Library Guides @ VIU: Library Accounts: Physical Collections and Loan Periods

Accessing print materials in person

Our print collections at Cowichan, tiwšɛmawtxʷ and Nanaimo campuses are accessible for in-person browsing during Library hours.

Receiving print materials by mail

To access print materials from the Cowichan, tiwšɛmawtxʷ or Nanaimo campus by mail, place a hold through our catalogue. Then, select "VIU Library - Mail Delivery" as your pickup method when placing your hold. The materials will be sent to your mailing address on file with VIU.

Returning print materials

Nanaimo: The interior bookdrop is located by the washrooms near the entrance of building 305 on the left-hand side. The exterior bookdrop is located across from Starbucks.

Cowichan: The interior bookdrop is located at at the Cowichan Service Desk. The external bookdrop is located at the west entrance to the campus.

tiwšɛmawtxʷ: Materials can be returned at the reception desk.

By mail: Use the pre-paid postage provided to return your items if you had your materials mailed to you.

Physical Collections and Loan Periods

Books, print journals, magazines, CDs, DVDs, videos, & government publications

Students: loan period is 4 weeks and may be renewed up to 3 times
Employees: loan period is 6 weeks and may be renewed up to 4 times
Community borrowers (including alumni): loan period is 4 weeks and may be renewed 1 time
Print materials are renewed automatically, unless another library patron requests it
Overdue fines for community borrowers (including alumni): $0.50 per item per day

Course reserves

Loan periods vary: reserves may have 2-hour, 1-day, 2-day, 7-day, or 14-day loan periods
No renewals
Borrowing limit is 3 at a time
Overdue fines: $2 per item per day

Overdue materials

Library borrowing and online access privileges may be suspended when items are long overdue. Borrowers are expected to pay the replacement cost of lost or damaged items. Replacement costs include the cost of the item plus a non-refundable processing charge of $25. If long overdue items are returned, replacement costs may be waived, and borrowing and online access privileges may be restored.