Automatic blocks help page

There is now a system of automatic universal blocks across all university libraries. This means that if you accrue too many fines or don’t bring your books back on time you will be blocked from borrowing at every Cambridge library, so please keep an eye on your account to make sure this doesn’t happen. The universal blocks take effect when one or more of the following criteria are reached:

      You have £100 of fines or fees on your account;

     You have 200 books out on loan across the whole library system;

     You have placed 100 requests for items;

     You have 50 overdue books across the whole library system;

     You have 2 overdue books that have been recalled by another library user.

If any of these blocks are automatically placed on your account you will not be able to use self-service machines to borrow books. However, in most circumstances, as long as you have under 10 books out from Queens’ Library you can still come to the desk and borrow from library staff manually. Therefore,  if you have a block on your account and need to borrow something, please come to the issue desk during staffed hours. Almost the only circumstance where we would not let you borrow is if you have overdue books from our library that have been recalled by another user.

To solve a block from over £100 of fines or fees, you will need to reduce that amount by paying it. Outside of staffed hours, you can now pay fines online through your iDiscover account if you wish to do so. However, be aware that you do have to pay the whole amount if you do it this way, so it is best to keep an eye on the fines you are accruing, which you can do by logging into your iDiscover account. If you wish to part-pay or pay individual fines you will need to go in person to the library/ies.

If you have 200 books out, return some of them so you can borrow again.

If you have placed 100 requests, cancel some by going to the 'My Requests' part of your iDiscover account.

If you have 50 overdue books, please return or renew them so you can borrow again.

If you have 2 overdue recalled books, please return them to the library in question as soon as possible.