The library's borrowing policies are designed to provide equitable access to our library resources. Through our partnerships with other libraries (Omni and beyond), we are happy to assist Lakehead students, faculty and staff locate the resources they require for their research, teaching and learning. Alumni, retirees and the community are also welcome to utilize our collections, but priority will be given to the needs of active Lakehead University members.
- Borrowing from Lakehead Library
Students, staff and faculty
You can borrow up to 500 items at a time. Browse our physical collection both online (by searching in Omni) or by visiting our library locations. Your Lakehead University ID card is your library card and is all that you need to borrow items from our collection.
Holds can be placed on physical items for pickup from any Lakehead Library location.
Faculty may request a proxy patron be added to their library account. Proxy patrons are able to request and borrow items on behalf of a faculty member. For more information, or to request the addition of a proxy patron, please email circdesk@lakeheadu.ca
Please note, only Law School students, faculty and staff are permitted to borrow from the Law Library.
Lakehead Alumni and Retirees
We are excited to welcome Lakehead Alumni and Retirees into our libraries! You can borrow up to 10 items at a time. Please bring either your Alumni card or a piece of government-issued photo ID with you to borrow materials. Borrowing accounts will need to be renewed annually.
Community Borrowers
We are happy to provide access to our collections to members of the community. Community borrowers can borrow up to 10 items at a time. To register for a community borrower account you must be at least 17 years of age with a valid piece of government-issued photo ID. Proof of current address is also required. Borrowing accounts will need to be renewed annually for community borrowers. Community borrowers do not have access to interlibrary loan.
Borrowing of materials from the Education Libraries may be limited during high use periods to non-active students and faculty.
- Borrowing from Omni partners and Interlibrary Loan
Looking for a resource that is not in the Lakehead Library collection? Lakehead students, faculty and staff can browse and request items from our 17 Omni partner libraries directly through Omni. You will receive an email when your item is ready for pickup at your preferred pickup location.
If you are unable to find an item in Omni, or are requesting a scan of a single article or chapter, please learn more here.
- Loan Periods
Books 120 Days - Lakehead Faculty, staff
- Graduate students, undergraduate students
21 Days - Undergraduate students at Education Library Thunder Bay
- Education Library Orillia
- Alumni, retirees, community borrowers. At the Education Libraries, borrowing of certain items may be subject to approval.
- Special collections
Restricted - Law Library restricted to Law faculty, staff and students.
Journals Library use only - Education Library (Thunder Bay)
- Law Library
120 Days - Chancellor Paterson Library
Videos (Multimedia) 14 Days - Chancellor Paterson Library
7 Days - Education Libraries
- Restrictions apply for community borrowers
Course Reserve Materials 2 hours, 3 hours, 1 day, or 3 days - Items may be borrowed by Lakehead faculty and students only
Theses Library use only Equipment - Varies based on equipment and library
Reference Books, Newspapers Library use only - All library locations
- Renewals
You are able to renew your items for as long as you need them, as long as your account is active and in good standing and your item is not required for institutional purposes. Renewals can be made in-person at one of our library Access Services desks, or by logging into your Library Account.
- Returns
You are encouraged to return your materials as soon as you are done with them to ensure they can be utilized by other patrons who need them. Returns can be made at any library location during building opening hours. Please check with your library location or security services for full building opening hours. Items that are borrowed on short term loan (such as reserves and technology) must be returned to the library that they are borrowed from.
- Fines and Charges
Lakehead Library is committed to reducing barriers to accessing our collections and as of December 2019, we have removed all late fines on overdue items in our regular, circulating collection.
Overdue fines will still be incurred for items on short term loan (such as reserves), since it is important these in-demand items are returned in a timely manner to be used by other patrons.
- Lost items and Appeals
If your material is overdue for 30 days, it will automatically be changed to the status of “lost” in our system. Items that are marked lost will incur a $125 replacement fee. If you return an item that has been marked lost, the $125 replacement fee will be removed from your account.
When your item is marked lost in the library system, you will begin to receive automated email notifications about the status of your account. Blocks may be placed on your student account, which prevent registration or graduation, until your items are returned or paid for.
If you believe you have returned an item to the library and it has been marked lost on your account, please email the Lakehead Library location that your item was borrowed from. We are happy to double check the shelves for you, but the lost charges will remain on your account until the item has been found.
If you disagree with a charge or fine on your account, you have the option to submit an appeal.
We are unable to process refunds for fees and charges. Please ensure that you do not have the lost material before you pay the associated fees, or if you disagree with your fees, that you submit and receive a response to your appeal before paying.
For further information please refer to the Library FAQ or contact us.