Can I borrow books?
All Fellows, Members and Associate Members of the College are entitled to the use of the Library for loan and reference. Members may borrow up to four volumes and students two items at a time, for a period of four weeks. Loans may be renewed four times, by telephone or email, subject to the book not having been reserved by another member. Fines are charged on overdue books.
The Library also maintains a collection of CD-ROMS, slides, videos and tapes on subjects related to optometry. This material may also be borrowed by post.
Members who are unable to visit the library in person may request books to be sent by post. The College pays outward postage costs and the borrower the return postage. You are asked to pack books securely when returning them to the library. Members and trainees are responsible for loss or damage when returning books borrowed. Please obtain a Certificate of Posting. Post Office insurance is recommended for expensive volumes.
A Premium Postal Loan Service is also available at a cost of £10 per title, ensuring ‘Next Day Delivery’.
What happens if the book I'm looking for is not available in the library?
New books added to the Library are listed on our Recent Additions webpage. Books not held in stock can be borrowed from the British Library for £9.00.
Books not immediately available may be reserved or requested. Suggestions for additions to stock are welcome. Please speak to the Librarian.
How much will it cost me if I forget to return a book on time?
Fines for overdue books are charged at the rate of £1 per book, per week. Borrowers who do not return a book after two reminders will be charged for the cost of a replacement copy and administrative costs.
How do I obtain a journal article?
Subject to the restrictions imposed by copyright legislation (please contact the Librarian if you are uncertain about these) members may request photocopies of journal articles from the College Library.
A charge of £3.00 per article is made for copies made from print journals held in the Library. If copies have to be obtained from elsewhere the charge is passed on to the member, the British Library currently make a charge of £5.85 per article. You must complete the copyright declaration form, found below. This may be posted, faxed or e-mailed to the Librarian.
Self-service photocopying facilities are provided in the College library for the use of visitors.
Are any of the journals available online?
Yes, 24 of the 39 current periodicals are available electronically. 16 of these are available by logging in with an Athens username and password.
Athens is a service that allows you to use a single user name and password to access a range of electronic resources from any computer. You can also access British Standards Online with Athens. More resources are being added every year, so now is the time to get your Athens account set up.
Members who would like an Athens username and password should contact the Librarian.
Is anyone able to help with my enquiry?
Requests for information regarding optometric literature and general reference enquiries are accepted by telephone, letter, or e-mail. Reading lists and lists of references can be supplied on request. Please contact the College Librarian, Carrie Sherlock on 020 7766 4352 or e-mail library@college-optometrists.org
For historical enquiries not directly related to the library collections please contact our Museum Curator, Neil Handley on 020 7766 4353 or e-mail museum@college-optometrists.org
How do I access the British Standards relating to Optometry?
The College maintains a subscription to British Standards Online, which enables Members to have access to the full text of most of the Standards relating to optometry. This subscription allows Members to read on-line, download onto their hard-drive or make a legal copy of any standards, which fall within the subscription parameters. For information about how to gain access to this service please contact the Librarian, Carrie Sherlock on 0207 766 4352
To access British Standards Online with your Athens password, go to https://www.bsi-global.com/en/My-BSI/My-Subscriptions/BSOL/. Select 'Athens log in' and then click on the BSOL logo on the next page.
Quick Links: - Catalogue - Journals - Recent Additions - Athens Login