While some of our dictionaries are loanable, many others are marked 'reference'. Reference books may be consulted in our libraries but cannot be be borrowed. 

Copies of certain titles can be designated not loanable for a number of reasons. Often, it's simply because the texts are in high demand and this is the most effective way to ensure everyone gets fair and equal access to a limited number of items.

For this reason, you may also sometimes even see loanable and 'reference' copies of the same title on our shelves.

Although it not possible to loan a 'reference' text, you may scan a limited section. Copyright law permits 5% or one chapter of a book (whichever is more) and all copies must be for personal use only. 

You can find more information about copyright here.