Borrowing Guide

A valid faculty/staff/student/community member library card is required to borrow materials from the Library. Staff reserves the right to inspect briefcase/bags at the exit when the security system is activated.

Students and faculty/staff with a valid Algonquin ID card are provided access to Library services. Perth patrons can request a library card if they do not have an Algonquin ID card. Cards can only be used by the individual named on the card.

A card owner is responsible for any materials borrowed with that card. If the card is lost or stolen the responsibility continues until the Library is notified about the loss/theft. There is a $5 fee for replacement of a lost card issued by the Library.

Community members are welcome to consult and borrow the material in the Library. Restrictions apply to some materials. To obtain a Library card, please apply at the main desk and photo id is required.

Not all Library materials circulate. For materials that do circulate, the length of the loan may vary. A maximum of ten (10) items can be charged out at one time.

Some items are renewable twice if the item is not already overdue and there are no other requests for the item. Easy Readers and accompanying CDs can only be renewed once. Patrons can renew in person, by phone, or online at https://www.algonquincollege.com/library/contact-us/ . Note: Community Users can renew in person or by phone. There are no renewals for Reserve materials.
Fines must be paid before items can be renewed.

During operating hours, materials should be returned to the main desk. After hours, the book drop near the main entrance should be used.

All items must be returned by the due date.
Items found on shelves without a “return date” stamp are considered returned on the date they are found. Overdue notices are provided as a courtesy. Non-receipt of such notices does not absolve patrons from their responsibility for the timely return of materials. Patrons should ensure that the Library has their correct mailing and e-mail address.

Overdue Fines

It is a borrower’s responsibility to ensure that any material borrowed from the Library is returned in good condition by the date due. Late fines are charged for overdue materials and go into effect the day following the due date.

Replacement Charges

The borrower will be charged for replacement costs if the item is lost or stolen and for repairs if the item is damaged. A $10.00 processing fee will also be applied. Note: The Library does not refund money after the item is paid for.

A user may ask that an item that is currently checked out be held for him/her upon its return. This can be done online using the Library catalogue or by asking the staff at the main desk. No holds will be accepted on Reserve material. Holds are kept for 7 days and may be picked up at the front desk.

These items appear on the catalogue with the location code “Reserves” and are available at the main desk. This collection is for use of Algonquin students/staff. Reserve material with an hourly loan period cannot be taken out of the Library.

Laptop computers/desktops in the Library are to be used for Academic purposes only. All users must log out before leaving the Library (see I.T.S. user agreement).

Laptops are available in the Library for same-day on-campus loan. Students must have their student or library card to borrow a laptop. Fines will apply to late returns.

Borrowers are responsible for the laptop in their possession, and should not leave it unattended at any time.

Library borrowing privileges will be suspended under any one of the following circumstances:

• a patron has overdue items
• a patron has any unpaid fines or replacement charges outstanding
• a patron is delinquent in the return of Interlibrary Loan material
• a patron violates Library regulations including:
  • removal of material from the Library without carrying out proper procedures
  • mutilation or destruction of library materials/property

As per College Policy SA14, the Registrar will withhold marks, diplomas or certificates until overdue material is returned and/or fines are paid in full. Sealing of students’ file is done shortly before the end of each term.

The Library participates in a direct borrowing agreement which permits registered Algonquin College students (proof of registration required) to borrow material directly from other college libraries (some material may have borrowing restrictions). The borrower is responsible for the safe return or replacement of material borrowed or for any charges incurred.

As part of the Smart Library consortium, students, faculty and staff are allowed limited borrowing privileges at several Ottawa institutions, including Carleton U, University of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Library. A Smart Library membership card is required to borrow from these institutions. This card must be requested at the Algonquin Library main desk.

All materials borrowed at these institutions must be returned to them.

Any overdue fines that are incurred should be paid at the lending library. Any outstanding Smart Library bills will be forwarded to the Algonquin Library. The usual sanctions related to fines and overdue items, would then apply. Any concerns regarding fines incurred at other Smart Libraries should be addressed to the lending library’s Circulation department which issues the fines/overdue notices.

Students and staff in good standing with the Library may request books, videos, or journal articles that are located at a different campus. Normally these items should arrive within three days.
They may also request an interlibrary loan for books or journal articles not located at Algonquin College Libraries but available elsewhere.

The Library offers quiet and silent study areas. There should be no talking in these areas and cellphones set to vibrate. Our facilities and our services are not designed to meet the requirements of children.
Purses, bags and valuables should not be left unattended in the Library.

Your Library Account Allows You to:

• see a list of items you have on loan, including due dates
• renew items you have on loan (provided there is no hold placed on that item for another library user and that you have no overdue material and/or fines on your account)
• check the status of hold requests you have placed
• see any fines or bills you may have incurred

This login is also used for access to digital resource collections off campus. For more details please consult our library website.

• Ottawa Library (613) 727-4723 ext. 5834
• Pembroke Library (613) 735-4700 ext. 2707
• Perth Library (613) 267-2859 ext. 5644