Who Can Borrow

We provide access to materials for students, faculty, and staff, as well as community borrowers, alumni, and more.

Dalhousie Borrowers

For student, faculty, and staff, your DalCard is your library card. Use it to sign out books, films, reserve materials, and more. Your DalCard is also your printing card.  

To continue accessing library resources, your library account must be renewed yearly. If you encounter login issues, contact us for help renewing your account access.

Community Borrowers & Alumni

Get a community borrower card or register your public library card

Register your library card: Any Nova Scotia or New Brunswick resident aged 18 or older may use their current library card from their university library, public library, or community college library to borrow materials from the Dalhousie Libraries.

Get a community borrower card: To registering for a community borrower card in person, you are required to present two pieces of identification, and one must include proof of current local address.

On-campus access: Community borrowers can only access electronic journals and databases when they are on campus. There is no off-campus access.

Alumni: Dalhousie alumni may borrow from Dalhousie Libraries using a community borrower card. Alumni receive limited remote access to scholarly electronic publications.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Students

Your IB High School Student I.D. is your library card. You can use it to borrow books and other materials, in person, from any Dalhousie library.

IB Students can only access electronic journals and databases when they are on campus. There is no off-campus access. 

Partners and Shared Agreements with Other Universities

Faculty and students from any Novanet member university may borrow from Dalhousie libraries using a valid university ID card.

Anyone with a valid Dalhousie library card may borrow from a Novanet member university, and Dalhousie students, faculty, and staff can use their DalCard to do research at other university libraries across North America.

Suspension of Borrowing Privileges

If you owe fines or fees of over $20, you will not be allowed to borrow until you have cleared your fines.