Borrowing Privileges - Members of the Public

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). Some specialized material may not be available to visitors. 4* $1.00/day
U of A Reserve items 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, other than periodicals 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

How to Avoid Fines:

  • Return materials on time
  • Check your date due slip or My Account
  • Check your @ualberta.ca email for Recall and Due Date notices
  • Renew material online at My Account or by calling the library at 780-492-4174 / Augustana: 780-679-1156.
  • Plan for out of town stays by returning material that might be recalled before you leave

Paying Fines:

Fines payments are no longer accepted at UAlberta Library Service desks. Below are the options for paying Library fines:

  • Self-service machines: Credit or debit card payment only at machines in Rutherford, Cameron, Coutts (Education), John Walter Scott (Health Sciences), and Bibliotheque Saint-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; if fine amount is less than $5.00 the balance will be added to your ONEcard. Please refer to InfoLink website for hours of operation.
  • By Mail: Make cheques payable to University of Alberta Library; include your ONEcard 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 780-492-8320, 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 Members of the Public:

Eligible for one of three card options:

1. External Borrower Card - free
Available at any UALibrary Service desk.

Membership term: 1 year - with valid photo ID and proof of current Canadian address (a driver's license is ideal)
Borrow 30 items from UAL collection and other NEOS libraries

2. Your Home Public Library Card
Register your current card from your home public library at any UAL Service desk.

Membership term: 1 year - with valid photo ID and proof of current Canadian address (a driver's license is ideal)
Borrow 30 items from UAL collection and other NEOS libraries

3. The Alberta Library (TAL) Card

Borrowed items can be returned at any NEOS member library.


Access to U of A Libraries Online Resources

Visitors to U of Alberta Libraries may access library licensed online resources on-site only. To access online resources via library computer terminals or via the U of Alberta wireless network, obtain a Temporary Network ID by presenting your photo ID with proof of a Canadian address at any library Service Desk.
For more info see: Temporary Network IDs.

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 client group.

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