FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions!

1. What does my search cover?
2. Are there any things I cannot borrow?
3. How do I make a request?
4. Do I need to be a library member?
5. How do I pick up my request?
6. Is there any cost?
7. How long is the loan?
8. If I lose or damage a book, whom do I contact?
9. How did we make the gateway?

1. What does my search cover?

When you launch a search at islandlibraries.ca , you are searching the library catalogues of the PEI Public Library Service, Holland College, and UPEI at the same time. If you prefer to search one source at a time, you can use the checkboxes immediately below the search area to select/deselect an institution.

2. Are there any things I cannot borrow?

Yes. Because of high local demand or copyright restrictions, certain items, such as "reference" materials, high demand "reserve" items, DVDs, videotapes, CDs and magazines are not available as interlibrary loans. In addition, some items in the catalogue are licensed for the exclusive use of clients of one library or another. If you request one of these items, the libraries will contact you to advise you how and where they may be accessed.

3. How do I make a request?

When you discover a book or other material that you would like to borrow, click on the request icon that appears on the full record display for that item. You will be prompted to tell us who you are, how you can be reached, and where you would like to pick up the material (one of 23 Public Library Service locations, Holland College libraries, or UPEI's Robertson Library). Information collected on the form is held in confidence by the participating institutions. Depending on availability (for example - the item may already be signed out by another borrower), your request may take 2 to 6 weeks to process.

4. Do I need to be a library member?

Yes, you must have a PEI Public Library Service card, be a registered student/staff member at Holland College or its affiliates, or a registered student, staff or community member at the University of Prince Edward Island. In the course of making your request, you will be prompted to enter the 14 digit number which appears on the back of your library card or student ID card.

If you are not a member of one of the library systems, it's easy (and free) to join the public library. Click here for an application (cliquez ici pour la version française) which can be processed at any Public Library Service branch.

The institutions reserve the right to refuse loans to patrons who are in arrears or who do not otherwise comply with their loans policies.

5. How do I pick up my request?

When requested material arrives at the location you designated, you will be contacted by telephone or e-mail. You may pick it up and return it at that location.

6. Is there any cost?

There is no cost to request or borrow materials. If you should lose or damage library material, you will be liable for full replacement costs (full retail value) as well as, in some cases, a late fee or other administrative expenses.

7. How long is the loan?

Generally, the length of loan is three weeks. Renewals must be requested from the institution which owns the material, and are at the discretion of that institution.

8. If I lose or damage a book, whom do I contact?

9. How did we make the gateway?

We use PHP/Yaz, software that helps build z3950 interfaces, to search the participants' library catalogues. We also use PHP to generate dynamic and static web content. Programming was created by Don Moses with the assistance of the PHP/Yaz mailinglist and the template is based on silverorange's simple css tabs.