Library Cards & Borrowing Privileges

Borrowing Privileges - Alumni

Borrowing privileges for students expire on the next Oct 1 after their last registered term. Off-campus access to most licensed e-resources ends 120 days (approx 4 months) after their last term ended. Off-campus access to a select collection of e-resources is available through our Alumni E-resources Program.

Type of Material
Loan Period
Max Renewals
Fines per item
UA Books & Periodicals 2 weeks 4* $1.00/day
Specialized materials (multimedia, sound recordings, gov't docs, microform, curriculum, etc) Varies (check with library) 4* $1.00/day
U of A Course Materials No Loan None n/a
Placing Holds: Yes, on materials held at any NEOS Library including the U of A (some exceptions apply)

Number of items that can be borrowed: 30

Renewal

UofA/NEOS items can be renewed four times if no other user needs the item. If you still need material after your renewal limit has been reached, you will need to bring the material back to a University of Alberta/NEOS Library Service Desk. It will then be discharged, and you may sign out the material again.

*When items are overdue, your account will be blocked and you will not be able to renew online. If you need assistance with renewing a book , please call 780-492-4174 / Augustana: 780-679-1156.

Fines

Fines are charged at the rates outlined in the table above to a maximum of $31.00 per item. When fines reach $50.00 or above, borrowing privileges for the account will be blocked until the fine is paid down to below $50.00.

Suspension of Borrowing Privileges

Borrowing privileges will be suspended: when items on loan are overdue (starting on the first day they are overdue) or when bills/accruing fines total over $50.00.

Lost Book Charge

Before paying a lost book charge, it's a good idea to contact the owning library first to determine whether the book may have been returned without being discharged.

There will be a charge of $150.00 for each lost item. If a lost item is found and returned after a lost book charge has been paid, a refund will issued up to one year after payment of the lost book charge. The found material must be returned direclty to a Service Desk before initiating the refund process. $31.00 late fines will still apply.

Other Charges

  • Discretionary fine (for breach of regulations, abuse of privileges, etc): $50.00
  • NSF Cheque Charge: $25.00
  • Rebinding/repair charges for items returned damaged: Charges will vary

Avoiding Fines

  • Return materials on time
  • Check your date due slip or My Account
  • Check your email for Due Date notices. Contact any Library Service Desk to update your email address if it changes.
  • Renew material online at My Account before your items are overdue, or by calling the library at 780-492-4174 / Augustana: 780-679-1156.

Paying Fines

Note: please have your library card barcode information ready in order to pay fines. Fines payments are not accepted at UAlberta Library Service desks. Below are the options for paying Library fines:

  • Self-service machines: Credit card and debit card payment can be made using self-service machines in Rutherford, Cameron, Coutts (Education), John Walter Scott (Health Sciences), and Bibliotheque Sait-Jean libraries.
  • InfoLink: Cash or ONEcard payment can be made in-person at all six (6) InfoLink locations. Credit or debit card payment is also available at the InfoLink ONEcard Service Centre (HUB mall) and the InfoLink Desk at Student Life Central (Lower Level SUB). Note: if paying with debit or credit card, $5.00 minimum required. Please refer to InfoLink website for hours of operation.
  • By Mail: Cheques should be made payable to University of Alberta Library and include your ONEcard/Library Barcode Number or Student ID Number on the back of the cheque. If your cheque does not already include your current address and telephone number, include this information on the cheque as well. Mail cheque to:

Financial Systems and Analysis Office
University of Alberta Libraries
5th Floor, Cameron Library
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB T6G 2J8

  • By Phone: For those who do not have a CCID login or online access, credit card payments can be made be by phone by calling Library Financial Services and Analysis Office at 780-492-6305, Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:00. If you leave a voicemail, provide only your name and phone number. Do NOT leave your credit card number on the voicemail. FSA will normally return calls on the same day, except for messages left towards the end of business hours.

Fine Appeals: If you feel your fine is not valid, please submit a Fines Appeal Form.

Borrower Cards for Alumni

UAlberta Alumni are eligible for the following cards:

1. Alumni ONEcard - free for first card; $20.00 for replacement

Available from ONEcard. Provides the following additional privileges beyond those offered by the TAL and External Borrower card:

  • Membership term: 5 years
  • Interlibrary Loan service at no cost.
  • Borrow 30 items from UAL collection

See here for non-library-related additional benefits of the Alumni ONEcard

2. External Borrower Card - free

3. The Alberta Library (TAL) - free

Need to print/photocopy on a regular basis? Go to ONEcard office for a ONEcard and a Guest CCID.

eResources for Alumni

Alumni have access to a suite of select databases that provide online content from academic journal, magazine and trade publications from off campus. To learn more and register, see: alumni.library.ualberta.ca.

For access to databases that are not included in the alumni eResources program alumni may access these licensed resources (with some restrictions) *on campus* by using library computers or the UAlberta wireless network using a Temporary Networking ID obtained at any library Service desk (valid photo ID and proof of current address or a current Alumni ONEcard required; see *Temporary Networking IDs.)

With the exception of the databases listed at alumni.library.ualberta.ca, off campus access to our licensed online resources (databases and ejournals) is limited to current students, faculty and staff.

Library Email Notifications

As a reminder, you will receive a notification to the email address you provided the UofA Library:

  • three days before material is due
  • on the day that the material is due
  • when material is two days overdue
  • when material is seven days overdue
  • when material is 31 days overdue (assumed lost)
  • when requested books are available for pick-up
  • with a monthly summary of fines owed

To keep track of your library materials, holds, and fines, please use My Account.

Library Privileges & Responsibilities

Use of the University Library is a privilege with associated responsibilities for all clients. Within the parameters of the policies, no user should be unduly disadvantaged through the use or abuse of the library by another client, whatever the client group.

Community Expectations

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