Borrowing Books and Other Materials
Interlibrary Loans (ILL)
COPPUL (Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries) Card
The TAL (Alberta Library) Card
Important URLs
Renewals
Holds, recalls, and bookings
Fines Payment and Appeals
Research Help
New Titles Alerts
Other Library Services
Borrowing books and other Library materials
Click here to view access privileges for academic staff at the Calgary Campus or other distance locations.
When you find an item that you want to borrow in Summon, click the Request button in the items record. The system will ask you to enter your username and password. If you have updated your library privileges, the system will accept your request, and the item will be sent to your home address with return postage. Please be sure to note the due date and related email notices to avoid overdue fines. If you have any questions about this service, please contact library.ddsl@uleth.ca
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
If you identify a book or journal article that is not in the U of L Library collection, you may request interlibrary loan. Complete the online ILL form which is accessible from the Library's homepage and from the various Library discovery systems.
- Interlibrary loan service is dependent on where you live.
- Other Faculty at a Distance who are living within Alberta and at least 90km outside of Lethbridge may request both types of Interlibrary loans (e.g., books or journal articles)
- Journal articles are sent electronically to your email address. You must return all other library loans to the University of Lethbridge Library by their due dates using the same delivery methods we used to send them to you. (e.g., Canada Post, private courier, etc.)
- The Library may restrict requests to only to Canadian locations.
- Other Faculty at a Distance who are living outside of Alberta and Canada may request copies of journal articles or chapters of books which will be sent electronically to your email address.
- The Library is unable to offer Interlibrary Loan services involving other libraries' books because the borrowing time granted by other institutions is insufficient for sending, using, and returning materials.
- For these faculty members, the Library is happy to provide you with library cards permitting direct use of libraries in your area. For more information on these cards see sections below: the COPPUL Card and The Alberta Library (TAL) Card.
- Unfortunately these cards, the TAL Card and the COPPUL Card are not valid outside of Canada. In some cases libraries outside of Canada may request a formal letter from us requesting library services on your behalf. Please contact us if you require this kind of documentation outside of Canada.
You can find information on the policies governing the ILL service here.
Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries (COPPUL) Card
A. Faculty/Instructors - Calgary Campus
You can receive a COPPUL card from the campus office. This card gives you borrowing privileges at other universities in Western Canada, including Athabasca University, the University of Alberta, and the University of Calgary. Borrowing privileges may be slightly more generous than you will receive with the TAL card. Click here to see a list of participating libraries. Your COPPUL card must be updated each semester; apply at the Campus Office.
B. Other Faculty at a Distance
The COPPUL card must be obtained from the University of Lethbridge Library before visiting participating libraries. Go to the General Services Desk, and you will receive your COPPUL card immediately.
The Alberta Library (TAL) Card
A. Faculty/Instructors - Calgary Campus
You can receive a TAL Card from the Campus Office. This card gives you borrowing privileges at most publicly-funded libraries in the province, including the University of Calgary Libraries, SAIT Library and Calgary Public Library. Click here to see a list of all participating libraries. Your TAL card must be updated each semester; apply at the Campus Office.C
B. Other Faculty at a Distance
The TAL card must be obtained from the University of Lethbridge Library before visiting participating libraries. Fill out an application at the General Services Desk, and you will receive your TAL card immediately.
Important URLs to Bookmark
Renewals
- Most items borrowed can be renewed twice unless requested by another patron.
- The renewal loan period is subject to recall.
- Renewal may be done online, by mail, by calling the General Services Desk (403-329-2265) or by fax (403-329-2234).
- Materials borrowed through interlibrary loan cannot be renewed.
Holds, recalls, and bookings
- Materials are subject to recall after the guaranteed loan period if another borrower or the Library requests the return of the material. A recall requires the immediate return of the item upon receipt of the recall notice.
- A hold request may be placed online using the REQUEST button in our various discovery systems. An item currently on-loan will be sent to you when the item is returned. Audiovisual software required for a specific period of time may be booked in advance by calling 403-329-2265 all Library opening hours or by emailing lib.illo@uleth.ca.
- Materials with a status of IN PROCESS or ON ORDER or with a location of Remote Storage, may also be requested by using the REQUEST button. A hold is placed on the item and will be sent to you when the item is available.
Fines Payment and Appeals
All outstanding fines must be paid in full before privileges are updated. Click here for details related to paying for Library related fees and fines.
Click here for details related to appealing any assessed fines. to fines incurred by the borrower.
Research Help
Use our Ask Us suite of services to:
Online research guides are freely accessible 24/7 for subject specific research resources.
If you are at the Lethbridge Campus, please stop at the Library Services Desk for in person assistance.
New Titles Alerts
Other library services: