Macmillan Brown Library
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the Macmillan Brown library?
All University of Canterbury staff and students are automatically registered to use the Macmillan Brown Library, and can access the published collections using their Canterbury Cards. Staff and students need to register to use archives and manuscripts but only need their Canterbury cards to do so.
Members of the public and visitors can also use the Macmillan Brown Library. To use items from the published collection you will need to register as an external user at the Macmillan Brown service desk. To use the archives and manuscripts you will need to register as an archives user. Photo identification or two forms of non-photo identification is required in both instances.
Where are the books kept?
Most of the Māori material, both lending and reference, and some contemporary Pacific and New Zealand history material is kept on open access shelves in the Aotearoa Room which is on your left as you enter the library.
The majority of the collection is stored downstairs on closed access shelves for economy of storage and for preservation reasons.
How do I know which books I can find myself and which ones I need to ask for?
The library catalogue will indicate which items you need to "Ask at Service Desk" for and which you can access yourself. You can help yourself to all the material in the Aotearoa Room, Waitangi and Ngāi Tahu collections.
How do I request "Ask at Service desk, library use only" books?
If you have a Canterbury Card, you can request an item online from the Library Catalogue by clicking on "Request this copy" link. Alternatively, you can phone, email us, or fill out a Request card at our Service Desk.
How long does it take for items to be retrieved once I have requested them?
Your books should be ready for pick up in 5 -10 minutes, depending on how busy the library is. If you have used your Canterbury Card to request an item online, you will also be notified in My Library Account when the item has been collected and is available for you to view.
How long can I use the "Library use only" books?
They are issued for a two hour loan period but you can renew them if no one else is waiting.
Why can't I get all Library items myself and why can't some be borrowed?
Some books are too valuable or fragile to be on open access shelves. By not allowing direct access to the shelves we can minimise misplacement and loss, and ensure that we will always have a copy of that book for your use and for the use of other researchers. The advantage for you is that books are less likely to be damaged and are always available in the library.
Can I take any books out of the Macmillan Brown Library?
Yes! Items that can be taken out of the library are those in the Aotearoa, Waitangi, and Ngāi Tahu lending collections. They are identified both on the library catalogue and by a red, white and black Māori motif sticker on the actual book. You can also borrow videos, DVDS and CDs for the standard loan period.
How can I search for books?
The Macmillan Brown Library is part of the wider University Library and all our books are searchable on the Library Catalgoue.
Can I return books from the other Campus libraries?
Yes, except for three hour loan books which must be returned to the relevante High Demand collection. Our lending items can also be returned to other campus libraries.
Can I eat and drink in the Macmillan Brown library?
You can have water in a sipper bottler but you may not eat or drink anything else in the Macmillan Brown Library. There is an area in the foyer of the library where you can sit and have refreshments.
What computer/IT services does the Macmillan Brown library have?
- one public computer
- 14 student computers
- a printer/photocopier/scanner
- power points for laptop use
- a re-load station for adding money to your Canterbury card.
If you have other requirements such as colour photocopying or scanning please talk to the library staff who will discuss with you what arrangements can be made.
Am I allowed to photocopy Macmillan Brown Library published items?
You can photocopy anything that is on the open shelves in the Aotearoa Room. Some items that come up from the stack collection are not suitable for photocopying because they may be too fragile, old, or valuable to expose to the light, heat and pressure damage caused by photocopying.
Library staff will tell you whether an item has restricted copying status when they issue it to you.
What is the glassed-in area in the Reading Room for?
This is the secure reading area where you must sit if you are using archives, looking at architectural drawings, art works or any of the other special collections held by the library. Library staff will tell you when they issue you items if you must use it in the secure reading area. You may not take your bags into this area and there are lockers by the service desk where you can safely store your personal belongings.
How do I request archives?
To use the archives and manuscripts you will need to register as an archives user. Photo identification or two forms of non-photo identification is required. There is a rack of archives request forms against the north wall of the Reading Room. Fill out an Archives Request Form for the material you wish to view and hand it in at the service desk or alternatively give it directly to the archivist.
How long does it take for archive requests?
There is generally a 24 hour turn around for archive requests.
Remember - Library Staff are here to Help you. If you have any further questions or if you would like assistance with your research, please ask at our service desk.