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Services for ... Students at a Distance

Using Other Libraries

If you live close to a public library or a university library, it may be faster to borrow items from there rather than wait for mail delivery of items from UW.

Public library card

It is your right as a citizen to have access to the public library in your area. To obtain a card, you must present verification of your name, address, and sometimes signature and complete a library card application. If you live outside the library's area, you may have to pay an annual fee to obtain a card. You do not need a letter from the UW Library to obtain a public library card! Ask at your public library for more details.

What will the public library have?

The Reference section of your public library will have some basic sources such as dictionaries, encyclopaedias, guides to the literature and authors, etc. Municipal and other government documents will probably be available as well as local history resources. Topics in the social science and humanities will be covered best.   Ask the public library Reference Desk staff to help you identify useful areas of their library collection. 

Direct borrowing

Direct borrowing from other Ontario University libraries is also possible. You must register your WatCard with their Circulation Desk first. Library catalogues of Ontario University Libraries can be searched before you visit another library to borrow directly.  Undergraduate students do not have borrowing privileges at Quebec university libraries, the University of Toronto and Ontario College of Art.


Library Assistant, Information Services and Resources, Porter
Last Updated: February 23, 2007