Using the Collection

Loan period

Three weeks for standard loans and six weeks for interlibrary loans.

There is no limit to the number of items you may borrow.

Reservations & loan renewals

All reserves and renewals are free of charge.

Members can view their loans and renew and reserve items online by logging in to the catalogue with their email address and password.

Members without internet access can renew and reserve items when they visit the library, by phone at 03 9510 3393 or via email.

Returns

There is a return book chute next to the garage door at 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran for after-hours returns.

Searching the Collection

To make the most of your research time at the library, you can access our online catalogue.

Travelling a long distance to visit us? You can email us a list of items you’re interested in before you visit, and we can reserve them for you. There is no charge for this service. If you are a member you can reserve items any item yourself, by logging into the online catalogue.

Our library holdings are also shown in the Trove database.

Inter-Library Loans

Availability:
Inter-library loans from the historical collection are available to libraries within Australia.

Loan period:
Six weeks (renewable free of charge).

Fees:
The PMI Library is now on the Libraries Australia Document Delivery (LADD) system And the standard inter-library loan fees as described in the Inter-Lending Resource Sharing (ILRS) code apply.

We reserve the right not to loan materials we consider too valuable. In such cases, photocopying or scanning can sometimes be arranged.

How to request:
Libraries may request an inter-library loan via the LADD system (our NUC symbol is VPMEC) or, if you are not on the LADD system, by email – contact the inter-library loans officer.

Research Assistance

The library receives many research queries from individuals and groups. Depending on availability of staff there is a charge of $35 per hour of research for non-members and $25 per hour for members.

Other Services

• Photocopies and computer printouts are available for 20c per A4 and 30c per A3.
• An excellent reference and look-up service for members – information requests are taken by phone, email, by letter or in person.
• A professional book-covering service (members only): $6 per book. This service will protect your books and extend their life. It is also ideal for those books you intend to give as special gifts. Maximum five books at a time please.

If you would like to take advantage of all our services joining is easy and affordable.