Self-service terminals
Self-service terminals
Discover our loan and return options for a fast, convenient experience. Our self-service terminals in the Reading Room and the outdoor collection point allow you to borrow and return your documents by yourself. Of course, our regular desk remains available for those who prefer a personalised service.
Loan/return machines
Loans
In the Reading Room, you will find self-service loan/return machines on each floor, which allow you to register your home loan. To begin, simply sign in with your library card, then place your documents one by one on the tray. Your loan will be automatically recorded in your user account. If you wish, you can also print out a receipt.
Returns
You can also return borrowed documents at one of our automatic terminals. Simply place the documents one by one on the tray and press “Return”. Your return will be instantly recorded in your user account. Then place the documents on the trolley or return box nearby. Please don’t put it back on its shelf yourself.
Additionally, there are two automatic return machines in the entrance hall, and a third outside the building, operational 24 hours a day, even when the library is closed. Here, you can return all documents you have borrowed from the National Library and the Bicherbus.
Self-service collection point
If the document you require is located in the closed stacks, please order it through the a-z.lu portal. We’ll send you an email as soon as your order is ready for collection. You can pick up your document from the loans desk in the Reading Room or from our self-service collection point in front of the library, which is open 24/7. Only certain documents can be collected from the self-service collection station. Where applicable, this option will be displayed when you place your order.
If you choose the self-service option, please remember to bring your BnL library card with you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a library card to use the self-service terminals?
Yes, you must use a physical library card issued by the BnL to register a loan or to retrieve a document from the self-service collection point. It is not possible to log in with your user name and password on these devices. However, there is no need to log in when returning a document.
What should I do if the return machine does not accept my books?
We recommend inserting your documents one by one rather than all at once. If a document is not accepted by the return machine, please verify that it originates from the holdings of the National Library or the Bicherbus and not from another library. Alternatively, you can return it at the loans desk.
How long do I have to collect a document from the self-service collection point?
Your documents will be held for you for 7 days. If you do not collect them within this time frame, they will be returned to the closed stacks and your order will be cancelled.
How do I know if a book can be collected from the self-service collection point?
Only certain documents can be collected from the self-service collection station. Where applicable, this option will be displayed when you place your order on a-z.lu.
Click on the drop-down menu and select the self-service collection point as your pick-up location.
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