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Borrowing Guidelines

On this page:

To Borrow

As a University of Lethbridge Library patron, you are responsible for:

  • All material borrowed on your account and returning them by the specified due date/time.

  • Updating contact information:

    • Alumni/Employees/Students: Make changes in the Bridge.

    • Community: See Services Desk.

Summary of Library Privileges

Renewals

  • Most items may be renewed for at least one additional loan period unless requested by another borrower.

  • For interlibrary loans, see instructions on the green or yellow band attached to the material(s) at check out.

Holds, Bookings, and Recalls

  • HOLDS. A hold can be placed online by selecting the "Request" button or in person at the Library Services Desk by presenting your Campus ID Card. You will receive an email once the item is available to be picked up from the Services Desk.
    Materials with a status of IN PROCESS, ON ORDER, or with a location of "Remote Storage," may also be requested. [Frequently asked questions about holds.] 

  • BOOKINGS. Audiovisual software and equipment can be booked online in advance by selecting the "Book" or in person at the Library Services Desk. [Frequently asked questions about bookings.]

  • RECALLS. Materials are subject to recall if another borrower or the Library requests the return of an item. A recall requires the immediate return of the item upon receipt of the recall notice.

Interlibrary Loans

Distance Delivery Services

Distance Delivery Services (DDS) are provided to eligible employees and students that reside in Canada and are outside a 90 kilometre radius from the Lethbridge Campus. The service is provided at no charge.


DDS exclusion area highlighted.

To request print resources:

  1. Select the “Request” button in the item’s record.

  2. Enter “Distance” in the “Please specify any special instructions:” box at the time of your request for each request every time.

To request audio and visual materials:

  1. Select the “Book” button in the item’s record.

  2. Enter “Distance” in the “Note:” box at the time of your request for each request every time.

Return postage is provided, so do not discard the package your request comes in or the return label that is included in the plastic pouch. Packages are mailed within 2 business days. How long it takes to arrive depends on the postal system and where you live.

Please maintain your mailing address in the Bridge.

DDS can be contacted at library.ddsl@uleth.ca.

Fees, Fines, and Charges

Individuals are responsible for the return of materials by the due date/time specified at the time of borrowing.

The borrower will be responsible for the repair or replacement cost of lost or damaged items as recorded in the records of that item. Financial penalties for lost items will take into consideration the cost of the item and the Library's cost in replacing it.

  • Financial penalties will be levied in some cases of overdue items, to encourage the equitable access to and use of resources.

  • Employee, community/reciprocal/audit students, and alumni owing more than $50.00 to the Library will have their access privileges suspended,

  • Students will retain Library access regardless of unpaid fees/fines, but must settle balances prior to registration, graduation, receiving official documentation, etc. 

  • This schedule is effect as of 2025 May 1, was approved by the Board of Governors on 2024 December 12.

Overdue Fines/Charges:

Regular:

$0.00; unless billed for replacement

Serials (bound and unbound journals/magazines):

$0.00; unless billed for replacement

Interlibrary loans:

$5.00 per item per DAY overdue

Special loans:

$5.00 per item per DAY overdue

Recalled materials:

$5.00 per item per DAY overdue

Reserve hourly loans: (2 hour, 4 hour, 24 hour, 48 hour)

$1.00 per item per HOUR overdue

Reserve seven day loans:

$1.00 per item per DAY overdue

Audio-visual software:

$0.00; unless billed for replacement

Audio-visual equipment:

$1.00 per item per HOUR overdue

Lost/damaged materials:

Cost of replacement/repair plus $25 processing fee for lost items

Where fees and fines are paid:

  • STUDENTS

    • IN-PERSON. Students can make payments at the Cash Office with cash, cheque (made payable to "University of Lethbridge"), or debit card.

    • ONLINE. If using online banking services, select "University Lethbridge" as the payee and enter your 9-digit ULethbridge identification number as the account number.

  • ALUMNI/COMMUNITY/EMPLOYEES

    • IN-PERSON. Payments can be made at the Library Services Desk Students with cash or cheque (made payable to "University of Lethbridge"). We do not accept electronic payment methods in the University Library.

    • ONLINE. Contact Jesse Malinsky (Supervisor, Access Services; malijn@uleth.ca) for details.

Fine Appeal Procedures

The Fines Appeal process applies to fines incurred by the borrower. If you feel a fine was applied unfairly, then you have the right to appeal the fine.

Appeals regarding fines should be directed to the check-out desk from which an item was borrowed and appointments may be arranged with the Supervisor, Access Services.

  • Appeals will not be accepted after fines have been paid.

  • While an appeal is pending, borrowing privileges will not be blocked.

  • Reasons why fines may not be appealed include, but are not limited to:

    • Disagreements regarding the Library Access Policy

    • Lack of awareness/knowledge of Library policies

    • Forgetting the due date

    • Not renewing on time

    • Failure to receive courtesy and overdue notices

    • Inability to renew online

    • Not returning recalled materials because patron was out of city/country

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