FAQs
Who can use the service?
There are different parts to this service.
The Interlibrary Borrowing service is available to U of T registered students, faculty, staff, Research and Alumni Readers, Associate Member organizations, and visiting faculty from other Canadian universities. Charges apply.
How long does it take to get a book or article from another library?
It depends on where the material is coming from, and how readily available it is. Articles usually take less time than books, but there are no guarantees. Books can take several weeks. Be sure to fill out the field 'Item not needed after' on the RACER request form.
If the item is coming from another U of T campus library it may still take several days to arrive.
What are the charges?
Borrowing charges.
Lending charges.
I know the U of T does not have the item I need. How can I request it from elsewhere?
Connect to the RACER registration form (first time only)
Then connect to the RACER request form to place your request.
You will need your 14 or 16 digit barcode and your PIN to do this.
If the item I need is not at U of T, how will I know where to find it? Do I need to know where it is before I request it?
If you have searched the U of T catalogue and cannot find the item you need, enter a request in RACER. It is not your responsibility to find another library which owns the item. The Interlibrary Loan staff are responsible for doing this.
Sometimes when I fill out the online form in RACER, I get an error message and cannot submit the form. Why does this happen?
This is usually a browser problem. See the RACER login page for more information. You may have to use a different PC or browser to place your request.
How will I know when my material has arrived?
You will receive notification by email. This is why it is important to include your current email address when you register, or when the system asks for it.
Please use your UTORmail account. Other systems, eg. hotmail, may junk your email notice.
When my material arrives, how will I know where to pick it up?
You will need to remember which library you requested as your pickup location.
TIP: If you don't remember, check the sender's email address on your notification: it will contain a shortened form of the pickup library's name.
Can I change the pickup location after I have submitted a request?
No, unfortunately you cannot do this. If you cannot get to the pickup location, you will need to cancel the original request and place a new one.
How can I track the status of my requests?
To track requests for material from another University of Toronto campus library, log into my.account.
To track requests for material from other institutions, log into RACER, then select 'My account' on the sidebar, then 'My requests'. Click 'Go' to see your requests listed, including their status.
How can I cancel a request?
If you wish to cancel a request, please contact the library you selected as your pickup location.
Will I be notified if an item cannot be obtained? How will I know if the library staff have canceled my request?
Staff will cancel an interlibrary borrowing request in 2 situations
1. When the item is owned by a U of T library
2. When staff cannot find any library which will supply the item you need
In both cases you will be notified by email that your request has been cancelled.
If you are in doubt about the status of your request, contact the library you selected as pickup location.
Can I renew material that has been borrowed for me from another library?
It may be possible to renew material, if the owning library agrees. You will need to contact the interlibrary loan staff directly a few days prior to your due date.
Can the library email me an electronic copy of an article from another institution?
No, due to legal and licensing issues, we are not permitted to email articles directly to a user. They must be printed out, and the electronic file then destroyed.
I am affiliated with UTIAS, but the Aerospace Resource Centre is not listed as a delivery / pickup location on the RACER request form. What should I do?
You should choose Gerstein as your pickup location, but enter a note into the 'special instructions' field "PLEASE DELIVER TO AEROSPACE". Gerstein staff will deal with your request, but the material will be sent to the Aerospace Resource Centre for you to pick up there.
Who do I contact with questions or problems?
At Gerstein:
vdxinfo.gerstein@utoronto.ca
lending 416-978-2283
borrowing 416-978-3327
fax 416-978-7666
At Robarts:
vdxinfo.robarts@utoronto.ca
lending 416-978-2288
borrowing 416-978-6214
fax 416-978-1608
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