Borrow from Other Libraries

The Document Delivery & Interlibrary Loan department obtains books, articles, book chapters, and other library materials that are unavailable at Saint Mary's University. We facilitate resource sharing between Novanet libraries, libraries across Canada, and internationally. The service is offered to current students, faculty, staff, and affiliates.

How to submit a request

Go to the Library’s catalogue and ‘Sign In’ selecting ‘SMU Students & Staff’ (use your SMU email and password); if you are an off-campus borrower select ‘Other Sign In Options’.
Search for the item; select Request from Other Libraries, fill in the Request form and click ‘Send Request’.

If the material you requested is not currently available within the Novanet catalogue, your request will automatically be sent to our closest available partner library within Canada to be filled (only for SMU students, faculty, and staff).

To request items that do not appear listed in the Novanet catalogue, submit an online request by using the link below. Sign in using your SMU email and password; fill in as many fields as possible (including ISBN) to ensure accurate and timely delivery. This is a service provided to SMU students, faculty, and staff only.

Interlibrary Loan / Document Delivery Request Form

IMPORTANT: The above link directs you to a new form for submitting interlibrary loan and document delivery requests. Requests submitted can be viewed in your Novanet account. The interlibrary loan management software used previously will be decommissioned on June 30th, 2026. If you would like to download your request history before this date, go to https://libdata.smu.ca/relais/ select the Completed Requests link, select fields, then Export Requests and Download (file will be in csv format which can be viewed in Excel). Contact ill@smu.ca if you need assistance.

Delivery Times and Pickups

Books can arrive within 2-3 days up to 3 weeks (for items shipped from greater distances). You will be notified by email when your item arrives. Physical items can be picked up at the Circulation Desk on the main floor of the Library. Please note, materials coming from libraries outside the Novanet system can only be picked up from the Patrick Power Library.

Copies of articles and book chapters generally arrive within 3 days, but in some cases, up to 2 weeks. You will receive an email with a link to your requested document (PDF).

Loan Periods, Renewals, and Returns

Due dates and renewals of books obtained from outside the Novanet library system are determined by the supplying library. Due dates are noted on the yellow book strap, please do not remove it. If you require a renewal, contact ill@smu.ca. Please return interlibrary loan books obtained from libraries outside of Novanet directly to the Circulation Desk at the Patrick Power Library.

Items borrowed from other Novanet libraries are automatically renewed within the item’s maximum renewal limit, unless an item is on hold or has been recalled by another borrower. Novanet owned items can be returned to any Novanet library.

Fees

There is no charge for this service. However, if a book is lost or damaged you will be charged a replacement fee determined by the supplying library.

Information for External Libraries

We accept requests from other libraries via Alma Peer-to-Peer and OCLC Tipasa/WorldShare ILL (forthcoming). Libraries that do not have access to these systems may email ill@smu.ca with their requests. To view our lending and charging policies, see our listing in the Library and Archives Canada Directory.