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.
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!
RACER, the Library’s Interlibrary Loan system, is used when requested physical items are not available at any of the 18 Omni libraries, as well as for electronic resource requests.
How do I request an item?
Two ways:
1. When you discover a book or article in Omni that isn’t available at Brock, choose ‘Check for available services’ to request the item. Choose ‘The library doesn’t have book? Request it via Interlibrary Loan’. The form will automatically add all the required information, just fill in your RACER user ID and password to submit the request.
2. If you already know the citation information for an item the library does have access to, you can go directly to the Article and Book request forms to fill in the form and submit your request.
What can I request?
Books, book chapters, journal articles, government publications, conference proceedings, reports, Canadian theses, and microfilm / microfiche can be requested through RACER.
We are unable to request entire journal issues, entire ebooks, audiovisual material, reference material, and maps through RACER.
How much does it cost?
The Library subsidizes the costs of obtaining research materials within Canada. Community and Alumni are charged on a cost recovery basis for books and microform materials.
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 is my user ID and password?
Your RACER User ID is your Brock ID number. Your password is one that you created when you registered for your RACER account.
I forgot my password, how do I change it?
Visit the Ask Us Desk or phone 905-688-5550 x4583 and staff will help you change your password.
I didn’t find my item, how do I request it?
Create a request in RACER using the ‘Blank Request Form’ on the left hand toolbar under ‘My Account.’
Do I need to know which library has my item before I request it?
No, Interlibrary Loan staff will locate the material for you.
Why was my request cancelled?
Articles and books that are available at James A. Gibson Library are typically cancelled. Items that are not available at a Canadian library are typically cancelled for undergraduates.
When do I have to return my items?
The due date appears on the book band. Please check the Library’s Borrowing Policies for overdue or lost interlibrary loan books.
Journal articles are yours to keep.
How does copyright work with RACER?
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/RACER?
Borrowing from other libraries is not available to Brock alumni or community members. Visit your local public library for interlibrary loan services.
