Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
COVID-19
- Is the library open?
- How do I request a book in Omni?
- How long does it take to get the books I need?
- Where do I return my books?
- How do I get course reserve material?
- Can I request items from other university libraries?
- How many items can I take out at once?
- How long can I borrow an item for?
- Can I access resources when I’m off campus?
- How can I pay my overdue fines?
- Whom do I contact about issues with my library account?
- I’ve requested some library books, but I don’t have my student ID yet. What should I do?
- How do I get an alumni or community borrower library card?
Search the library collection in Omni.
- Once you have found the item you'd like to request, sign in and then click "Request."
- Under "Pickup Location" select "Curbside Pickup" or "Home Delivery."
- You will receive an email with further directions once the item has been processed. Please wait until you receive this email before coming to the library.
- Please see Library Services during COVID-19 for more information.
We will make every effort to provide access to library items as quickly as possible while ensuring the health and safety of both you and our staff.
- Hold requests for U of G books - Holds will be fulfilled within 48 hours. If we cannot find the item within 48 hours, we will seek an alternate copy (e.g. purchase on demand).
- Recalled books - Patrons are given 7 days to return their book to the library. If a patron cannot return their book in time, library staff will seek an alternate copy (e.g. purchase on demand).
- Returned books - All books that are returned to the library must undergo a 72-hour quarantine period. Items in quarantine will not appear as available in Omni until they are released from quarantine at which time any requests for these items will be fulfilled within 48 hours.
The book return bins can be found in two locations: the front doors of the library and at the library's loading dock. The bins are accessible 24/7.
Access to the loading dock is off of Gordon Street at the back of the library. Please note that the book return bin at the loading dock is not wheelchair accessible. Patrons who require assistance can contact library@uoguelph.ca.
Yes. Current U of G students, staff and faculty can request physical items from Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo.
- Request items through Omni.
- You can select pickup as either curbside pickup or home delivery.
- You will receive an email notification when the item is ready. (Note: the email comes from the library you requested the item from).
Most users can borrow up to 500 items, including 2 DVDs at a time.
Borrowing is currently suspended for Alumni and Community Borrowers.
See our Borrowing Policy for more information.
Most users can borrow:
- Books for 120 days
- DVDs for 14 days
Borrowing is currently suspended for Alumni and Community Borrowers.
See Borrowing Policy for more information.
Yes. Registered U of G students, faculty and staff can access library resources via Omni (and other databases) from anywhere at any time. Sign in to get full access.
- Community borrowers cannot login to Omni due to licensing restrictions imposed by online publishers
- Alumni have online access to a subset of our electronic resources
- Registered distance education students, see Distance Education
- For users affiliated with the university, please see Sponsored Users and the Service Summary Table; please note the sponsoring department or unit on campus is responsible for requesting sponsored accounts - this is not done by the Library
Library fines can only be paid over the phone using VISA or Mastercard. Call the Ask Us Desk at (519) 824 - 4120 x53618.
If you are a new student and have not been issued your UG ID card, you may not yet have been entered into our library system. Library staff will need to create a temporary library account for you before you can get your books. Please contact us at library@uoguelph.ca
Alumni and Community borrower cards cannot be issued at this time. During COVID-19, access to the library and the print collection is restricted to current UG students, faculty and staff.
Alumni may request electronic access to some U of G e-resources.
Community borrowers and Alumni can explore our Open Access resources.