Borrowing Guidelines

Who can borrow?

You may borrow library materials if you hold a valid Alberta Law Libraries card and you are:

  • a current member of the Law Society of Alberta in good standing, whether practicing or non-practicing, including articling students
  • a summer student or a transferring or out-of-province member of the bar
  • a special library

Apply for a library account

Members of the public can register to access some of our e-resources that are available remotely. Members of the public may not borrow print material.

Loan periods

Textbooks, law reports and periodicals: 21 days

Renewals

Textbooks, law reports and periodicals: Two 21-day renewals, if not required by another client.

Holds

You can place a hold on an item you want to borrow, whether or not it is currently on loan.  Placing a hold means that the current borrower will not be able to renew the item beyond the current due date.

Place holds online using My Account, or contact one of our libraries.

You will be notified by e-mail or by phone when your item is available.  Once they are available, books will be held for 5 days.

Transfers

Transfers from one library card to another are not permitted. Materials need to be returned to the library before they are signed out to another client.

Fines, Fees, and Borrowing Privileges

Alberta Law Libraries will no longer be accepting cash or cheque for fines and fee payments that are invoiced to members. We accept credit card payments and e-transfer payments. Please email us with any questions: LawLibrary@just.gov.ab.ca 

  • Overdue fines: $1.00/day per item (maximum $25.00)
  • Lost item fee: $175.00 per item

Books not returned within 28 days of their due date will be assumed lost. Clients who lose or fail to return books, or who return books in damaged condition, will be levied accumulated overdue fees plus the lost item fee.

Outstanding fees exceeding $49.00 will lead to a suspension of borrowing privileges. Once overdue books have been returned and fees paid, borrowing privileges are restored.

Clients should regularly check the status of their library account to ensure it is in good standing.  A statement is also e-mailed to clients at the end of each month.