Canadian University Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement


How do I get a reciprocal borrowing card? (for students and faculty)

 

CONTENTS:

 

Introduction

Effective May 1, 2002, Canadian university libraries have agreed to extend in-person borrowing privileges to students, faculty and staff from across the country. All that is required for borrowing is a valid university identification card or a valid participating regional consortia card. Students, faculty and staff should check with the library of their home institution to ensure they have the appropriate identification before visiting another Canadian university library.

Reciprocal borrowing privileges are determined by each lending (host) library and usually provide shorter loan periods than those available at the individual's home library. Some library materials such as periodicals, videos, and books on course reserve may not be available for loan.

Other library services may be available in addition to borrowing privileges and some fees may apply. Students, faculty and staff should inquire at each host library regarding services available to visiting library users.

The lending library's regulations related to loan periods, renewal and recall procedures, and fines will apply to all loans. Lost or damaged materials should be reported to the library from which the item was borrowed. Students, faculty and staff are responsible for paying any fines, lost book charges or processing charges incurred.

 

Graduate Students, Faculty and Staff

Graduate students, faculty and staff are entitled to borrowing privileges at participating libraries. Charges may apply. NOTE: University of Toronto introduced fees for direct borrowers on October 1, 2009. See http://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/external-researchers for more information.

 

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students are entitled to borrowing privileges at most participating libraries.

There are some exceptions in Ontario. The University of Toronto does not lend to undergraduates from other institutions (both inside and outside Ontario). The Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) also does not lend to undergraduates except for students from Ryerson University and York University. These two universities do not lend to undergraduates from the University of Toronto.

 

Identification Required for Reciprocal Borrowing 

The type of library identification required for reciprocal borrowing is determined by each participating consortium. The information below indicates what identification is required by students, faculty and staff based in the various regions or provinces. For example, students, faculty and staff based in the Atlantic provinces should obtain a CAUL-CBUA card to present at other Canadian university libraries. Students, faculty and staff based in the western provinces should obtain a COPPUL card. These cards can be obtained from the library of the home institution.

Students, faculty and staff should check with the library of their home institution to ensure they have the appropriate identification before visiting another Canadian university library.

CAUL/CBUA: Council of Atlantic University Libraries/Conseil des Bibliothèques Universitaires de l'Atlantique
(New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland)

BCI: Conférence des recteurs et des principaux des universités du Québec
(Québec)

OCUL: Ontario Council of University Libraries
(Ontario)

  • a valid library card from a member institution or an IUBP (Inter-University Borrowing Project) card. OCUL libraries may require collateral picture ID (preferably a driver's license), in addition to a library card, for reciprocal borrowing. Please check individual library websites for their requirements.

    Note: Students, faculty and staff from Ontario libraries are expected to present an IUBP card to Quebec libraries.

COPPUL: Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries
(British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba)