A library card is like a credit card. If it is lost or stolen, report it right away. Anything signed out on your card is your responsibility until the card is reported missing. Replacement cards cost $1. Please bring identification when you come to replace it.
The Library is not responsible for damage caused by audio-visual materials borrowed from its collections. Borrowers use all audio-visual materials at their own risk and should use caution when playing such materials on their equipment.
Yes, library items may be returned using the external book drops (available at anytime) , to any open OPL branch during opening hours or to the Bookmobile.
During busy times of the year and after statutory holidays, it can take up to three days to process the extra volume of returned items. These items are backdated to the day of return when they are checked in so that no overdue fines are charged if they are returned by the due date. If returned items remain on your record for more than three days, contact the branch where you returned the items.
You are responsible for items borrowed on your library card. If an item is lost or damaged, you will be charged the cost of the item. You are responsible for paying the replacement cost. Once you have paid for a lost or damaged item, OPL does not refund the replacement fee if you find the item later. You own the items upon payment.
Please note that OPL does not accept replacements for lost or damaged items because:
- OPL can purchase most library items at a discounted price, not the retail price. The customer would be charged the discounted price, which would make it more economical for them.
- In the past, many customers have purchased a book or item that was not the same version as the one lost or damaged. OPL would then need to purchase the replacement item anyway.
Items are considered lost:
- 21 days after the due date (regular collection items)
- 7 days after the due date (Express items).
Once an item is considered lost, a replacement fee equal to the cost of the item will be charged. If the lost item is returned and the replacement fee has not been paid, then the replacement fee will be cancelled. Once you have paid for a lost or damaged item, OPL does not refund the replacement fee if you find the item later. You own the items upon payment.
This system currently lets you reserve time on library computers at the Ottawa Public Library, and helps to ensure that all persons have fair access to the library's computing resources. It controls the length of sessions.
No, our booking system provides the opportunity to reserve in advance; however, as long as you have time available, you can logon to any workstation that is not being used and has not been booked by someone else. There must be at least 10 minutes remaining in a session before the system allows you to use a workstation. Some branches have 15 minute express PCs that allow short-term access to workstations without a booking.
Access to the Internet at the Library is filtered solely for illegal content.
You can have a maximum of 2 hours per day across the library system.
You may make a booking today plus 7 days in advance.
Yes. You may select a workstation by conducting a search by PC Type or by Specific PC. Searching by Specific PC allows you to request a specific computer. The system assigns a computer to you based on availability.
Yes, it is necessary to have a valid library card to book a workstation. It is possible to get an “Internet/No Loans” Library card for computer use, if you do not have complete identification or if you are visiting Ottawa. Please visit the Circulation Desk for information on how to obtain a library card.
You must log on within the first 5 minutes of your scheduled booking or the booking will be cancelled. The cancelled time (5 minutes) will still be deducted from your daily maximum.
You will receive two warning messages, one at six minutes and one at two minutes, before the end of your session. N.B.: Please save your work to the cloud or a personal storage device (USB stick, flash drive). You can also save your work on the computer’s workspace and then e-mail it to yourself.
If you finish your session early, logout in order to protect your privacy and to save your time. Maximize the “Library Online” window and click on the “Logout” button. The “Library Online” window is located in the lower left corner of the screen.
To change the time of a booking, go to My Confirmed Reservations and cancel your initial booking. Then, proceed with booking a new time.
Pending workstation availability, you can log on early to the workstation you have booked. If it is 10 minutes before the next booking, the system will not allow you to log on. If you have a later reservation and do not have adequate time for both sessions, you will be asked by the system to first cancel your later reservation. You will then be able to proceed.
Depending on workstation availability, if you logged in with your Library card number, and still have time available, you will be able to log back in with your Library barcode and PIN.
If you have to temporarily leave your booked computer you may place your computer on hold for up to 10 minutes. Only you may log back into the computer during those 10 minutes. To place your computer on hold, return to the Application Selection box and click the “On Hold” button. The PC will shut down, so remember to first save your work The “On Hold” feature is offered only if you have at least 10 minutes of your session remaining.