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You can use Omni to find books and other materials.
Once you find something you are interested in, you can use Omni submit a request for that item. We'll get the item for you and let you know when it is ready for you to pick up.
How long will it take? The amount of time it will take for your request to be ready will vary based on where the original item is located as well as the volume of requests. Items from Carleton's collection are typically available within 24h-48h, while items that are coming from other libraries may take longer. In many cases, Omni will provide you with an estimate of how long it will take for a print item to be delivered.
There may also be delays during busy times of the semester (i.e. midterms, finals) when the volume of requests for print materials increase.
Note: If you only need to read a chapter of the book, you can use the Scan on Demand option in Omni and we'll scan the chapter and send it to you by email.
You can check your Library account to verify the status of any requests.
Limits on borrowing materials from other libraries
With Omni you have access to not only Carleton's Library collection but the collections of other libraries as well.
Occasionally, you might request an item from another library that cannot be borrowed. Reserves material, entire journal issues, newspapers, reference material, games, textbooks, standards, and recreational reading/music/movies cannot normally be requested from other libraries.
If you do happen to request something that cannot be borrowed, we will send you an email notification letting you know that we could not complete your request.
Pick-up at the Library Services desk
By default, items requested in Omni will be available for you to pick up at the Library Services desk. You will receive an email notification once the item is ready for you to pick up.
Simply visit the Library Services desk whenever the Library is open, and someone there will be glad to check the item out for you.
Requested items will be kept at the Library Services desk for 7 days after the notification is sent to you. Requests on items that are not picked up by that time will be cancelled and items returned to their original location. Please resubmit your request if you are still interested in the item.
Curbside pick-up
Once you receive a notification that an item you requested is available for pickup, you can come to the Library and we will bring it out to you to pick-up on the curb.
Our curbside pick-up location is on the exterior of the library building along Library Road (canal side). There is temporary parking along the road that you can use while you wait.
When you arrive outside the Library, call (343) 996-9167. Someone will be out in 5-10 minutes with your item(s).
Requested items will be kept at the Library Services desk for 7 days after the notification is sent to you. Requests on items that are not picked up by that time will be cancelled and items returned to their original location. Please resubmit your request if you are still interested in the item.
Mail delivery
Students, faculty, and staff can choose to have requested items delivered to their home by mail (Canada Post).
When requesting items in Omni, for Pickup Location choose Mail Delivery and enter the address to which the items should be delivered.
You will receive an email when your materials are being prepared for delivery.
Materials will be checked out to your account before mailing. We cannot estimate delivery dates or times.
Returning items that have been mailed to you: A pre-paid return mailing label will be included to allow you to mail the item back to us. If you loose the return mailing label you will need to return the item to the Library at your own cost.
Changing your delivery preference
If you request an item for pickup at the service desk, curbside pickup, or mail delivery, and would like to change your delivery preference, please email LibraryServices@carleton.ca.
