Welcome to Library & Information Services at Aston University
Birmingham Law Society members are welcome visitors to our library, and we hope that your visit here is useful, productive and a pleasant experience.
Aston Library and Information Services is pleased to fulfill the terms and conditions set out in the merger agreement between itself and the Birmingham Law Society, as well as provide access in line with our visitors' policy.
Click here to view the Library Guide.
The Law Society's Library Service is also available to all solicitors. Click here for contact details.
Barristers can also contact the libraries at their particular Inns of Court.
- Library collection
- Law collections
- When is the library open?
- How do I get into the library?
- Can I borrow books and, if so, how many?
- How long can I borrow books for?
- Borrowing and renewing books
- Notification of overdue and recalled books
- Returning books
- PIN
- Will I be charged a fine if my books are overdue?
- How can I find out what books and journals you have in the library?
- Can I access electronic journals and other electronic resources?
- Can I use my laptop?
- Photocopiers
- Study areas
- Group study
- Silent study
- Mobile phones
- Toilets
- Where can I get help?
- Feedback
Library collection
In the Library's collection there are approximately 250,000 books and printed journals which reflect the academic interests of Aston University. Most of these may be borrowed, but there are small reference collections on each of the subject floors.
Law collections
These are located on 3rd Floor.
Law Reports
Law Reference
Law Journals
Text Books
When is the library open?
Opening times vary according to the time of year with term time hours being slightly longer than vacation - see web site for details: http://www.aston.ac.uk/lis/openinghours/
When the Service Counter and Enquiries are closed, you can still use the Library but on a self service basis. Reception staff can offer some basic assistance with operating photocopiers.
(Note that at some times of the year the building is open 24 hours for students only).
How do I get into the library?
Each BLS member firm has been allocated one (or by special arrangement more than one) Library Card. This is in the name of a nominated member of the firm and will be distributed by BLS. Other staff from that firm may use the card but must carry with them a letter of authorisation from the nominated individual.
The card is used to operate the swipe card turnstiles and also to borrow books (see below).
If you forget your card, a temporary day pass is available, but you will need to bring proof of identity and address. This pass will allow access on a reference only basis.
Can I borrow books and, if so, how many?
Birmingham Law Society members have the same rights as other personal/individual members of Aston University library.
Membership allows you to borrow up to five long loan books and one 7 day loan. 1 day loans are not available. Please consult http://www.aston.ac.uk/lis/visitorinfo/ for details.
How long can I borrow books for?
7 day loan - 1 week
Long loan - 4 weeks
1 day loan - not available to visitors
Borrowing and renewing books
You can use one of our Self Service machines situated on the Ground floor or you can take your books to the Service Counter when it is open. Books can be renewed from catalogue machines in the building or remotely from http://library.aston.ac.uk/. You can renew books up to five times provided no one else has reserved them.
Notification of overdue and recalled books
You will receive notifications via the email address you supplied at registration. You will receive overdue notifications and will be alerted if a book has been recalled and you need to bring it back.
Returning books
You can return books via the Self Service machines by using the self return function. Books can also be returned to the Service Counter or placed in one of the Book Return boxes outside the building.
Remember you will need your card with you when you want to borrow anything from the library. Any books etc you take out of the Library must be issued to you.
PIN
When you register you will be asked to create a PIN. This is used to place reservations and renew books using the self renewal function on the Library catalogue. It also enables you to access the My Library Record area of the catalogue so that you can keep track of the books you have out on loan.
Will I be charged a fine if my books are overdue?
Fines are charged on all overdue books.
7 day loans and long loans - 50p per day (or part of a day)
recalled books - 50p per day (or part of a day)
The administrative charge for a lost item is £20, plus replacement cost of the item, plus any fines which are outstanding.
How can I find out what books and journals you have in the library?
You can check to see if the Library has copies of a particular book or journal by searching the Library catalogue. You can also check your own personal information, find out how many books you have out, renew and reserve books from the Library catalogue. This is available via the computers in the Library or via the internet at http://library.aston.ac.uk/
Can I access electronic journals and other electronic resources?
Library & Information Services allows access to some of its electronic resources on a 'walk in' basis, from computers available in the Short Loan area on the ground floor. You will need to register at Enquiries for this service. Please note that due to license restrictions, this does not include access to the library's legal databases such as WestLaw, Lexis Nexis Butterworths or Lawtel.
Can I use my laptop?
Yes. To gain access to the Aston University wireless network you will need to obtain a temporary username and password from Enquiries. This is only available when the Enquiries desk is open.
Photocopiers
Copies can be made at any time using our self-service photocopiers. You will need to purchase a photocopy card from Enquiries whilst the desk is open. You can either pay for your credit using the self service machines on each floor (these only take change and not £2.00 coins) or you can have credit added to your card at Enquiries, but only whilst the desk is open. The cost of black and white copies is 3p for A4 and 6p for A3 and A4 double-sided. We have a colour photocopier on 1st floor which costs 40p for A4 and 70p for A3.
Study areas
Like all other libraries, Aston University Library is a place where people come to study.
Group study
The ground and 1st floors of the library have been designated as group study areas. The 2nd floor is available for group study for most of the year, but during exam periods and throughout the Summer term, this floor is restricted to silent study only.
Silent study
The 3rd floor of the Library is for silent study only. Please remember that smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted in the library. Caffe Libro, on the ground floor, has a range of light snacks and drinks. Study areas are available for group and silent work - please respect other people studying in the library.
Mobile phones
Phones can cause disturbance to other people studying in the library. Please only use them in the cafe and vending area on ground floor or on the stairwells.
All Birmingham Law Society members using the library will be subject to Aston University's usual terms and conditions for use of its library: http://www.aston.ac.uk/lis/aboutlibrary/02libregs
Toilets
Toilets are located at the back of each floor, except for the Ground floor. There is a wheelchair accessible toilet on the 1st floor operated by RADAR key. Please ask at Reception for assistance.
Where can I get help?
Our Enquiries desk staff are happy to help you with any query you might have. During term time we can get very busy, so you may prefer to time your visit early in the day or later in the afternoon.
Feedback
We are very happy to receive your comments and suggestions regarding any aspect of the Library service and will respond promptly to any contributions.
http://www.aston.ac.uk/lis/comments
To contact Library & Information Services:
Telephone 0121 204 4525
Fax 0121 204 4530
Email library@aston.ac.uk
Website http://www.aston.ac.uk/lis/
Catalogue http://library.aston.ac.uk/
Address
Library & Information Services
Aston University
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET
