Returning + Renewing Materials

Where to return library materials

  • Return Drop-off Boxes
    • Cameron Library
    • Rutherford Library
    • Weir Law Library
    • Sperber Library
    • Bibliotheque Saint Jean
  • Any Library Service Desk
  • TAL Libraries (including Edmonton Public Library)
    Please note: We strongly recommend returning books to University of Alberta library locations. It can take a couple weeks for the book to return to the U of A from other library systems, and in the meantime, the book remains on your account. This means you may receive multiple overdue notices and fines notices, and there is a risk that your borrowing privileges may be suspended if the return process is delayed.

Recalls

If requested by others, your borrowed items will be recalled:

  • If a book that you are borrowing gets recalled, you will receive an email with the Subject: "Library Due Date Update"
  • You have 7 days to return the recalled item(s)
  • Recall notices are not sent for items that are already overdue
  • Library account is blocked after 1 day over the recall due date

Email Reminders and Notifications

  • Due date reminder (3 days before)
  • Due date reminder (on due date)
    • For UA Students, Employees, and Alumni, your item will be automatically renewed if you do not return it. Automatic renewals will continue until the 24-month maximum borrowing period has been reached.
    • Items that have been recalled and have holds on them will not be automatically renewed. You will be notified if other users have holds at time of borrowing or by a recall notice.
    • For NEOS and Community Borrowers, you must manually renew any items that you want to borrow for longer. Any items that have been requested by other library users cannot be renewed. Please check the loan periods for your User Group or Ask Us to find out renewal limits.
  • Overdue items reminder (at 2 / 21 / 28 days overdue)
  • 31 days overdue (7 days before and on the day the Lost Item Charge will block your account. $150/item.)
  • Recalled item (UA Students & Employees only): 7 days to return it
  • Course Materials (UA Students & Employees only): Due time sent at time of check-out. Block applied at 31 minutes overdue.
  • Hold ready for pick-up
  • Monthly summary of fines owed