University Library

Borrowing Library Materials - Frequently Asked Questions

Some Things You Should Know:

  • You must bring your Campus ID card or library-issued user card to borrow materials from the Library.
  • It is your responsibility to provide the library with your current address, email, phone number to receive time-sensitive notices regarding overdue items, material being held for you, or items being recalled from you.
  • It is your responsibility to return or renew library materials on time and to take good care of library materials. Fines are levied on items returned past their due date. Damaged or lost items will be charged to your account and an invoice will be issued.
  • You can view Your Account online to see what items you have borrowed, when they are due, outstanding fines and charges, and what material may be on hold. You can also renew material and place holds/recalls on material that is on loan to another patron. Your Account is accessible on the library home page under Services, then Your Account, or on the PAWS portal.
If you have any questions about borrowing library materials that are not answered on the following pages, please feel free to ask at any University of Saskatchewan Library location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can borrow materials from the U of S Library?
Q: How do I get my library card?
Q: When does my library card expire?
Q: What happens if I lose or damage my library card?
Q: What can I borrow from the Library, and for how long?
Q: How do I renew books that I have already checked out?
Q: How do I put a hold/recall on a book that is checked out?
Q: Is there a limit to the total number of books I can have checked out on my library card?
Q: Can I return library materials to any library on campus?
Q: What happens if I return library material late?
Q: What happens if I lose or damage a library book?
Q: Where and how can I pay my library fines?
Q: Whom can I talk to if I have a question about a library fine?
Q: Do fines on my account mean I can't borrow books?

Q: Who can borrow materials from the U of S Library? Back to Top
A: There are 4 main groups of library users: Q: How do I get a library card? Back to Top
A:
  • Students, Faculty and Staff, and Affiliates need to bring their current Campus ID Card or confirmation of employment letter to any check-out desk in the library to activate their library account.
  • Alumni need to bring their current U of S Alumni Association card and another piece of current ID with a current address, such as a driver's licence, to the check-out desk in any library - a $35 per year non-refundable fee applies.
  • External Borrowers need to bring 2 current pieces of ID, one of which has a current address (eg: driver's licence), to the check-out desk in any library - a $150 per year non-refundable fee applies.
Q: When does my library card expire? Back to Top
A:
  • Undergraduate Student library cards expire on August 31
  • Graduate Student library cards expire on September 30
  • Faculty and Staff library cards expire at the end of their term of employment
  • Affiliates library cards expire either 1 year from date of issue or at the end of their term of appointment
  • Alumni library cards expire 1 year from date of issue
  • External Borrowers library cards expire 1 year from date of issue
Q: What happens if I lose or damage my library card? Back to Top
A: You must do the following:
  • Report a lost card to the library immediately to prevent unauthorized use
  • Lost or damaged Campus ID Cards (students, faculty and staff) need to be replaced at the Card Office (near the bookstore)- the cost is $15.00
  • Lost or damaged library-issued user cards (alumni, external borrowers, affiliates) need to be replaced by the Library - the cost is $15.00
Q: What can I borrow from the Library, and for how long? Back to Top
A:
  • Most Books, CDs, videos etc. may be borrowed for 3 weeks. They may be renewed twice (unless recalled). Faculty, staff, and graduate students are eligible for long-term borrowing of books at some libraries, subject to holds/recalls. Inquire at individual libraries for policy details.
  • Most bound journals may be borrowed for 3 days. Renewals are not allowed.
  • Some current issues of journals may be borrowed for short periods of time (inquire at individual libraries for details). Renewals are not allowed.
  • Reserves are materials that have been placed in a special area of each library, often at the request of an instructor, because they are in high demand (for example, on a required reading list for a course); they can only be borrowed for short periods of time, or are restricted to in-library use to keep them accessible to everyone; loan periods vary from library to library and item to item. Renewals are not allowed.
  • Other materials may be borrowed that do not fall into these categories; borrowing periods may vary. Inquire at your home library. Here are some other things you should know about borrowing periods:
    • Reference books must be used in the library
    • Borrowing periods for all library materials may vary, depending upon the borrower's status (undergraduate student, graduate student, faculty, staff, etc.), the type of material, and the individual library. Always confirm due dates at the check-out desk when you are borrowing material.
Q: How do I renew books that I have already checked out? Back to Top
A: Check Your Account on the library home page (see Services, then Your Account), or via PAWS, and follow the prompts for renewing materials. Be sure to note your new due dates. Items can only be renewed twice.

Q: How do I put a hold/recall on a book that is checked out? Back to Top
A: A due date beside an item in the catalogue indicates it is checked out. If you would like to borrow it, you can click on Request Hold and follow the prompts to request it. You will then be notified when it has been returned, and how long it will be held for you. You may also request a hold on any item that has been checked out, including items on extended loan (see above); the long-term borrower is then required to return that book.

Q: Is there a limit to the total number of books I can have checked out? Back to Top
A: Yes, there is a limit which varies according to borrower status:
1) Students, Faculty, and Staff = 150 book limit
2) Affiliates = varies with organization
3) Alumni = 10 book limit
4) External Borrowers = 10 book limit

Q: Can I return library materials to any library on campus? Back to Top
A: Any materials can be returned to any U of S Library, except reserves which must be returned to their home library. Inquire at individual libraries for other material that might also be an exception.

Q: What happens if I return library material late? Back to Top
A: Fines are levied on overdue materials, as follows:
  • $1.00/hour for overdue reserve items
  • $1.00/day for overdue books and bound journals, CDs, videos etc.
  • $2.00/day for overdue recalled materials
  • Long overdue items: If you do not return an overdue item for an extended period, you will be sent a bill to cover the replacement cost (ie, purchase price) of the book, plus a non-refundable processing fee of $30.00, and a non-refundable billing fee of $10.00.
PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:
If your library fines reach or exceed $30.00, you will not be able to borrow library materials.
Outstanding library fines will also result in inability to register in future courses, receive marks or transcripts, or to graduate. Unpaid accounts may be referred to a collection agency.

Q: What happens if I lose or damage a library book? Back to Top
A: Report all lost or damaged books to the library. If you are unable to find the lost book, or the damaged book is not repairable, you will be billed for the replacement cost (ie, the purchase price) of the book plus a non-refundable processing fee of $30.00, and a non-refundable billing fee of $10.00.

Q: Where and how can I pay my library fines? Back to Top
A: You can pay your library fines at the check-out desk in the library during regular office hours (8-5), as well as evenings and weekends at most locations. You can pay in person with cash, VISA, MasterCard, and Debit Card, but not by cheque. Some libraries also accept credit card payment by Fax.

Q: Whom can I talk to if I have a question about a library fine? Back to Top
A: You can inquire at any check-out desk in the library - you might be referred to a Supervisor at the library where fines have accrued.

Q: Do fines on my account mean I can't borrow books? Back to Top
A: If your library fines reach or exceed $30.00, you will not be able to borrow library materials. Please note that outstanding library fines will also result in inability to register in future courses, receive marks or transcripts, or to graduate.