Borrowing Library Materials
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Who can borrow from the library?
Use of the University of Alberta Library is a privilege with associated responsibilities for all patrons.
Read our Community Expectations. You need a valid library card to borrow materials. Privileges vary according to member type. One library account per borrower.
Current U of A students, faculty and staff
Your ONEcard is your library card. Use it to access the library, check out materials. Please note, this also includes students and staff at St. Stephen's College and St. Joseph's College. Use your Campus Computing ID (CCID) to access e-resources.
- Membership term: Full length of your U of A studies or employment
- Item limit: Unlimited
- Interlibrary Loan service: no cost
Loan Periods for U of A Student, Staff and Faculty >>
Alumni
Request your ALUMNIcard by completing the form on the Alumni Benefits page or visit the ONEcard office. Bring your ALUMNIcard to any library service desk, along with photo ID, to be registered for library privileges.
- Membership term: 5 years
- Item limit: Unlimited
- Interlibrary Loan service: no cost
Continuing and Professional Education students
Continuing and Professional Education students enrolled in a diploma program may obtain a ONEcard from the ONEcard Office. These students have the same borrowing privileges as U of A students.
Continuing + Professional Education students in all other courses are considered Members of the Public (see below for library options for Members of the Public).
University of Calgary Social Work students
University of Calgary Bachelor of Social Work students receive a ONEcard and have the same borrowing privileges as U of A students. If your card has not been registered, please fill out this form: Account Inquiries.
University of Calgary Master of Social Work students are considered Members of the Public (see below for library options for Members of the Public).
NEOS Member Libraries
Those affiliated with a NEOS member library may borrow materials from the University of Alberta Library collection using a library card issued by their local library.
- Membership term: Duration of your studies or employment at a NEOS institution or library
- Item limit: 30 items
- Interlibrary Loan service: no cost
- Requirements: Please provide your NEOS institution card (e.g. student or employee card) and proof of address for account registration
Loan Periods for NEOS Member Libraries >>
Members of the Public and The Alberta Library (TAL) Borrowers
Members of the Public are eligible for the following card options:
Member of the Public Borrower Card
Visit any Library Service Desk to be registered.
- Membership term: 1 year
- Cost: free
- Borrow from: U of A and NEOS Libraries
- Requirements: valid photo ID and proof of current Canadian address (a driver's license is ideal)
The Alberta Library (TAL) Card
- Membership term: 1 year
- Borrow from: U of A and most NEOS Libraries (some exceptions apply)
- Cost: free
- Requirements: valid photo ID and proof of current Canadian address (a driver's license is ideal)
- Return items to any TAL location
Obtain a free TAL card at your local library OR present your TAL member library card at any U of A Library Service Desk. Current U of A students, faculty, and staff can obtain a free TAL card by requesting one at any Library Service Desk (ONEcard required). Your TAL card provides the following library privileges:
External Researchers
Reciprocal Borrowing Agreements
The University of Alberta Library has entered into reciprocal borrowing agreements as part of the following agreements. These agreements allow affiliates of member institutions to visit and borrow materials from each other's libraries.
Canadian University and College LibrariesThe Canadian University Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement (CURBA) gives library access to students and faculty at participating institutions.
- COPPUL card
If you are a University of Alberta researcher or student, please request a COPPUL Card at any U of A Library Service Desk before your visit to another CURBA member library. Present this card at the CURBA library you visit.
The OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing program gives access to U of A collections for faculty members from participating US libraries. Borrowing policies including loan periods, fines and renewals may vary depending on the institution.
- Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program Card
Faculty planning on visiting one of these libraries should obtain a Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program Card by contacting the Interlibrary Loans/Document Delivery Office, 1-110 Rutherford Library or ill@ualberta.ca.