FAQ

Library and Information Services

Statement by British Council Director

British Council Library Stock Moves to Sofia University

	FAQs

		When will you stop lending books and DVDs from the library?

	The last date when our customers will be able to borrow books and DVDs will be 23 October 2009.

		When do I have to return the loaned items?

	The last date to return the borrowed materials is 30 October.

		What happens with my membership?

	When you return the last item(s) you have borrowed you will be offered the opportunity to transfer your membership to the English & American Studies library at Sofia University which takes over our stock, or you can receive a refund for the period of membership you will not be able to use.

		Can I receive the refund if I do not return the borrowed materials?

	We will not be able to process a refund to you until you have returned all borrowed materials.

		If I have lost my membership card, can I still receive my refund?

	As long as you have a valid ID with you, we can provide you with a refund.

		Do I need to have a bank account number to receive my refund?

	No, we will return membership refunds in cash.

		What will happen to your library resources?

We will donate most of our library stock to the English & American Studies library at Sofia University in order to allow continued access to it. For our teaching centre students we will set up a new dedicated self-access centre offering a range of resources to help them with their learning.

		When will you inform us about the host library and its conditions?

	All arrangements with the English & American Studies library at Sofia University have benn agreed. Here you can read more about it.

		Why are you closing the library?

British Council has changed some of its priorities in Europe. Currently we are working on projects on a larger regional and global scale focusing on areas such as strengthening intercultural dialogue, promoting tolerance to differences, developing skills for economic competitiveness and innovation. Our new programmes are intended to support the development of strong relations and links between Bulgaria, the UK and the rest of Europe.
With the library closure we ensure that resources go to support our priority work in Bulgaria and all over Europe.

		Are you going to sell your CD and DVD materials? Will you announce an auction for them?

	We do not intend to sell any materials from the library. We arranged for our resources to go to the English & American Studies library at Sofia University, as this will enable access to them to continue.

		Does closing the library mean that you will stop offering English courses and exams?

	We are not planning other changes. We will continue to offer all the other services available at the moment. Please refer to our website for additional information on our English courses and exams.

		Does closing the library mean that British Council Bulgaria is moving from its current premises?

	No. British Council Bulgaria continues operating from its current premises at 7 Krakra Str, 1504 Sofia.

		I want to enrol on an English language course with British Council. If you are closing the library, will I be able to use supporting study materials?

	Yes. There will be a self access resource centre for British Council students offering various resources to help them in their learning.

		Is it possible to receive a refund of my membership fee as of today?

	The British Council Library will be operating normally until 30 October 2009. You will be able to receive your refund in the period 1 - 30 November 2009 provided you have returned all borrowed materials.

		When will the British Council library materials be available at the English and American Studies Library at the Sofia University?

	The British Council library stock will be available for readers at the English American Studies Library at the Sofia University after the official transferring of the stock on 1 December.

Will the British Council Library members be compensated for the period between 1 November and 1 December when the library stock was transferred and unavailable for them?

	Due to the one month termination of service for the current British Council library members the English and American Studies Library announced that their membership will be prolonged with a month counted as of 1 December 2009.

		Whom shall we contact from now on for questions related to the British Council library stock?

	For all questions regarding the British Council library stock you can contact the English and American Studies Library at the Sofia University. The contact details are as follows: Telephone: ++359 2 987 5348, ++359 2 9308 463 basrc.su@gmail.com