Can I borrow from the Algonquin College Library?

You can borrow items and access digital resources if you are a student, staff, or faculty at Algonquin College.

Alumni, community members, and Smart Library participants have limited borrowing privileges. For more information, read our information about services and resources for Alumni and Community members.

It’s my first semester. When can I start borrowing from the Library?

You should be able to borrow right away, as soon as you get your student number and your tuition fees have been paid. If you’re borrowing print material, you will also need your AC card.

Can I access the Library digital resources?

Students, staff and faculty at Algonquin College can access our digital resources. Alumni and community members do not have access to the digital resources.

Your Library Account will permit you to renew print books and cds, request books and cds, borrow from other campus libraries, and access digital resouces.

Do I need a Library card?

Yes, you need a library card to borrow physical items from the on-campus Libraries. Your AC Card acts as your Library card. Click here to learn more about the AC Card.

For how long can I borrow an item?

The length of time for which you can borrow is different depending on what you are borrowing.

Loan periods:

For more information, view our full table of loan periods.

Can I place a hold on an item I want to borrow?

Placing a hold on an item (e.g. a book) reserves that item for you. Some of the reasons you might place a hold on an item are:

To place a hold on an item, you need to log in to Page 1+ with your network ID and password. For further instructions about how to request and pick up your items, read Borrowing items: Placing a hold on an item.

For faculty information, see the Faculty and Staff Guide.

What will I be charged if I don’t return items on time?

The fines for overdue items depend on what you borrow. The fines are as follows:

If an item is more than 80 days overdue, you will be charged the cost of the item plus a processing fee. For more information on fines, see Overdue fines: Cost and payment.

What will I be charged if I lose an item that I borrowed?

The fines for lost items vary. They include the value of the material plus a $10 processing fee. For more information on fines, see Overdue fines: Cost and payment.

How do I pay my overdue fines?

If you need to pay a fine, please visit your campus library Front Desk. If you are unable to make it to campus, please email us at library@algonquincollege.com and we will respond within regular business hours.

Can I extend the due date for items I’ve borrowed?

Renewing an item extends the length of time that you can borrow that item. Most items may be renewed twice. Material borrowed may be renewed under the following conditions:

Students and employees can renew materials in the following ways:

Alumni and members of the community can renew items that they have borrowed from the Algonquin Library by contacting us.

For more information on how to renew, read Renewals: Renewing your items.

Where can I return books that I borrowed?

Books may be returned to the Library drop boxes. Drop boxes are located at the following campus locations:

• Ottawa campus: Items can be returned to the Library Front Desk (Room C350) during business hours or you can place your items in the drop box found on the side of the front desk in Room C350 or the drop box located on the 2nd floor of C building. Do not leave items on top of the desk or anywhere else in the library.
• Pembroke campus: During business hours, return items to the Library Main Desk. After hours, please return items to the drop box located just outside the Library main doors (Room 145).
• Perth campus: During business hours, return items to the Library Main Desk. After hours, return your items to the drop slot located at the doors of the Library.

Can I have a book at another AC campus brought to my campus?

You can borrow books that are in the collection of another Algonquin College campus library and pick them up at your campus. This is called an Intercampus loan.

To borrow an item, request the item through Page 1+ and set the campus to your campus.

For further instructions about how to request and pick up your items, read Borrowing items: Requesting an item.

Can I get access to a resource that isn’t in the Algonquin College Library collection?

Yes. Students, staff, and faculty at Algonquin College can borrow from other libraries in two ways:

Note: loaning library policies may vary from that of Algonquin College’s. Please make yourself aware of these differences (especially those concerning fees and fines, as these apply) by visiting the website of the loaning library.

How do I renew something I borrowed from another institution?

Material that is borrowed from another library directly or through Interlibrary loan are subject to the owning library’s policy on renewals.

Below are the methods of renewing items for each borrowing method:

For more information, see our Borrowing from other libraries: How to borrow directly or request an interlibrary loan FAQ.

How do I return something I borrowed from another institution?

Below are the methods of returning items for each borrowing method:

Can I get a resource in an alternative format?

We can obtain digital copies of books in order to assist users with perceptual disabilities. Complete the Accessible Library Book Request Form to request a Library book in an accessible digital format. You must know the title of the book to make the request, and the book must be part of the AC Library collection.

What other accommodations does the Library provide to help me access resources?

The Library provides the following accessibility services to assist users with disabilities:

For information on these services and how to request assistance, visit our Library Accessibility Guide.