Delivery Services

Obtaining articles, books & more

As a registered Distance Services patron, you can place a request in two ways…

1. Search the Library catalogue

When the item is in our collection, make a request directly from our search results using “Retrieve Catalogue Item/Place Hold” and select “University of Alberta Distance Services” from the drop down pickup library.


2. Place a request using Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Once logged in, complete the blank fields with your reference information.

When logged into ILL, check My Requests for updates on the status of your request. It may take staff some time to locate the item that is needed. Electronic materials can typically be delivered to your inbox within the week. We will mail physical materials to you, once received. Contact depository@ualberta.ca for more information.

Need help searching? Check out the UofA Library Search Guide


Reciprocal Borrowing Agreements

You can also borrow books from your local library anywhere in Canada. The University of Alberta has reciprocal borrowing agreements with other institutions. Check if these apply to your local libraries:

ONEcard - Your ONEcard allows you to obtain books from the UofA Library and NEOS member libraries. You can request books through our catalogues, but you can also borrow them in person with your ONEcard.

TAL card - You can borrow materials from any Alberta library that is a member of The Alberta Library (TAL). To obtain your TAL card, contact Interlibrary Loan via email at ill@ualberta.ca.

COPPUL card - UofA students, faculty, and staff may borrow materials directly from university and college libraries across Canada, using the COPPUL card. To obtain your COPPUL card, contact Interlibrary Loan via email at ill@ualberta.ca.

You can also obtain a TAL/COPPUL card at a Service Desk at the UofA Library in-person.


Returning Books

Avoid fines. Return your items on time*

  1. using the enclosed mailing envelope
    1. Attach the Canada Post prepaid return label that was included in delivery
  2. bringing materials into any University of Alberta library

If you run out of packaging and labels, please contact depository@ualberta.ca

*To avoid fines, return items prior to the due date, leaving enough time for us to receive the item prior to it being due (3-4 days). Sometimes, due to mailing time and recalls, your borrowing period is shortened too much. In this case, just let us know by emailing us at depository@ualberta.ca and we'll ensure you can have the item for a minimum of two weeks.

If you're a registered distance student/faculty member, have items that you borrowed directly at the University of Alberta and need to return them via mail, please contact depository@ualberta.ca for your options.

If you're not a registered distance student/faculty member, have items that you borrowed directly at the University of Alberta and need to return them via mail, please mail them to:

RCRF
University of Alberta
6304 115A Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 2V8


Loan Periods/Renewals

Books held by the UofA Library:

  • Term loan (Loans will be up to Jan. 31, May 30, or Sept. 30, and must be received by the library by the due date).
  • Note that all items are subject to recall. If your item has been recalled, and you need to return the item before you've had the item for two weeks, please contact us at depository@ualberta.ca.

There is a maximum 4 renewals for UofA books as long as there are no requests (holds)


Books held by other NEOS libraries:

  • 3 weeks for all borrowers (includes delivery time to you and back to Library)

Note: the UofA Library must first obtain these materials from the owning library before sending them on to you, which will take up to 5 working days. There is a maximum of two 2-week renewals for NEOS books as long as there are no requests (holds).


Books through Interlibrary Loan (green band):

  • Interlibrary loan books are NOT renewable through My Account, contact Interlibrary Loan via email at ill@ualberta.ca.


Avoid Fines

  • Renew & return materials on time
  • Check My Account for due dates
  • Check your @ualberta.ca email for Due Date notices