Borrow From Other Libraries

When Brock Library does not own a copy of a book or have access to a particular article or other item, students, staff and faculty can borrow from another library at no additional charge. Brock Library provides this service in two ways:

As one of 18 Omni partner libraries, with a collection of nearly 25.3 million resources, this is the fastest and easiest way to borrow physical items from another library.

1. Log in and search Brock Library + Omni Libraries

Omni will scan across all 18 partner libraries for your item.

2. Request the item

After locating the item in, click on ‘Get it from another library’ and complete the form.

Can’t find it Omni? Use our Blank Request Form and we’ll do our best to locate the item.

3. Wait for your pickup notice

The lending library will email you when the item is ready for pickup.

Where can I pick up or drop off my items?

You can pick up and return your items at any partner school.

Example: As a Brock member, you request a book from Carleton, but instead of using the James A. Gibson Library as your pickup location, you can select Queen’s.  When you’re done with the item, and you find yourself in Ottawa, you can return your item to U of Ottawa.

How long can I borrow the item(s) for?

All Omni partners are entitled to the same loan periods.  That’s 120 days!

Logos of the 18 Universities in the Omni consortium

When requested physical items are not available at our Omni-partner libraries; and for all electronic resource requests, please complete a blank request form for your item.

Are you collaborating on a Systematic Review, Scoping Review or other Evidence Synthesis Research Project?

If so, you may need to request a large volume of articles which are not available directly from the Brock Library. These may be requested through our interlibrary loan (ILL) service. Our team at the Library are happy to support you in this phase of the project.

What can I request?

Books, book chapters, journal articles, government publications, conference proceedings, reports, Canadian theses, and microfilm / microfiche can be requested.

We are unable to request entire journal issues, entire ebooks, audiovisual material, reference material, or maps.

How much does it cost?

The Library subsidizes the costs of obtaining research materials within Canada.

The Library will subsidize $25 toward any U.S. or international requests for Brock faculty, graduate students, and staff.

How long does it take?

Journal articles typically arrive within 1-3 business days. Books typically arrive within 3-5 business days, but may take longer depending on the lending library.

What happened to RACER?

The RACER software that has supported interlibrary loan activity for over 20 years, has reached end-of-life and has been discontinued.

How does copyright work with Interlibrary Loan?

Copies of articles or documents provided through interlibrary loan are made according to the limits specified under Canadian copyright law, or under license from electronic resource providers. Current Brock students, faculty, and staff may request a single copy of one article from one journal issue, or more than one article provided that the total number of pages does not exceed 10% of the issue. If your request exceeds the limit, you will be advised that your request cannot be filled.

Systematic, cumulative copying is prohibited. Submission of the interlibrary loan request constitutes agreement that the materials received will be used for the purpose of education, research, or private study only, and that the requester has not previously received a copy of the article/document being requested.

I’m a Brock Alumn, may I request items through Interlibrary loan?

Borrowing from other libraries is not available to Brock alumni or community members. Visit your local public library for interlibrary loan services.

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Questions?

Contact us via email at libill@brocku.ca