How do I get a library card?
How do I connect from home?
How do I find books, journal articles and other resources?
How do I order a book or journal article?
How much does it cost?
How long does it take to receive materials from the library?
How long do I have a book for?
How do I place a hold? (requesting material that is currently signed-out)
How do I return a book to the library?
What if I require an extra return address label?
How do I renew my library items online?
What happens if I don't return my books on time?
How do I pay my library fines?
Are there restrictions on what types of materials I can borrow?
How can I borrow material the UofS Library does not own?
What is my Username and Password, to access online resources (online articles, e-books, etc.)?
How do I cite my references?
How do I contact the library to request materials or ask for assistance?
Also see the general Borrowing Library Materials - Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
How much does it cost?
All Off-Campus Library Services are provided at no charge to students or faculty.
How long does it take to receive materials from the library?
It usually takes about a week between the time we receive your request and the time you receive the material. Start your research early!
How long do I have a book for?
The loan period is generally five weeks from the signout date, allowing 3 weeks for use and a week at either end for delivery. Borrowers are allowed two renewals, providing that no other requests have been placed on the title. It is important to note that all borrowers are guaranteed a loan period of 7 days, after which the material is subject to recall. Please be aware that fines will accumulate for overdue material ($1.00/day/item) and that fines for failing to return recalled materials are quite hefty ($2.00/day/item). Interlibrary Loans (ILL) are generally three week loans (fines for ILLs are $2.00/day/item).
How do I place a hold? (requesting material that is currently signed-out)
Please contact us (select the appropriate branch) and we will place a hold on the item for you. Please DO NOT use the "Request Hold" function in the library catalogue.
How do I renew my library items online?
Library users may renew their own materials online. All material may be renewed except for materials on reserve and journals. For books, two renewals are permitted, providing that no other requests have been placed on the title.
Follow these steps (starting from PAWS or the Library home page):
1a. From PAWS, select the Library tab. Under Library Account, click on the Library Account Details button; or,
1b. From the Library home page, log in to your Library Account in the upper left corner and click on Details...
2. If not the default view, click the Items currently checked out link to view the materials you have checked out.
3. Select the materials you want to renew by checking the boxes in the RENEW column and then click the Renew Selected button. If you want to renew everything, click the Renew All button.
4. If you cannot renew items, a message will appear on the screen. If you are successful, a new due date will appear in the STATUS column. Always check the STATUS column for information on the success or failure of your renewal.
What happens if I don't return my books on time?
Please be aware that fines will accumulate for overdue material. See the Loan and Fine Policy for fine details and payment methods.
Are there restrictions on what types of materials I can borrow?
Yes. Materials from the Reference Collection, Reserve Room, and Special Collections are not available for loan. Theses and dissertations, as well as journals do not circulate. In the case of journals, we will sent photocopies of the requested articles. There are no photocopying charges for off-campus students
How can I borrow material the UofS Library does not own?
For materials not at the U of S Library, please complete an interlibrary loan form and we will request it from another library on your behalf. Allow at least two weeks for delivery of interlibrary loan (ILL) materials. The loan period for interlibrary loans is generally three weeks, including shipping time. When requesting an ILL please note in the Additional Information field that you are an Off Campus student and include your current contact information.
What is my Username and Password, to access online resources (online articles, e-books, etc.)?
Your NSID and password allow you to access online resources. If you do not have your NSID and/or password contact the ITS Help Desk toll free (in Canada) at 1-800-966-4817.
How do I contact the library to request materials or ask for assistance?
To request materials or ask questions about requesting materials, mailing procedures, your account, etc. select the appropriate OCLS branch, below. If you are not sure which branch to choose, select Murray.
Murray
Education & Music
Health Sciences
For research assistance use the links below.
