Use Other Libraries
- Connect to Other Libraries
Links to the home pages and library catalogues of many different libraries in Alberta and Canada
- The Alberta Library (TAL)
Information about the Alberta Library and The Alberta Library (TAL) card program (Available to Alberta residents only). TAL Online lets you search several major Alberta library catalogues and selected databases at once.
- COPPUL / CURBA Reciprocal Borrowing
Information about borrowing from libraries across Canada
The Alberta Library (TAL)
The Alberta Library is in the process of becoming a province-wide, multi-type library network that will provide Albertans with barrier-free access to the materials and information resources in all libraries. It represents an evolving interdependence and connection among libraries in delivering service.
Many members of the Alberta Library (including Athabasca University Library) participate in the The Alberta Library Card program. The TAL Card allows users of member libraries to borrow books directly from other participating libraries. Users may also return their books to any participating library.
Valid AU students, staff, faculty, and tutors who are residents of the province of Alberta are eligible to apply for a TAL card through Athabasca University Library. Applicants can apply for the card by either filling out an online application form or by printing the printable application form and sending it to the AU library.
How to borrow materials using the Alberta library card
You can get an application for The Alberta Library Card from Athabasca University Library by taking one of the following 3 steps:
Complete the application form and submit it to the library. You must be a member in good standing of a participating library. Special restriction may apply to library card holders under the age of 18. You will receive an Alberta Library Card in the mail, which you can then use to borrow materials at any participating library.
- contact the library and ask for an application form
- OR fill in the online application form
- OR print and send the printable application form by mail
When you wish to borrow materials, present The Alberta Library Card, along with acceptable identification, at the lending library.
You will be registered as a borrower at that library. A bar-code for that library will be placed on your card.
Alberta Library Card holders will not be charged a fee when borrowing books from participating libraries outside their home library.
It is your responsibility to make yourself familiar with the conditions of loan at each of the libraries from which your borrow. Local library lending policies and rules take priority and will apply to all persons using The Alberta Library Card. Restrictions may apply.
Only books will be made available under The Alberta Library Card program, unless local policy permits the lending of other types of materials.
You may have up to five items on loan at any time from each participating library.
Renewals are not normally permitted.
You are responsible for the materials you borrow and for fines incurred.
You may return the materials to any library that participates in The Alberta Library Card program.
If you are unable to return an item on time or if you have lost or damaged it, report this immediately to the lending library. The library will advise you of the steps you should take.
If your card is lost or stolen, ensure that you report it immediately to your home library and to all the other libraries at which you have registered.
Report any change of address to all the libraries you use.
COPPUL / CURBA Reciprocal Borrowing
The Canadian University Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement (CURBA) extends in-person borrowing privileges to students, faculty and staff across the country. Reciprocal borrowing privileges and library regulations are determined by each lending library and borrowers are responsible for paying any fines, lost book charges or processing fees incurred.
Athabasca University students, faculty and staff obtain CURBA privileges by requesting a COPPUL (Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries) card.
Graduate Students, Faculty & Staff
E-mail library@athabascau.ca to request a grey COPPUL card.
Undergraduate Students
E-mail library@athabascau.ca to request a yellow COPPUL card.
Additional Links
Information about reciprocal borrowing and participating libraries is available from the following links:
List of Participating Libraries by Institution
List of Participating Libraries by Province
Canadian University Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement (CURBA)
Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries (COPPUL)
For further information contact the AU Library Information Desk at library@athabascau.ca or Steve Schafer, Director, Library Services at steves@athabascau.ca .
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