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Library

Access to other libraries

If you are not able to find particular items within the VU Library, you can try to obtain these items from other libraries. BONUS+, CAVAL and ArticleReach are available to all students and staff.

The Document Request service is another way that staff and postgraduate students can obtain material not available at the VU library.

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BONUS+

Logo of Bonus Plus library service

Logo of BONUS+ library service

BONUS+ is a free, resource-sharing project that allows all students and staff to request (hold) selected library materials from member institutions within Australia and New Zealand.

Requesting an item through BONUS+

  1. Search for your item through Library search and check the status of the item (due date).
  2. Check if there are multiple copies across VU campus libraries – look for ‘Show More’.
  3. If no copies are available at any VU campus libraries, look for View Catalogue/Place Hold and the BONUS+ link.
  4. Click on BONUS+ to access the BONUS+ service, select your item, then click REQUEST THIS ITEM. You will not be permitted to request an item if it is available at VU Library.
  5. When the question 'With which library are you registered?' appears, select Victoria University from the drop-down box, and submit.
  6. Enter your name, ID number and Library PIN, select pickup location (any VU campus library), and submit.
  7. The BONUS+ service will indicate if your request was successful, from which university your item has been requested, and where your item will be delivered.

Delivery and return

  • Pick up the item from the service desk of the selected VU campus library. Delivery time (approximately 4 to 7 working days) varies, depending on the location of the lending library.
  • Return the item to any VU campus library – to the service desk or via the return chute.

Cancellation and renewal

  • Log in to My Library to cancel a BONUS+ request if it is either a hold or still showing a REQUESTED status and the item has not yet been posted to your selected VU campus library.
  • Log in to My Library to renew a BONUS+ item. You can renew BONUS+ material once, as long as no-one else has requested it.
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ArticleReach

ArticleReach is a service that enables VU students and staff to locate and access journal articles that are not held in the VU Library collection.

  • If you search for a journal article in Library search and cannot find a Full Text Online version, follow the links (such as 'Citation Online') to reach the Electronic Resources screen; from here you can request the article through ArticleReach.
  • Give as much detail of the item as possible - the more detail you supply, the easier it is to fulfil your request.
  • Requested articles are sent to your email as a PDF document (times will vary depending on the library supplying the item). Alternately, you may receive an email stating that your request cannot be filled because the item is unavailable, or because you didn't provide enough detail in your request.
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CAVAL reciprocal borrowing

CAVAL is a reciprocal borrowing program that allows you to borrow items from other Victorian libraries.

To obtain a CAVAL card, present your current student or staff ID to your nearest campus library Loans Desk.

As a CAVAL borrower it is your responsibility to make yourself familiar with the conditions of loan, rules and regulations at each of the libraries from which you borrow. 

Please note that overdue fees at other libraries may incur an additional fine of $20 payable to Victoria University.

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TAFE National Reciprocal Borrowing Scheme

The TAFE Libraries National Reciprocal Borrowing Scheme allows students and staff of participating TAFE libraries to register and borrow materials in person from any other participating host TAFE library in any other state. The scheme assists students and staff who may be enrolled with or employed by a TAFE institution in one state but who find it more convenient to access TAFE library services in another state. The reciprocal borrowing arrangements between TAFE libraries within a state are not covered by this scheme.

Information on the scheme and participating TAFE libraries by State is available at the Australian Library and Information Association website.

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University Libraries of Australia and New Zealand (ULANZ) borrowing scheme

ULANZ allows current students and staff of Australian and New Zealand universities to borrow in person from any other participating university library.

The scheme is a cooperative arrangement between the Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) and Council of New Zealand University Librarians (CONZUL).

Registration is done directly at the host institution, who provide you with a borrowing card. You will need to provide photo ID as well as proof of current enrolment/employment from your home university. To borrow you need to present both your home institution ID card and the ULANZ card issued to you by the host institution.  If your registration needs to be verified it may take up to two working days to process.

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Search other libraries

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