Going online: Library support during COVID-19: Borrowing and returning materials

The book I borrowed is due now, can I renew it? 
Yes, you can renew your book up to 3 times if no one else has requested it.

The AV Equipment I borrowed is due, can I renew it?
No, sorry, you have to return it before it is overdue. Especially laptops and iPads. The good news is that you can borrow equipment for 1 month.

Will I get fines on anything I have out right now that is overdue?
If you had any fines on your account before we had to temporarily close down the library, those will remain on your account. 
There should be no fines on items that were taken out since we have put in Covid measure. We are now able to receive all of your overdue items.  Please return all items at your earliest convenience. If the library is closed, you can return them through the slot next to the entrance doors. Please contact us if you have any questions in regards to this at libraryhelp@vcc.ca

Can I borrow books, Course Reserves or AV Equipment from the Library?
Yes, you can! We are offering a limited take-out service at the Downtown and Broadway Library. Please refer to our Take-Out page of this libguide

Can I access VCC library’s collection? 
Yes! VCC faculty, students and staff can access library materials by placing an order through the library website using our Takeout Service. 

Can I come in to the library to look for a book in the stacks?
No. At this time, no one is permitted to come in and browse the shelves. You can search our VCC Catalogue.

Is there a limit to the number of items I can borrow? 
Yes. The limit is 20 requests and 20 items. 

I am an Alumni, can I borrow books right now?
Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to loan out material to Alumni and Community Borrowers. Please check back here for any updates.

Can I borrow a Course Reserves? 
Yes. You can place a hold, and borrow them, for one month with no renewals.

How can I borrow a Term Loan (College Foundations or College and Career Access)? 
Please contact your department. 

Can I access archival material? 
No. During the physical closure of VCC Library, items held in VCC Archives are unavailable. 

If the textbook I need is unavailable from the library, where can I get my textbooks for my courses?
You can purchase these online from VCC bookstore

We are currently working towards acquiring eTextbooks for some of the programs, but we are unsure if and when these will be available. You can contact us at libraryhelp@vcc.ca with your requests. 

Please contact your instructor to let them know that you are having trouble accessing the materials for your course, and to see if they have any solutions. 

Can I borrow books through Interlibrary Loan?
No. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide this service at this time. However you can still request articles that can be sent through email at libraryhelp@vcc.ca. Please check back in for any updates or changes to this service.

If I can’t find a copy of the book I want to borrow right away, what do I have access to?
You still have access to all our article databases  and eBooks

Who can I contact with further questions about borrowing?
You can email us at libraryhelp@vcc.ca

The safety of our community is our highest priority. Library employees will follow all directives from the BC Provincial Government and WorkSafeBC, including physical distancing, sanitizing and disinfecting workspaces and equipment, and frequent handwashing. The Library will also quarantine materials for 24 hours between hand-offs to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

Can I disinfect library materials when I pick them up? 
No. All materials will have been quarantined for 24 hours. Disinfectants will damage library materials. 
 

Where can I return my book?
Books can be returned through the book-drop at either campus.  The Broadway book-drop can be accessed at any time.  To access the Downtown campus library, you will need to provide your student ID or government issued ID to enter the building. The Downtown book-drop is open Monday - Friday, from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

How can I return my AV equipment (laptop, iPad, etc)?
Please return the laptop at either the Downtown or Broadway campus during the hours we are providing service:
Monday – Thursday, from 11: 00 AM – 3:00 PM.

I am trying to register for a course, but there is a hold on my student account to library fines. Can you please remove the hold on my account?

Please email us at libraryhelp@vcc.ca, and include your name and student number. We will look into this as soon as we can, and get back to you as quickly as possible during business hours.