What is reciprocal borrowing?

Reciprocal borrowing provides a mechanism for an individual from one library to borrow, in-person, materials from another library. The University of Saskatchewan Library is a member of various consortia that permit reciprocal borrowing privileges at almost all Canadian academic libraries and many academic libraries in the United States.

What privileges are available at other Canadian university libraries?

There is currently a National Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement in place that ensures that faculty, staff, and students from participating Canadian universities are permitted in-person access to the library collections of other participating universities. All participating universities provide in-person borrowing privileges to faculty and graduate students of other participating universities. Most universities also provide the same or similar access to staff and undergraduate students. Check reciprocal privileges at Canadian universities.

How do I apply for reciprocal borrowing privileges at another Canadian university library?

If you anticipate taking advantage of reciprocal borrowing privileges at another university, you must request a special identification card before you leave. The staff at the checkout desk of any campus library can provide you with a card that identifies you as a qualifying borrower from a western Canadian university. You must present this card (a COPPUL card) at the library you intend to use before they will extend privileges to you.

What privileges are available at U.S. academic libraries?

Through the U of S Library's association with OCLC and the Association of Research Libraries, reciprocal borrowing privileges are extended to U of S faculty at many research libraries across North America. Privileges vary from institution to institution and it is best to check with the institution that you plan to use before you leave.

How do I apply for reciprocal borrowing privileges at U.S. academic libraries?

Before you leave, you must request a special identification card (OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program card) from the staff at the checkout desk of any U of S library. Present this card for services at the library of the institution you plan to use.

What privileges are available to researchers visiting the U of S Library?

Borrowers from other member institutions under agreement with the U of S Library have access to the following services:

Borrow materials

• 25 item limit
• standard loan periods apply
• most collections available but no access to the Reserve Collection
• 10 book hold (recall) limit

Interlibrary Loans

• free access

E-resource access

• generally through home institution library
• some access from on campus and library public workstations
• access to wireless internet available through Eduroam

All reciprocal borrowers must present appropriate identification to receive privileges at the U of S Library. In most cases, this will include an identification card from their home library consortium (COPPUL, OCUL, CREPUQ, CAUL, or OCLC).

The U of S Library fines policy applies to reciprocal borrowers. Unpaid fine balances are reported to the borrower's home library for collection.