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Request from Other Libraries

The library provides an Interlibrary loan service which can be used to obtain research materials (books, journal articles, etc.) from a wide range of sources outside of Laurier. Requests can be submitted through the Omni catalogue.

For items that are not available in the Omni catalogue, requests can be placed through a Resource Sharing Request Form. Delivery times vary depending on the item but are typically 5 - 10 business days for items in Canada. International delivery times will vary. 

How to Search and Request Books from Omni Libraries

There are three groupings of libraries you can request items from in the Omni catalogue.

Laurier and Laurier+Waterloo+Guelph have 2-3 business day delivery times while Laurier+Omni has 5-10 business day delivery times.

These groupings are called "search scopes' and they will automatically appear as options in the drop down box in the simple search once a search term is typed in. They are also viewable as options along the top of the advanced search screen window.

  • Laurier Libraries (search for specific titles at any of the Laurier Libraries)
  • Laurier+Waterloo+Guelph Libraries (limit the scope to find materials located at Laurier, University of Waterloo and/or the University of Guelph Libraries)
    • Under the "How to Get It" section on the full record display screen, you will see a prompt to make a resource sharing request for items held at the University of Waterloo or the University of Guelph" labelled "Borrow from another Omni Library". Note: You must be signed in using your Laurier Network credentials to see the relevant and available request options, otherwise only the "Request it via interlibrary loan" service will display.
  • Laurier+Omni Libraries (scope searches all eligible circulating books at any of the Omni libraries)
  • Video tutorial on how to request books from other libraries in Omni

From Universities Outside of Omni Libraries (Interlibrary Loans)

Interlibrary loans (ILL) is a service available to registered students, faculty, and staff of Wilfrid Laurier University. Alumni and community borrowers can obtain ILL service from their local public library. 

On March 20th, 2023, we launched a new Resource Sharing Request Form for all interlibrary loan requests. The Resource Sharing Request Form allows us to deliver articles and requests for book chapters within 24 hours for most requested items and allows us to reach more Interlibrary Loan partners across the world for all types of requests, including requests for books.

Physical items will be delivered to Laurier Library (Waterloo) for pick-up on the main floor of the Library, in Brantford at the Brantford Public Library, or in Kitchener at the Social Work library (for current FSW students, staff and faculty only). Book chapters and article requests will be delivered digitally to your Laurier email address.

Library staff at the user services desk will be happy to orient you to the new links and Omni ILL request form beginning on March 20th, 2023. Drop by during our service hours or contact us by email at libraryhelp@wlu.ca  for more information and support

Interlibrary loan fines and fees

Late returns

$1 per day for each item returned after the due date will be applied to your library account

Non-pickups

A fee of $5 for each item not picked up, plus additional charges incurred by the Laurier Libraries for charges invoice by the lending libraries, may also be applied to your library account.

Lending Information for Non OCUL/Alma Libraries

  • If you do not use an Interlibrary loan management system or have a system that is not compatible with our Alma system you can use this link to place your requests
  • Items not available for loan are Audiovisual material, maps, electronic books, periodicals, reference materials, special collection material and theses

Contacts

Office location : Room 3-318

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Email: libraryhelp@wlu.ca  

Phone: 1-548-889-3522

Mailing address: Interlibrary Loans, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5

Codes: NUC (CaOWTL), OCLC (W2U), National Library (OWTL)