Welcome

Guylaine Beaudry smiling at the camera with the Roddick Gates in the background.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to McGill for the fall 2026 semester. Whether you're a returning student, a faculty member, or new to the University, I encourage you to take advantage of everything the Libraries have to offer. There is truly something for everyone.

You are on a journey of learning, discovery, and growth that will prepare you to make a meaningful impact in the world. Make the most of the many resources available to you and take advantage of the network of people around you. Our librarians and library staff members are here to help.

As you navigate your experience at McGill and with the Libraries, I invite you to share your thoughts with me. Your feedback helps us create an exceptional environment that supports your academic journey, and we are honoured to be part of it. Please feel free to reach out by email at guylaine.beaudry [at] mcgill.ca (guylaine[dot]beaudry[at]mcgill[dot]ca).

All the very best,
Dr. Guylaine Beaudry, Trenholme Dean of Libraries, McGill University Libraries

Mission statement

The McGill University Libraries contribute to society by advancing teaching, learning, and research in a supportive and welcoming environment. We anticipate and respond to the needs of users by providing outstanding collections, excellent services, and spaces that inspire. We work in collaboration with global scholarly and library communities to enhance and facilitate access to knowledge.

Vision

To be the intellectual and cultural centre of the university.

Our Commitment

The Libraries prioritize inclusiveness, striving to be actively welcoming to all in the McGill community and beyond. We value freedom of thought and expression, respect, and collaboration.

Building on the legacy of McGill Libraries’ history, we take a value-based approach to our work, ensuring that our activities consistently embody and demonstrate our commitment to the following:

  • Proactive approaches to evolve the Libraries’ collections, services, and spaces in the context of changing university and societal needs.
  • Open and transparent communication, both in providing information and in listening to feedback.
  • Evidence-based decision making, balanced with pragmatism, to ensure successful continuous improvement.
  • Vigorously responding to the challenges of aligning our Libraries spaces, collections and services with our users’ needs.
  • Collaboration in everything we do, among library units, throughout McGill, within Quebec and Canadian library networks and internationally,
  • Critical evaluation of our collections, services, and spaces, in order to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and work towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in what is now Canada.
  • The dismantlement of structures that reinforce inequality and which create barriers to inclusion.
  • Ongoing action toward environmental and social sustainability.
  • Diversity in our collections and workforce, inclusion of multiple peoples and points of view in planning and services, and equitable access to all of the Libraries’ offerings.