Borrow From Other Libraries (Interlibrary Loan)
- Most requests for physical items (i.e., books) CANNOT be fulfilled. Consider requesting a chapter scan rather than the full book.
- Requests for copies (i.e., journal articles and book chapters) will be processed as usual.
- Requests for TRU physical books for TRU Open Learning students will be sent via courier.
Students, staff, and faculty of TRU can request items from other libraries for their research, employment and coursework needs through TRU Library's interlibrary loan (ILL) service.
For more information consult the Interlibrary Loans guide.
Are you another library looking to make an ILL request?
Interlibrary Loans at TRU Library
How to Make a Request
- TRU ID and Library PIN: This is needed to log in to make the request. Your default PIN is your birthday (YYMMDD). Email library@tru.ca if it doesn’t work.
- Log in: Use your TRU ID and PIN.
- Add Request: Choose the item type (e.g., book, article) and fill out the form.
- Submit: Check the box for “This item is requested solely for use…” and click “Submit”.
Items Available to Borrow
The Library can obtain the following types of materials for you via interlibrary loan:
- Books (excluding textbooks)
- Copies of journal/magazine/newspaper articles
- Microform/microfiche
- Theses and dissertations
- Conference proceedings
- Items officially declared missing from the TRU Library collection
Important Notes
- Requests for articles/book chapters required in less than 4 business days will be cancelled.
- Requests for books or videos required in less than 7 business days will be cancelled.
- TRU will pay a maximum of $25 per item per interlibrary loan.
- ILL requests are subject to the University's Fair Dealing Policy. Material provided through interlibrary loan must be used solely by the requestor for the purpose of private study, research, criticism, or review.
Picking Up and Returning ILL Items
| Kamloops students and faculty | The locker number identified in the email you received when the item is ready for pickup. | During open hours, please return items to one of two book drops inside House of Learning Library (1st or 3rd floor), or, if the Library is closed, to the book drop located outside at the southeast corner of the building. |
| Williams Lake students and faculty | Students: Pick up at the library's information desk. Faculty: Please see the notification email you receive when the item has been shipped or is ready for pickup. | During Library open hours, please return items to the Library Information Desk, or, if the Library is closed, to the book drop outside the Student Services Offices. |
| Distance, Regional and Open Learning students | Item(s) will be sent to you according to your selected delivery method (i.e., courier or pick up in person). | If the item was sent to you by post, please use the included prepaid return label to ship back to House of Learning Library. |
Borrowing Items at Other Libraries
TRU Library participates in a reciprocal borrowing program as part of our memberships with the Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries (COPPUL), Canadian University Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement (CURBA) and Council of Post-Secondary Library Directors (CPSLD) that allows current TRU faculty, staff, and students to borrow materials directly from all academic libraries that participate in the program.
For a complete list of participating libraries see CPSLD Website: Reciprocal Borrowing and CURBA Participating Libraries.
Required Identifcation
CPSLD Libraries: Present your valid TRU Campus ID card or proof of registration.
COPPUL/CURBA Libraries: Obtain a COPPUL card from TRU Library. Present this card along with your TRU Campus ID or proof of registration/employment at the Circulation Desk of the library you wish to use. Each library has its own lending policies, so contact them before visiting.
Eligibility for COPPUL Card: TRU students, faculty, and staff with library accounts in good standing.
Applying for a COPPUL Card: Contact the Library Reference Help Desk at TRU. Open Learning, distance, and regional students should contact TRU Library.
Visiting Other Libraries
Using Your COPPUL Card: The library may issue you a library card or account number. It’s advisable to call ahead.
Visiting Multiple Libraries: Use the same COPPUL Card at each library.
Accessing Online Databases: Remote access to other institutions’ databases is not allowed. Access may be granted while visiting their campus.
Fines and Responsibilities: You are responsible for any fines incurred. Delinquent accounts will result in suspended borrowing privileges.
Returning Materials: Return items to the library you borrowed them from or to TRU Library, allowing enough time for shipping. TRU Library is not responsible for fines due to delays.
