Please see our Additional Library Services page for information on book fetching and alternative formats, but please contact Library staff if you need any adjustments to enable you to use the Library and its resources.
You can find books and online resources using iDiscover (https://idiscover.lib.cam.ac.uk), the University's online catalogue. You can search iDiscover for books in Christ's Library, the University Library, and most Faculty and Department Libraries. For information and videos on how to use iDiscover, please see the University Library's LibGuide.
To find a book you will need to search iDiscover by putting in the search box key words such as title, author or ISBN (International Standard Book Number). Don't forget to filter your results if you end up with a large number of items.
Once you have found and clicked on the book you are looking for, you will see a list of libraries in which copies are located. Select "Christ's College Library" and write down the Classmark and Book Location, such as "Floor 2. PQ 1993.5.F82 1990". You will need these to find a book in the Library. ‘Floor 2’ tells you which floor it is on and ‘PQ 1993.5.F82 1990’ tells you where it is on that floor.
We have a Poster on Classmarks and Book Locations to help you understand more about how the Library is organised.
Use the self-issue machines on Floor 1 to put the book on your account. You will need to scan your CamCard and then the book.
To return, either put the book in the ‘Book Returns Box’ outside the Library Corridor, or return the book on the self-issue machine on Floor 1.
Books can be renewed remotely 4 times via iDiscover. Please ask Library staff if you have any problems renewing or returning your books, and we will be happy to help.
What to do if you find that an item that you want to borrow is currently on loan:
Check first to see if the library has other copies.
If not, login to iDiscover and click on the blue 'Request' option on the screen to recall the book from whoever currently has it.
The current borrower will be notified of the amended date by which the item must be returned (usually 3-5 days).
Once the book has been returned you will be notified by email, and you can collect the book from the Reservation Shelf near the Reading Room entrance.
You can then borrow the book using the self-issue machines, or bring it to the library office where library staff can issue it for you.
Please contact the library team if you have any questions.
If you receive an email telling you that your book has been recalled, please return it to the Library by the specified date. If you are unable to do this, please contact Library Staff so that we can help.