library card.

Interlibrary Loan

Documents not held by the University Library can be requested via interlibrary loan. Please note: there are costs associated with this! 

Good to know

  • How do I find a book or other item?

    First, look up the document in LibSearch

    LibSearch provides access to physical and digital library collections worldwide. Items that are in the possession of the VU University Library or are digitally accessible for students and staff can be recognised by the indication Held by VU Library. In this case, book materials can be reserved online.

    Some books, such as reference works, examination literature and recent acquisitions, can also be taken from open shelves and consulted or borrowed. The borrowing options are indicated per book.  

    Via LibSearch, you can also request documents that are not in the possession of the University Library.

  • When can I collect a reserved book?

    If you want to borrow a book you have to reserve it in advance in LibSearch. You will receive a pick-up message as soon as the book is available. 

    Delivery times

    CollectionReservation placed beforeAvailable by appointment from
    Old prints, archives and cartographic materialMonday to Friday 15:00Next working day
    MedicalMonday to Friday 11.00Next working day
    All other booksMonday to Friday 9.30Same day from 13.00

    Collection date and location

    You can collect or peruse finished books within a week at the University Library desk in the main building, location 1C-02. 

    Exceptions

    Reference works cannot be reserved online but you can consult them in the University Library.

  • How long can I borrow books?

    The standard loan period is 4 weeks and is automatically extended 5 times. After this period, we will send you a reminder to return the book. 

    You can borrow examination literature for one day. Exceeding this period will cost € 2.50 per day. 

    Reference works and journal issues cannot be borrowed; you can only consult them in the University Library.  

    Old prints and archives can be consulted in the Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Please contact the University Library to make an appointment.

  • Fines

    We don't like fines. That is why you can always return books with a loan period of 4 weeks free of charge, even if the expiry date has already passed.

    For the late return of examination books, reference books and other daylending materials, we charge € 2.50 per day.

    It may happen that you lose or damage a book. In that case, we charge replacement costs with a minimum of € 50 per book.

  • Return

    You must return borrowed books if they have been reserved by someone else or if the loan period has expired. The loan period is 4 weeks and is automatically renewed 5 times. You can find the expiry date and the number of renewals in your personal LibSearch account. 

    You can return your books at the University Library desk in the main building or leave them in a return box at one of the following locations: 

    - in the central hall on the ground floor of the main building 

    - in the hall in front of the University Library entrance 

    - on the 2nd floor in the Initium. 

    Would you like to return your books by post? Then send them to: 

    VU University Library 

    De Boelelaan 1105 

    1081 HV Amsterdam 

    Please note: you remain responsible for any loss or damage during shipment. 

Frequently asked questions

Maybe you were looking for this as well?

Would you like more information?

Stop by our service desks or contact us!

+31 6 2569 4822

University Library
VU Main Building, 1st floor
De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV Amsterdam

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