GM Libraries Consortium - Frequently Asked Questions
Greater Manchester Libraries Consortium – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Greater Manchester Libraries Consortium?
Greater Manchester Libraries Consortium is a partnership of libraries which are working together to improve and widen access to resources for all their customers. There are approximately 4 million library books available in the consortium.
Which libraries are in the consortium?
All 10 Local Authorities in Greater Manchester, plus Blackburn with Darwen
What does this mean?
You can now use your library card to borrow from these libraries or to reserve their books.
How do I join?
The first time you visit one of these libraries outside your local area you will need to see a member of staff. You will not need a new library card - you can join with the library card of your home service. There is no age limit to this.
How can I view the holdings of consortium libraries?
Any online search at this library catalogue will show a link above the results to 'Try this search in the Greater Manchester Libraries Catalogue'.
How can I reserve the holdings of partner libraries?
You can reserve online via the library catalogue. If the item you’ve reserved belongs to another library service you’ll need to go to one of their libraries to collect and return it — you’ll be able to choose the one most convenient for you.
I want to reserve books from two different consortium library services?
You can do this but each one will need to be a separate reservation and you will need to collect each reservation from the appropriate library.
If I go to a consortium library to borrow an item how long can I keep it for?
The item will be issued for the normal loan period of that library service.
Can I renew items online that have come from a consortium library?
Yes all of your loans from libraries across the consortium can be viewed and renewed online.
Can I return items borrowed from a consortium library to my home library?
No. At the moment all items need to be returned to the library service you collected them from.
How will I know when my item is ready for collection?
You will receive an email to let you know it is ready.