Current U of T students, staff, and faculty require a TCard to enter the OISE Library. For information about obtaining a TCard, please visit the TCard website.
Other users who have paid for library privileges will require a valid library card to enter, including Alumni, Research Readers, and Direct Borrowers. Please visit the Reader Registration Desk to obtain a library card.
Renew books
Items are automatically renewed up to the maximum renewal period allowed. Please see the renewals section for more information. To find your maximum renewal period, please see the loans services chart.
Please note that you cannot renew an item that has been requested by another patron.
Holds
You can place a hold on an item which has been checked out or in the library:
- Online:
- Sign into LibrarySearch
- Find the item in the catalogue
- Click on the title
- Select "Get It" to request
- In person: Visit the OISE Library Service Desk
- By telephone: 416-978-1850
Recalled items which are not returned within 14 days or by the due date are fined $2.00 per day.
Fines
- Fines are charged at the rate of $0.50 / day per book.
- Fines for films, and DVDs is $5.00 / day per item.
- Fines on Course Reserves books are $0.50 / hour per book.
- Fines for technology loans are $0.50 / hour per item.
- Fines for recalled books are $2.00 / day per book.
Some libraries may charge different fines for other types of materials.
Library privileges will be suspended when fines reach $25 or more.
Pay fines:
- Pay fines online
- In person: Visit the OISE Library Service Desk
- By telephone at the Robarts Fines Office, 416-978-5350
Please note that medical or other documentation is normally required to reduce or forgive fines. Without documentation, fines are normally not excused for the following reasons:
- Did not renew item on time
- Forgot the due date
- Did not receive a courtesy or overdue notice
- Was not able to renew online
- Was unaware of library policies
- Borrowed the item for someone else
- Returned late by someone else
- Did not report TCard stolen
Missing items
Items missing or not on the shelf will be searched for upon request. Please visit the OISE Library Service Desk and request a "missing item" form.
Lost and damaged book charges
Lost books
Lost books and / or accompanying media are subject to a $145 replacement fee. The library reserves the right to charge fines in addition to the replacement cost.
Damaged books
Damaged books which do not need to be replaced are subject to a $45 fee. The library reserves the right to charge fines in addition to the damage fee.
Pay charges for a lost or damaged book:
- Pay online
- In person: Visit the circulation desk of the owning library
- By telephone at the Robarts Fines Office @ 416-978-5350
Alumni and visitors
A variety of borrowing cards are available for purchase. Please see Alumni library access for additional information.
Recalls
To request that an item be recalled after its initial 2 week loan period, either place a hold request on the item or contact the library that holds the item in its collection.
Recalled items which are not returned within 14 days or by the due date are fined $2.00 per day.