Applies to all current USask students, faculty and staff:

  • Your USask ID card is your library card. If your card is lost or stolen, report it right away.
  • You can borrow from any of our library locations and the STM Shannon Library.
  • You have full access to electronic resources (e-books, articles, journals, and databases), items on course reserve, and the interlibrary loans service.
  • You can borrow up to 150 items at a time. 
  • When you recall an item, we will hold it for 8 days after it is returned by the current borrower. If you do not pick it up it will go to the next person in the queue or back onto the shelf. 

All library notices (return date reminders, recall notices, hold notifications, etc.) are sent to your official USask email address. It is important to keep your contact information up to date in My Profile so you will receive these important notices.

Check your library account for due dates, renewals, fines, holds, and your personal access to ILL, extended loans, and electronic resources.

Loan periods

Books and other physical items

  • Books and print journals - most books and print journals can be borrowed for 30 days. You are guaranteed a 7 day loan, after which time the book can be recalled by another borrower. You can renew your books up to two times as long as no one else recalls them using the REQUEST ITEM FOR PICKUP button. 
  • Extended loans - grad students, faculty, and staff receive an October 1st due date on library items that normally circulate for 30 days, except journals which only circulate for 30 days. These extended loans may still be recalled after 7 days. Extended loans can be renewed twice as long as there are no recalls on the title.
  • Interlibrary Loans (ILL) - most ILL materials can be borrowed for 30 days. Loan periods are determined by the lending library so some items may differ. If you would like to request a renewal on your ILL items, please contact the ILL team for assistance before the item’s due date. See the resource sharing page for more information.

What is a recall?

A recall occurs when someone requests a book you currently have out from the library. If an item that you have signed out is recalled by another user, a recall notice will be sent to your USask email address. If your original due date is more than 7 days away, a new due date will be assigned to the items included in the email. If your original due date is less than 7 days away, you must return them by the original due date.

If you still need the book, you will not be able to renew it but you can recall it yourself. Make sure to return recalled items on time to avoid late fines.

If you recall a book, the person who has it out must return it within 7 days. You will get an email letting you know when it's ready to pick up.

Library fines

The University Library has eliminated late fines for most library items. You are still expected to return items on time so we can make sure everyone has access to the resources they need. There are a few types of materials that will result in fines if they are returned late: 

  • Recalled items - Items that you have signed out may be requested by another user. If this happens, a recall notice will be sent to your USask email address. If your original due date is more than 7 days away, a new due date will the assigned to the items included in the email. If your original due date is less than 7 days away, you must return them by the original due date. Renewals are unavailable for items that have been recalled. Recalled items returned after their due date will accrue late fines at a rate of $2 per day up to a maximum of $50 per item. 
  • Course Reserve - Late course reserve items will accrue fines at a rate of $2 per hour up to a maximum of $100 per item. Course Reserve items must be returned to the same location they were borrowed from. 
  • Interlibrary loans - Late ILL items accrue fines at a rate of $5 per day. 
  • Lost, damaged, or missing items - If you lose or damage library materials you are responsible for the cost of replacing the item. If the lost item has been recalled by another borrower and has accrued late fines you will be responsible for these late fines as well. Report lost or damaged items right away to avoid additional late fines. 

Pay library fines

Once you have accrued $30 in library fines your borrowing privileges are automatically suspended.

If you have any outstanding library fines you will not be able to apply to graduate, receive marks and transcripts, or borrow more items. Unpaid accounts may be referred to a collection agency. 

You can visit any of our library services desks to pay in person, or you can pay your library fines by phone using VISA or MasterCard. 

You can view your current fine status in your library account.