All public libraries in Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol,
Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset & South Gloucestershire now
use the same computer system and shared catalogue. When you
join one library in any of these authorities, it means you can use
the facilities in all LibrariesWest libraries.
Find out what this means to you as a library member by using the
Frequently asked questions below:
What does single membership mean to
me?
It means you can borrow, return or renew items at any consortium
library, place reservations for collection at any library, and use
a People’s Network computer and the internet at any
library.
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Will my existing card still work?
Yes if you are already a library member, your existing card will
work at any library in the LibrariesWest consortium for borrowing,
reserving and returning items & logging on to People’s Network
Computers.
Please note that individual authorities do subscribe to
different on-line reference databases, so you may need a card from
another authority to access some specific services. Find out what
you can use as a
Bath & North East Somerset library member.
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How many items can I have out on loan at
any one time?
You can borrow up to a maximum of 20 items at any one time of
any combination – with a limit of 8 DVDs and 2 Computer
Games.
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How do I use computers & the
internet in another authority?
Use your membership card to book and log on in the usual way.
Please note the terms and conditions of the authority you are in at
the time will apply. Follow this link for Bath
& North East Somerset Terms & Conditions.
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Can I book a People’s Network computer in
another authority?
Yes but only if you are using a library in that authority at the
time e.g. if a Bath & North East Somerset member is in a
Bristol library they can book a computer in any Bristol
library. If you are in, for example, a Bristol library and
want to book a computer in a Somerset library you will not be able
to do this at the moment.
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Which authority’s fees and charges will
apply, and when?
Hire charges – are applied by the authority you
borrow the item from e.g. if you, as a Bath & North East
Somerset library member, borrow a DVD in Bristol, you will pay the
Bristol hire charge.
Overdue charges – are applied by the authority
the item was issued from e.g. an item borrowed from South Glos and
returned late to a library in Bath & North East Somerset will
be charged at the South Glos rate.
Reservation charges (placed on the web) - will
relate to the library chosen as your pickup location. Please note
if you change the pickup location later, the charge will not be
changed.
Reservation charges (placed by staff) - will be
charged according to the library you are in at the
time.
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When I reserve an item, can I choose to
pick it up from any library?
Yes, when you reserve an item on the Libraries West
website, you can choose any public library in the consortium as
your pick up point. Staff will also be able to arrange this
for you, from any library you are in at the time.
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How will any concessions be applied?
If you qualify for a concessionary rate – this will be at the
rate of the authority you joined e.g. if you are registered
in Bath & North East Somerset and use a library here you will
be entitled to the Bath & North East Somerset rates, but those
rates won’t apply if you use your card in another authority.
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Will charges and loan periods be
standardised across authorities?
No. Although we may eventually work towards this, each authority
will retain its own loan periods, hire charges and overdue charges
for the time being. Please visit the Hire
& charges section for details that apply in Bath &
North East Somerset. For details of other libraries visit the
LibrariesWest website for links to other
authorities.
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The personal details provided by you will be held on a database
and any access to or disclosure of details is subject to the
provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. The information will be
accessible by the members of the LibrariesWest consortium
consisting of:
- Bath and North East Somerset
- Bristol
- North Somerset
- Somerset
- South Gloucestershire
for the purposes of administering library membership and to
enable you to use libraries across the consortium area. If you wish
to view or change your details at any time, please contact a member
of library staff.
