Registered customers can order and borrow documents and copies.

Ordering

Order documents and copies in the ETH Library @ swisscovery research portal.
You can reserve documents that are currently out on loan.

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

Ready for collection

Provided that the document is shown as available in the catalog, it takes between one hour and 2-4 working days. This depends on the location of the document and the chosen pick-up location.

Collection note

You will receive a collection note once a document is available at your chosen collection point. You can check at any time in your user account whether documents that have been ordered are ready.

Delivery

Delivery of documents

Private individuals:

Members of ETH Zurich:

You can also search for and borrow documents from ETH Library Special Libraries on the shelves on site:

Delivery period

Borrowing

Collection deadline

You can check your user account under Orders to find out how long the media will be held for you to collect.

Extending the the collection deadline

Contact the circulation desk before the expiry of the collection deadline if you would like to extend the deadline.

Collection

Media are issued on presentation of valid user identification.

Postal delivery of documents

If you would like to receive your document by post, select postal delivery as the collection point when ordering the book in the catalogue.

Regular loan length

4 weeks

28 days loan period
140 days maximum extension period
168 days maximum loan period

Loan periods may vary for certain libraries and holdings.

Extension

If the document has not been reserved by another person, five automatic extensions are carried out by the system. Documents can also be extended manually in your user account under ➔Borrowing.

Loan periods for documents borrowed via interlibrary loans can be extended here: Interlibrary loan

Returning

Returning to the circulation desk

Return your documents from all ETH libraries and Zurich Central Library at the circulation desk of an ETH library. Media ordered via the SLSP courier can be returned at any ETH library. Please make sure that the courier sleeve is still on the medium.
A return receipt can be provided on request.

Libraries affiliated with the library platform swisscovery: The libraries that make up the circulation network can be displayed by searching by SLSP courier.

Returning by post

If you would like to return documents by post, we recommend sending them by registered post. The ETH Library does not accept any responsibility for loss, delays or other difficulties in transport.
Documents must be handled carefully and returned undamaged. The latest borrower shall be held liable for any damage.

Paying fines

Fines will be charged by the Swiss Library Service Platform (SLSP).

Reminder process

Loan period 14 or 28 days

Loan period 7 days

Loan period 1 day

Loan period for same day loans