Textbooks and Reserves

Algonquin College Libraries maintain a collection of textbooks required for full-time courses. The collection includes only one copy of each text and is for in-library consultation only. Lost, stolen or damaged textbooks may not be replaced. The reserve collection is made up of items, that faculty have put aside for student consultation at the Library’s Main desk. Because reserve materials are in high demand, most cannot be removed from the Library.

  • A current student card (library issued or College photo ID) is required to borrow materials.
  • Two reserve items may be borrowed at one time.
  • The loan period is usually for 3 hrs in-library use. (On rare occasions a faculty member may request a three day loan).
  • Fines are assigned to overdue reserves.

Both textbooks and reserves are searchable through the library catalogue. Both are indicated within the catalogue as "reserve" items. However, their placement within the library may differ from campus to campus.

  • At Perth and Pembroke libraries the textbooks are integrated with the reserve collections.
  • At Woodroffe the textbooks are shelved with the Audio Visual resources.
  • For textbooks the catalogue's MATERIAL description will read TEXTBOOK.
  • At Woodroffe the reserves are shelved behind the main desk.
  • For reserves the catalogue's MATERIAL description will read BOOK.

To locate a textbook/reserve:

  • Open the Library Catalogue.
  • Choose Algonquin's catalogue
  • Enter the title in the search bar.
  • Select Search. If you cannot find your textbook try to search the Author, or use a portion of the title.

You can also search by selecting "Reserves" from the top button bar. This gives you the option to search a limited collection of reserve items, which includes textbooks as well as materials your teacher may have placed with us for in library use. Under "Reserves" you have the option to search by Instructor, Course name and Course number.

Reserves Information for faculty

What are "Reserves"

Reserves are items, that faculty have put aside for student consultation at the Library’s Main desk. A current Algonquin photo ID or library card is required to borrow reserves.

Placing items on Reserve

  • Faculty may put material from the Library collection, or their own material on Reserve.
    • In person a faculty member may request item(s) from the library’s collection using a form obtainable at the main desk in the library.
    • If the item requested is signed out, a hold will be placed on the item and when the item is returned it will be placed on Reserve.
    • AV resources from the library's collection may also be placed on Reserve at the main desk.
    • If placing their own material on reserve. The faculty member should bring the material to the Main Desk at the Library and fill out the required form.
    • For all other requests, see the staff at the Main Desk of your local campus library.
  • Items are held behind the Main Desk and may be signed out for a three hour in library loan (3 day loan is also available).
  • Faculty must have a library card in order to put material on Reserve as the item record and the faculty's record are linked in the database.
  • Allow a minimum of 4 business days for processing, a little longer at the beginning of a term.
  • A reserve request may be made in person or via e-mail to the campus at which the course is being taught. Copyright clearance may be required for some items - Library staff will be able to advise you.

E-mail Requests to place items on Reserve are accepted. However, they are limited to items from the collection of the campus where the course is taught.

Important information to include in an e-mail request for a reserve item from the library collection :

  • Information regarding item to be placed on reserve from the collection
  • Course title
  • Course number
  • Name of faculty members teaching course (more than one is possible)
  • Library account number(s)
  • Number of students in course
  • Date by which the item can be removed from reserves.

Reserve contacts by Campus

Pembroke LRC:
illpemb@algonquincollege.com
(613) 735-4700 ext. 2707

Perth LRC:
Ann MacPhail: macphaa@algonquincollege.com
1-613-267-2859 ext.5607

Woodroffe LRC:
Rick Watson: watsonr2@algonquincollege.com
(613) 727-4723 ext. 5289

or

Amy Simpson - simpsoa@algonquincollege.com
(613) 727-4723 ext. 7694