This guide explains how you can:
The library has some required textbooks and buys only a few copies of each. Textbooks can only be borrowed for 3 hours at a time. It's best to purchase your own copy of all required books from the bookstore.
Use the table below to find out how long you can borrow items.
| Item type | Loan period | Overdue charges | Maximum fines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print books (Main Collection, CC Reads, and ESL Collection) | 3 weeks | $0.50/day | $25.00 |
| Textbooks | 3 hours | $2.50/hour | no maximum |
| Art and history reserve books | 4 days | $2.50/hour | $25.00 |
| Dictionaries | 1 day | $1.00/day | $25.00 |
| Calculators and chargers | 3 hours | $2.50/hour | no maximum |
| Board games and cards | 3 hours | $2.50/hour | $25.00 |
You can renew all non-reserve items.
First log into your library account:
Next, click on the down arrow that will appear next to your account, and click on "Account Activity."
From there, you can see all the items you have out on loan. Click "Renew Loan" to renew an item.
If a book has been requested by another student, you will not be able to renew it.
1. Go to the library's homepage.
2. Scroll down and click on Find Materials.
3. Click on Find Books and eBooks.
4. Enter keywords related to your topic or the title of a book & hit search.
5. Use the options on the left-hand side to limit to books (which will only include print books) or eBooks.
Librarians sometimes use a very particular language. We don’t mean to confuse you. This list will help you understand some of the library terms used in this guide and that you may encounter when speaking to library staff.
Borrow/Check Out
The same as "issuing" or "charging" a library item. To borrow books for a specific period of time at no cost.
Call Number
A call number is a series of numbers and letters that is a book's address on the shelf. Each book has a call number. Call numbers also keep books on similar topics close together on the shelves. In the library catalogue, it is listed under "Shelf Location." See the Borrow Books section of this guide for more information on how to read a call number.
Catalogue
The library catalogue is the library search engine. You use it to search for books and ebooks.
Circulation desk
The circulation desk is where you go to check out books. It is located near the entrance of the library.
Hold
A service that allows you to request a checked out item as soon as it is returned to the library. When the item is returned, you are notified and the book is kept behind the circulation desk for a few days for you to pickup.
Fiction
Books that are novels or stories.
Loan Period
The length of time that you can borrow a library item.
Non-fiction
Books based on facts or reality. These can include opinions, biographies, histories, how-to books, essays and more.
Renew
The same as "re-issue." A service that allows you to extend the time you have to keep a book for an additional loan period.
Reserves
Materials that are placed on hold by professors at the circulation desk. These are often required textbooks, and can be borrowed for up to 3 hours. Some reserves can be loaned for 1 day.
Does this guide not answer the question you had? Have a look at our other guides to find information about research, formatting, plagiarism and citing.