if libary books returned early, can student receive points credits?

Thank-you for your query about credits for early return items. The current penalty points system is designed to penalise students who do not return library materials on time. Not returning items when they are due often inconveniences other students who may have placed a hold on the item or who may have been looking for material in that subject area. While it would be terrific to have a system that rewarded early return items, allowing the build up of points could work to disadvantage other library users. For example, if a student was able to build up credit points and then chose to use those to keep an item over an exam period or when there was heavy demand, this would have the potential to create problems for other students. At all times the library encourages students and other users to return material on time or to arrange for an extension of the loan period if needed.

The Geelong Regional Library Service has recently introduced use of the service "Library Elf". This free service automatically sends patrons who sign up for the service an email or SMS advising them that their loans are due shortly. Patrons can choose how many days before an item is due that they want to be notified. I find it helps prevent me from having overdue items I have simply overlooked returning. I'm not sure if it is compatible with the Uni library system, but it might be worth looking into. Less overdue books causing hassles for borrowers and the libraries.

Many thanks for your suggestion. The Library is currently working on a project to assess the viability of using SMS as a way of alerting borrowers to return items, to overdue items, the availability of requested items and more. I will pass on your information about "Library Elf" to the staff member working on this project. I agree that we want to reduce the possibility of overdues and this is one way of doing that. If we introduce an SMS service we will advise all staff and students of the University via email and announcements on the library website.

The staff at the UB libraries provide a fantastic service, so thank you. One thing that I think might be of assistance to students, and hope you might consider next time you are working on the website, is access to past loans. Occassionally, you locate a fantastic resource but don't realise it until much later. It would be great to be able to look back over our loan history so that we can track down previously discovered resources. Thanks all!

Many thanks for your positive comments and suggestion. I have passed this on to staff who have responsibility for the information that students can access on our library system. I am not sure if we will be able to provide past loans information but we will certainly look into it.

I just wanted to thank the lovely ladies at reception for informing myself and a friend about the BONUS+ system that has been introduced. Such a FANTASTIC tool to have at UB. I have already borrowed many books using this system and i look forward to keep borrowing in the future using BONUS+. Thanks again! :)

Thank you for your feedback. BONUS+ has been a tremendous success with lot's of positive feedback from staff and students who have used the service. Since BONUS+ was introduced in October 2007, there have been 759 items sent from other libraries for loan to staff and students at UB. These have been received, in most cases, within three days of the request being forwarded. We are very excited that Queensland University of Technology will be joining the scheme later in 2008 adding to the current list of partners (Ballarat, Victoria University, Deakin University, University of Melbourne, University of Newcastle and University of Technology, Sydney) and increasing the range of collections and materials available for loan across the group.

hi i have asked from library of mt helen main campus books to be sent at IIBIT Sydney campus as a student of partner institute last week on tuesday but till today i have not recived my books can you please tell me how many days it take to come at sydney because i am waiting since monday for that books.

The time that items will take to get to you after they appear on your account is largley dependant on Australia post - it is probably reasonable to expect IIBIT to recieve the item within 3-5 days. If you don't recieve items within this time please contact us with the details of the item in question so that we can follow things up.

There seems to be a problem with the security certificate, my computer recommended that I did not proceed to renew my books at home...please advise what I shuld do in the future, I had to do it this time but I am noot keen to risk my computer or my personal information to the world of hackers and viruses.

Thank you for your query. Our entry to the BONUS+ lending scheme in mid 2007 was dependent on us installing an SSL* certificate to protect patron data during the verification process for placing holds on items via a catalogue on an external server, i.e. at Uni of Newcastle. * Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a cryptographic protocol that provides secure communications on the Internet for such things as web browsing, e-mail, Internet faxing, instant messaging and other data transfers. The result of installing this certificate on our own WebOPAC means that patrons placing a hold on an item are presented with a security warning. The message appears wherever a patron is using the WebOPAC to request an item - both on and off campus, in and out of the Library. This is the message that you have seen. ICT staff are aware of the problem and it will be rectified as soon as possible. In the interim our ICT security staff advise us that there is no danger to your computer or personal information; in spite of the off-putting message it is quite safe to proceed with renewing your books or placing a hold on items.

Cannot access library services from home computer. Can access home page, gateway, blackboard from home but not the library, My student no. is ******, password -******. I would like to keep this password for all uni services.

When trying to access the library resources from home, you will need to authenicate by logging into MyUBGateway link on the University of Ballarat homepage. Once you have done this you should be able to access the library resources. If you have any further problems, you can contact the IT Helpdesk at: servicedesk@ballarat.edu.au.

great facilities all round ,,,, except ararat , could we please have a library at ararat ?

Thank-you for your suggestion. The Library has undertaken assessment of the need for a library at the Ararat campus several times. In each instance it has been determined that the cost of establishing and maintaining a library is not feasible. This decision has been based on the number of staff and students studying at this campus and the limited range of courses and programs that are taught. Instead the Library encourages staff and students to access to books and journals online and to use the library catalogue as a means of identifying and requesting items for loan. Assistance from library staff is always available via our Ask a Librarian email service or by contacting one of the campus libraries directly. There are two PCs available for student use at Ararat with priority use given to students who are wanting to access and use library materials online, request help or use for other study related purposes. We are in the process of ensuring appropriate signage and information is placed at these PCs. As indicated, library staff are happy to assist Ararat based students with advice about requesting and obtaining material. I would encourage you to contact staff at either the SMB or Horsham libraries for advice and assistance.