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Libraries & Cultural Resources

Research Guides

Distance Education

As a distance student attending the University of Calgary, you have the resources and services of a large research library available to you.

Other Libraries

The University of Calgary Library is available to serve all of the University's students and instructors, including those accessing our services from a distance. Nonetheless, there are times when it is more convenient to access a different library than the University of Calgary. Below we provide lists of libraries that can be accessed via the World Wide Web, and the arrangements that we have for reciprocal borrowing with other members of the Alberta Library Card program, and with COPPUL (Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries) libraries.

Graduate Students, Faculty and Staff from Other Canadian Universities

Graduate students, faculty and staff from other Canadian universities can borrow books from the University of Calgary Libraries. Before coming to Calgary, make sure that you have obtained the proper ID from your home university's library. You can find further information on the Canadian University Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement at the official website
Proper ID is needed from each consortium:
Consortium Geographic Location Required ID for Borrowing at University Libraries
COPPUL Western Canada COPPUL Card

 
OCUL Ontario Valid library card from your home institution or an IUBP (Inter-University Borrowing Project) card
CREPUQ Quebec CREPUQ Carte de Présentation/Introductory Card
CAUL Atlantic Canada ASIN (Atlantic Scholarly Information Network) Card
You will receive the following library privileges:
  • Check out up to 50 books at one time
  • Ability to renew books online

COPPUL

COPPUL (Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries) Cards and the Canadian University Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement

Canadian university libraries have agreed to extend in-person borrowing privileges to students, faculty and staff from across the country. All that is required for borrowing is a valid university identification card along with your COPPUL card. Students, faculty and staff should check with the library of their home institution to ensure they have the appropriate identification before visiting another Canadian university library. Borrowers must have a COPPUL Card, a library card issued to borrowers at their home institution that will be honoured by all fifteen locations. Library Connection will issue COPPUL Cards to graduate distance education students and to distance education instructors on request. 

The Alberta Library Card (TAL)

The Alberta Library Card

The Alberta Library is a multitype library consortium in the province of Alberta. Most Alberta libraries belong to the consortium. The Alberta Library sponsors The Alberta Library Card program. All four of Alberta's university libraries, most college libraries and most public libraries participate in the program. On request, Library Connection will send the application form to distance education students and instructors in Alberta. Or check with your public library, since most public libraries in the province are participating members.

Libraries & Cultural Resources