Services
Request a book loan or an article
Use the Library search engine to find books, articles and more.
Books on loan
If you find a book that is only available in print, you can ask to borrow it. Here's how. The service is available in Spain and Andorra.
How it works?
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Make a request
Find the book you're looking for with the Library search engine, log in if you haven't already done so, and click on Borrow.
Choose the delivery method:
- Jaume Fuster Library in Barcelona
- Other options (you will only see this if you have added your address in your account). The courier company will contact you to arrange delivery.
- UOC 22@ (UOC staff only)
View or cancel your loans from My Account, in the search engine itself.
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Pick it up
We'll email your UOC account to let you know when you can pick up the book.
Always bring your UOC card and your identity document.
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Return or renew
You can renew loans before the loan expiry date, provided the books have not been reserved by someone else, in the search engine's My Account section.
Returning books:
- Jaume Fuster Library in Barcelona.
- Returns box at the entrance of the O Building on the UOC Campus.
- If you have chosen Other options as the delivery method for your loan, we'll email you instructions to your UOC account.
Expand your search
If you can't find what you're looking for in the UOC Library, click on Extend your search to other libraries (at the top of the search engine) to check whether it's available at other libraries in Spain or internationally; the extended search also includes the Catalan University Union Catalogue.
If you still can't find it...
Click on Still no success? We'll find it for you (at the top of the search tool) and a form to request this will appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to bear in mind when picking up a book?
We'll send you an email to your UOC address.
You'll need to show your university card and photo ID to pick up the books.
If you want to pick a library book from another Catalan university, you'll have to show your UOC card. Check the opening hours for each of the places.
Before going the first time, you'll need to sign in to My account with your Virtual Campus username and password to automatically update your details as a user of the loan service.
When can I request a book on loan?
When you request a loan, we'll first look to find the book in digital format. If we find it, we'll add it to our collection so that other people can read it and we'll provide you with the link.
As a digital library, we make every effort to add to our digital collection because more people can access the works instantly, from anywhere and at any time.
I can't come in person to pick up a book I want to borrow. Can I authorize someone to pick it up for me?
If you cannot collect the document in person at the chosen UOC centre, you must authorize a person in writing to collect the book. However, you will still be the person ultimately responsible for the document.
How can I collect and return books on UOC loan to the Jaume Fuster Library?
To pick up a book at the Jaume Fuster Library, simply select it from the drop-down menu when requesting the loan.
We will send an email to your UOC address to notify you when the book arrives. You can pick it up from the desk at the Jaume Fuster Library. You will need identify yourself with your UOC card or your identity card.
Check the opening hours for the Jaume Fuster Library. If you cannot get to the libary, you can authorize someone else to pick it up for you.
You can use the mailbox at the Jaume Fuster Library to return the book,. If you cannot return it yourself, you can get someone else to return it for you.What happens if I don't return a book, lose it or return it in poor condition?
Notify the Library team immediately if a book is lost or damaged.
You will have to replace it, with a copy of the same edition, or a similar edition if it is out of print, and you will have to send it by courier or certified mail to the UOC Library team address.
You will not be able to access our lending services and digital articles until you have done so.
Can I go to another university library in Catalonia to collect a book in person?
You can pick up the book in person at the university library which owns it.
You will always have to prove your identity with your UOC card.
Before going, and only the first time, you'll need to sign in to My account with your Virtual Campus username and password to automatically update your details as a user of the loan service.
Can I return books on loan in person to another university library in Catalonia?
When returning borrowed books, you can go to another university and hand them in at the library's lending desk or place them in their external returns box.
Can you send me a book on loan to an address outside of Spain?
Sending a book on loan to a home address through the UOC is restricted to Spain and Andorra.
Can I request psychological tests on loan?
Only if you're a student or teacher from the faculties of Psychology or Health Sciences (check the terms and conditions).