FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why are you doing this?

  • We have run out of space for new books.
  • We are replacing the existing shelves with compact shelving to make room for more books.
  • We do not have enough seats for students.
  • We will also be able to add 120 more study spaces

What is happening with the collection?

We want to make sure that you have access to as much of the collection as possible so we have to move it to different parts
of the library. Because we have limited space some of the collection has to be stored off-site for the summer.

  • Some of this collection will be relocated and available for browsing
  • Some will be moved to a closed-stack area and will be available by request and the theses are going into closed stacks
    and will also be available upon request
  • Some materials will be boxed up and relocated to an off-campus storage facility where they will not be accessible.
  • Most of the Scott Reference collection will not be available during the renovation project.
  • Increased signage and extra staff will be on hand to help you locate your materials.

What are my borrowing options?

  • Sign your books out before April 30th.
  • Unlimited renewals will apply May through September
  • Recalls and holds will continue to apply
  • The Inter-Campus Borrowing (ICB) service, from Frost Library at the Glendon campus,
    will be able to provide and deliver requested materials to you at the library of your choice (Bronfman, Scott, Steacie)
  • Undergraduate students may borrow items from most Ontario university libraries (but not UofT) through the Ontario
    Direct Borrowers Agreement
    .
  • Faculty and graduate students may borrow materials from all Ontario university libraries and other libraries across Canada
    through the Ontario Direct Borrowers Agreement and Canadian Association
    of Research Libraries Reciprocal Borrowing Project.
  • RACER interlibrary loan management
    system allows registered users to search for items in all Ontario university libraries.
  • Interlibrary loans for books and journal articles owned by York Libraries that are in off-campus storage will be provided
    for free. Keep in mind that it sometimes takes several weeks for items to come in through ILL
  • You may drop borrowed materials from other Canadian libraries and we will return these items on your behalf. Overdue fines
    will accrue while materials in in transit
  • The libraries may purchase the item you require. The acquisition of new materials may take one to two weeks

Tips & Tricks

  • Is there an Ebook copy of your book?
  • Try Google Book Search. There are a number of libraries and publishers participating
    in a
    large-scale digitization project and if the book you are looking for is
    older it might be available in a free, online format. Microsoft
    is running a similar program and includes content from UofT.
  • There are a number of public libraries in the GTA with good research collections. Try searching
    for your book
    at your local public library.
  • Ask any of our friendly staff for help if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
  • Scott Reference librarians will be able to assist you in finding alternatives.
  • You may borrow books from other Ontario Universities,
    both Ryerson and UofT are close by.

Back to top