High demand items and borrowing inequity for DE students

Thank you to everyone that has provided feedback about the changes to borrowing periods for in-demand Library items. The reduced loan period and recall functions were introduced this year in response to student concerns over the long waiting periods being experienced. These arrangements are not unique to CSU Library, and most other Australian academic libraries use similar methods to ensure as many students as possible have access to resources for their study.

However, your responses have highlighted to us that there is an inequity for students studying by distance education therefore, the Library will increase minimum loan periods for DE students from 14 days to 21 days. This extra 7 days loan is to cover postage time from CSU to you, and the system will input a maximum of 7 days from the date due to allow for return postage from you to CSU. These loan periods for DE students should overcome delays experienced through the postal system and provide comparable loan conditions to internal students.

If you have received a fine for the late return of a recalled or reduced loan term item, and believe that you have made a reasonable attempt to return the item by the due date, please contact us. Individual cases cannot be addressed on the Library forum, so please use: libloans@csu.edu.au .