| Policy Name | Borrower cards for Indigenous community members |
|---|---|
| Approving Body | Library Cabinet |
| Sponsor | Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning |
| Initial Approval Date | November 6, 2025 |
| Date of Last Review | |
| Date of Next Review | November 6, 2030 |
| Pertinent to | Indigenous Community Members |
| Purpose | To provide free borrowing cards for Indigenous Community Members |
| Related Documents | Borrowing Policy |
1. Preamble
The McGill University Libraries are committed to the ongoing process of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples who have suffered harm over centuries of colonial oppression. Opening our libraries to Indigenous Community Members is one step towards breaking down colonial barriers.
2. Purpose
To reduce barriers to knowledge that Indigenous Peoples have historically been denied access to by providing free Community Borrower cards to Indigenous Community Members.
3. Application
This policy applies to any person who identifies as Indigenous in the Canadian context.
4. Definitions
An Indigenous Community Member is:
- a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit person; or
- an American Indian or Alaskan Native person who is an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe whose reservation boundaries or traditional territory is intersected by the Canada–United States border.
5. Policy Content
Any Indigenous Community Member is eligible for a McGill Libraries Community Borrower Card.
Indigenous Community Borrower Cards will be provided free of charge.
Indigenous Community Borrower Cards have the same borrowing privileges as regular Community Borrower Cards. They provide access to the print collection and not to electronic resources.
Indigenous Community Borrower Cards will be valid for one year, renewable on request.
6. Authority to Approve Procedures
The Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning is given delegation of authority for the development and approval of any procedures related to the policy.
7. Review
This policy will be reviewed at least every five years.
Document History
Approved by Library Cabinet: November 6, 2025