Loan services

You will need a TCard or library card to borrow from the libraries. For loan privileges relating to different types of library users, see Library cards and TCards. To borrow laptops, other devices, and accessories, see Technology loans.

Loan privileges  |  Renewals & returns   |  Request a hold   |  Recalls  |  Fines |  Fees for lost & damaged items 

Short term loan periods

These vary between 3, 5, 24, or 72 hours, and include Course Reserves items.

Audio/Video loan periods

14 day loan with no renewals

Designate a proxy borrower

• Faculty and staff may designate another library borrower to sign out items from the University of Toronto Libraries onto their account
• This service is also available to any library borrower unable to visit the libraries because of a disability
• Complete this application form to request this service

Renewals & returns

Unlimited renewals

• Current U of T students – including those in Continuing Education – faculty, and staff currently enjoy unlimited renewals for regular* loans
• Loans will only become due:
  • If another user makes a hold request for a checked out item(s)
  • If there is block on a user's account
  • If the user's borrowing privileges expire
• Users will be notified by email whenever an item they have borrowed must be returned to the Library
• *Not eligible for unlimited renewals: Course reserves and other short term loan items; audio/video items; and interlibrary loans

Automatic renewals

• Two days before an item is due, the system will automatically try to renew it on your behalf
• If the item is not eligible for renewal*, you will get an email asking you to return it
• If another borrower requests an item checked out to you, it will not be eligible for renewal – if the due date is more than 14 days away, your loan period will shorten to 14 days, and you will get a email asking you to return it

*Automatic renewals are not made when:

• The item is a short term loan, which include course reserves
• The item is an audio/video item – this applies to all patron types
• Someone else has requested the item
• The item is an interlibrary loan
• You are an alumni borrower – see table above

Returns

• Return your items to the library from which you borrowed them if possible
• Robarts Library outdoor book return: This book drop is located at street level to the left of the 130 St George Street entrance. Open 24 hours unless indicated otherwise.

Request a hold

Holds

• You may request a hold on items that are in the library as well as items which are checked out
• Items in storage: Requests may also be placed through LibrarySearch to borrow items in Robarts storage, as well as from our Downsview offsite storage facility
• To request a hold, sign in to LibrarySearch and find the item you want
• Select the GET IT option to request
• When you request a hold on a checked out item, the current borrower's loan period will shorten to 14 days, and they will get an email asking them to return it
• When your holds are ready, you will be notified by email, and will have up to 7 days to pick it up
• You can request items for pickup at the holding library, or for pickup at another library
• Each faculty member, staff person, and graduate student may place up to 25 concurrent hold requests before having to pick up their items
• Other types of users can place up to 10 concurrent hold requests before having to pick up their items

Exception

Short term loan items, including course reserves, are not requestable, i.e., holds cannot be placed on them.

Booking requests

• NEW! The BOOKING request type is now available from LibrarySearch, and is similar to a hold
• It allows you to request most DVDs and Blu-rays from Robarts Library, UTSC Library, East Asian Library, OISE Library, Kelly Library, and Downsview offsite storage for up to 14 days loan
• Unlike regular HOLDS requests, bookings can be placed up to one year in advance
• Currently available to U of T graduate students, faculty members, and staff

Items subject to recall

• If another borrower places a hold on an item that is checked out to you, it will be recalled
• Any loaned items may be subject to recall 
• Library users will receive email notification and be expected to return recalled item(s) within 14 days.
• If you do not return it within 14 days, you will be charged a fine of $2.00 per day until it is returned
• In addition, overdue recalls will prevent any further loans or renewals
• If you cannot return your materials on time due to circumstances beyond your control, email libraryhelp@utoronto.ca, or the owning library to make alternative arrangements and avoid fines.  

Fines

• Library privileges are withheld when your fines and/or fees reach $25.00 or greater
• Privileges are also withheld when short term loan items – including course reserves – are overdue by 24 hours or more
• Should you fail to return your items on time, fines will be incurred as follows:

How to pay

• Online: Sign in to LibrarySearch and pay fines from there
• In person: Visit the circulation desk of the library you borrowed the item from
• By telephone: Contact the library you borrowed the item from. 
• Robarts Fine Office: 416-978-5350

Forgiveness

Documentation may be required to reduce or forgive fines.

To dispute fees, contact the library from which the item originated.

The following reasons do not warrant fine forgiveness or reduction: 

• Forgot the due date
• Did not receive a courtesy or overdue notice
• Was unaware of library policies
• Borrowed the item for someone else
• Returned late by someone else
• Did not report TCard stolen

Fees for lost & damaged items

• Fees for lost and damaged items are charged to cover the cost of replacing or repairing the item
• Additional fees could be charged, depending on the situation
• Items which are not returned within 42 days of the due date will be deemed lost, and a replacement fee will be assigned
• Returning items in a damaged condition will result in damaged item fees

To dispute fees, contact the library from which the item originated.

How to pay

• Online: Sign in to LibrarySearch and pay fines from there
• In person: Visit the circulation desk of the library you borrowed the item from
• By telephone: Contact the library you borrowed the item from. 
• Robarts Fine Office: 416-978-5350