Top 5 Things To Know About McGill Library

By Alisa Nosova

With ever-evolving provincial guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, McGill Library has adapted in many ways to accommodate students virtually. 

My name is Alisa, I am a Marketing Assistant at the McGill Library. As a student, I’ve always seen libraries as spaces where I could physically study and cram for my midterms. However, ever since I started this position I’ve learned that our library is not just a physical space, but also a crucial resource that can aid students in achieving deeper understanding of course material.

This list is by no means exhaustive but below are the top 5 things to know about McGill Library for both new and returning students.

#5. Library Liaisons are here to help!

If you can’t find the resources for your term paper, ask a librarian. Liaison librarians are subject specialists who can help you find resources on your topic. Chat, e-mail or text a librarian from 10am-6pm, seven days a week. 

Find your subject expert to connect right away here: https://www.mcgill.ca/library/contact/askus/liaison

#4. Catalogue = your friend in research!

McGill’s catalogue is your go-to destination for articles, journals, books, ebooks and more!  Access library resources using your McGill email. The Interlibrary Loan Service is also available if students need materials from another institution. 

To start browsing the catalogue, visit the Library’s home page: https://www.mcgill.ca/library.

#3. 24/7 Health & Wellness Offerings

University can be stressful – it’s ok to feel overwhelmed. The Library can help. If you’re looking to unwind, browse through  the Library’s health and wellness offerings . McGill students have 24/7 access to some great e-resources including streaming video and audio, colouring books, games, e-books on health and wellness topics, and digital exhibitions.

Check out the Library’s health and wellness resources: https://www.mcgill.ca/library/about/health-and-wellness.

#2. Stay ahead of the game with workshops!

Creating bibliographies. Refining research. Managing data. The Library offers a variety of virtual workshops to help you succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Check out the schedule: https://apps.library.mcgill.ca/workshops-and-tours/.

#1. Special services during COVID-19

As McGill’s situation continues to evolve in reaction to the pandemic, so too does the Library’s response. Over 2 million books from the Library’s print collection (including in-copyright materials) are available online for all McGill students, faculty, and staff via the HathiTrust Digital Library’s Emergency Temporary Access Service.

For books and other materials not available electronically or through the HathiTrust Emergency Temporary Access Service, users can pick up items  using the Library’s Pickup Service.

Learn more and find the request form here: https://www.mcgill.ca/library/about/terrace-side-pickup.

Study Hubs are re-imagined safe spaces on campus that are designed for quiet and individual study.All study hub spaces follow provincial safety guidelines, which include social distancing and thorough cleaning.

To learn more about Study Hubs or to book a spot, check out the informational video on our YouTube Channel, or follow this link to our website: https://www.mcgill.ca/library/about/study-hubs.