FAQs
The library is housed in the Jacobean mansion which forms part of the NPIA site at Bramshill in Hampshire. Police officers and police staff currently employed by UK forces are welcome to come and use the library in person. We would just ask that you let us know you are coming so that security staff can be infomed. Q: I'm not a police officer - can I use the library? Researchers from outside the police are welcome to contact the library to apply to visit (there is a sliding scale of charges) or items may be requested via inter-library loan. There are a range of options available: Day visits If applying to visit the library is not an option for non-police personnel it is possible to request a search by library staff. This will include searching the comprehensive library catalogue and other databases available within the library. Books can then be requested via inter-library loan or articles can be delivered via our document delivery service (see price list). Staff are available to assist users and to issue books during the following times -
General
Borrowing
Facilities in the library
Searching the catalogue
Services
General
Annual membership
Corporate membership
Price list
Week Day
Opening Times
Monday - Thursday
08:30 - 17:00
Friday
08:30 - 16:00
The library can be used by students, NPIA staff and visiting police personnel during the evenings - computing and photocopying facilities are available. Arrangements can be made to access the library at weekends.
Q: Do I have to come into the library to use it?
We offer a full information, enquiry and document delivery service to police personnel throughout the UK even if they are unable to visit the library in person.
If applying to visit the library is not an option for non-police personnel it is possible to request a search by library staff. This will include searching the comprehensive library catalogue and other databases available within the library. Books can then be requested via inter-library loan or articles can be delivered via our document delivery service (see price list).
Q: I need some information on..can you help?
We can help with your enquiries on a wide range of police and police-related areas using our own collection and a number of other databases and online sources.
Staff will respond to requests for specific information, as well as carrying out literature searches and preparing bibliographies.
Borrowing
Q: How do I borrow books from the library?
If you are a serving police officer or member of police staff working for a UK force you are automatically entitled to borrow material from the National Police Library. First you must complete a Borrower Registration Form so we can enter your details on our system. It is essential that you keep us informed of any changes to the information you supply to ensure any material we send you does not go astray!!
Annual membership also entitles you to lending rights.
We will also lend material on inter-library loan via a university or public library if you are not entitled to borrow material directly from us.
The collection is made up of books, reports, theses, DVDs, CD-ROMs and videos which are available for loan. We do not lend journals but will supply copies of articles for you to keep providing your requests comply with copyright legislation.
Q: How many books can I borrow?
You can borrow up to 10 items at any one time. The limit for NPIA staff is 25.
Q: How long can I borrow books for?
The basic loan period for books is 4 weeks and 2 weeks for videos (PSNI officers get slightly longer). In some circumstances (heavy demand, special loans) books may be issued for a shorter period. Material may be renewed for further periods provided there is no waiting list.
Q: How do I know when my books are due back?
There will always be a date label inside the item with the date due back stamped on it.
If you renew your books you can write the new due back date on the label yourself.
You can request a renewal of your material by phone, email or fax - please quote the barcode number of the item(s) to be renewed and your Borrower Number. Renewal will not be possible if there is a waiting list. You will be notified if we need an item back from you for somebody else.
Q: How do I return my books?
Books may be returned through the post but should be sent by RECORDED DELIVERY and securely wrapped in a PADDED BAG. Ordinary envelopes do not provide adequate protection for heavy material. Please DO NOT use force internal mail systems.
If books are returned in person they may be handed to a member of the library staff or placed in the 'Returned Books' box in the Old Library.
Q: What happens if I return my books late?
We do not charge fines but you will be sent a series of overdue notices initially asking if you wish to renew, then requesting the return of the item within 7 days. If you do not respond, we will invoice you for the cost of replacement. This invoice will include a handling charge and your borrowing rights will be suspended until the matter is resolved.
Persistent offenders may lose their borrowing rights permanently!!
Q: What happens if I lose or damage a book?
In the event that you lose a book or it becomes damaged let us know immediately and we will invoice you for the cost of replacement.
Q: How do I reserve a book that is already out on loan?
We will always offer you the option to reserve an item you have requested which is already out on loan. You are also given the opportunity to tell us you would like to do this when you make requests online. It is always helpful if you can provide a cut-off date after which you don't require something and also to let us know if you no longer wish an item to be reserved.
Your Borrower Identification Number (BID) appears on the Borrower Card you are issued with at the time of registration and details of your Personal Identification Number (PIN) are also supplied at this time. These numbers are essential if you wish to request material online. If you are unsure of these numbers just contact the library.
Q: I have lost my borrower card - what should I do?
Just let us know and we will issue you with a new one.
Facilities in the Library
Q: What IT facilities are available in the library?
We have 9 PCs with full Internet access and Microsoft Office software. There is also 1 PC which allows NPIA staff visiting from other sites to connect to the intranet and their Groupwise email account.
Q: Can I use my laptop in the library?
You can plug a laptop into the mains but we cannot provide a telephone line.
Q: Can I use a floppy disk, CD or USB memory stick in the library?
You can save work onto the floppy or CD drive if you bring in your own disks or if you purchase one from the library issue desk. USB memory sticks are not permitted to be used in NPIA computers.
Q: Are there photocopying facilities?
There are 2 photocopiers available. These are free of charge to NPIA staff, course members and visiting police personnel. People who have qualified for a day visit are charged for their copying.
Q: Is there somewhere quiet to study?
There are study tables in the library.
Q: Can I watch DVDs/videos in the library?
There are viewing facilities in the library.
Q: Are refreshments available?
There is a coffee shop on the ground floor of the mansion with a range of drinks.
Searching the catalogue
Q: How do I search for material in the library catalogue?
Click on search the catalogue and this will take you to the catalogue. There is a brief sign-in form to complete which if your computer stores cookies you will only have to do once. You can search using different fields such as author, title, subject; you can search for books only, articles only or a combination of the two and you can search over a specified date range. There are search tips and also a HELP document available on screen.
Q: Can I request material online?
Yes you can, provided you have registered with us as you will need your BID and PIN to complete the process.
Q: I can't find the item I want on the catalogue. What can I do?
Always make contact with the library - we may have the item but for some reason you missed it on the catalogue. Alternatively, it may be an item we would be interested in purchasing. In this instance, it would be reserved and made available to you when it arrives.
Q: How do I find journal articles on a particular subject?
Our extensive journal collection is scanned on a daily basis and article details are added to the catalogue. You can search on the catalogue specifically for journal articles. If you cannot find what you are looking for, contact the library as we have a range of additional online sources we can search.
In order to use the email request of items, you will need to ensure that "Use Java ... " is enabled on your browser. This setting is controlled in "Tools > Internet Options > Advanced".
To prevent the system requesting you to record your brief details each time, you will need to ensure that "Cookies" are enabled on your browser.
For any other questions, contact the library.
Services
Q: The library doesn't stock the book I want. Can you get it for me from another library?
Unfortunately the library can only borrow material on inter-library loan for NPIA staff.
Q: How can I keep up-to-date with my subject?
We offer a range of Current Awareness services for NPIA staff:
Current Connections - a personalised monthly emailed list of recent research on your selected topics
Contents page service - copy of the contents pages of journal issues
Q: If I don't have time to search the catalogue, are there staff who can help me?
We have a staff of 10 including 5 professionally qualified librarians, all with a wealth of skills and expertise who are willing to assist with your information needs in any way they can.
