Borrowing

The library provides a wide range of physical resources to support your study, research and wellbeing. Students and staff can borrow items from any Charles Sturt campus library or request delivery if studying online or off campus.

The collection includes:

Use Primo Search to find, request and manage library items. For step-by-step help, visit the Primo Search Library Guide. If the item isn’t available in our collection, you can request an interlibrary loan for free.

Borrow wherever you are

How to use the library

Whether you’re studying on campus or online, you can request physical library items using Primo Search.

Online students

  1. Find the item in Primo
  2. Click Request, and select Home Address as Pickup Location

On-campus students

  1. Find the item in Primo Search
  2. Click Request and choose your campus as Pickup Location. You’ll receive an email when the item is ready.
  3. Collect your item from the hold shelf near the library entrance (held for 7 days)
  4. Use the self-check machine to borrow it or ask at the library desk for help.

Under Australian copyright law, the library can provide you with a scanned copy of one chapter or up to 10% of a book.

If the book is available as an ebook in our collection, we cannot scan the physical copy, but you can access the full text digitally anytime.

To request a digitisation:

  1. Find the item in Primo
  2. Click Submit Digitisation Request
  3. Complete the form and accept copyright terms

Not sure which chapter you need? Many Primo Search records include a list of the book's contents, but if you can't find what you need, submit a request for the contents page.

How long can I keep loans?

Loan periods vary depending on what you're borrowing. Most items can be renewed as long as no one else has requested them. Availability varies between campuses.

Item Loan periodRenewals
Books, kits and AV items. Standard collection items used for study and coursework. 12 weeks Unlimited
Reserve items. High-demand items for short-term use, usually textbooks or readings. Available on campus only. 2-hour or borrow after 5pm and 1-day loans No
Laptops. Available for short-term study use. Laptops are not transferred between campuses.* 7 days Yes
Noise-cancelling headphones. Helpful for quiet focus or managing sensory needs.* 3 days Unlimited
Silent disco kits. Includes headphones and transmitter. Great for group study, events or immersive learning.* 1 week Unlimited
PS5 games. Part of our wellbeing collection. Use with the PlayStation 5 consoles on campus. Borrow games at the desk.* 3 days Unlimited
Anatomical models. Most physical models can be borrowed (on campus*); online versions are available in databases like Visible BodyAnatomy.TV (Primal Pictures) and An@tomedia. 1 day (models in Orange are 2 hour loans) Unlimited
Projector kit. Includes projector, screen and accessories. Ideal for presentations or student-led events.* 1 week Unlimited

* Borrow from the Ask Us desk

  

If another student requests something you’ve borrowed your loan period may be shortened. This is called a recall. Don’t worry, we’ll email you with the new due date. Recalls help everyone to access high-demand resources. To avoid a block, keep an eye on your email and check your library record regularly.

Renew your items

Most items can be renewed if they haven’t been requested by someone else.

To renew your items:

  1. Go to Primo Search
  2. Click Log in at the top right of the screen. Enter your Charles Sturt username and password (if prompted).
  3. Click My Library Record under your name
  4. Follow the prompts to renew

If an item can’t be renewed, it might be:

  • requested by another student (recalled)
  • more than 28 days overdue
  • a reserve or short-loan item
  • a laptop or device loan that has reached its renewal limit.

If you need help, contact the library.

Stay on top of your loans

Learn more about your borrowing responsibilities, including return dates and what happens if items are lost or damaged, so you can keep your account active and hassle-free.