Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Please check this space often as information is subject to change. Last updated July 5, 2024

Can I visit a McGill library location? Can I use a printer?: Yes. Visit the hours webpage for a full listing of opening and service hours. You can scan, print and copy in almost all locations.

Can I eat and drink in the Libraries?: Reusable water bottles or other sealed drink containers are permitted in library spaces. Water fountains are available. Food is not permitted in the Libraries. Please visit McGill Food & Dining Services or McGill Flex Spaces for more information regarding where to eat on campus.

Can I book a group study room?: Group study rooms can be booked online. Masks are not obligatory at McGill as of May 24. We still strongly encourage you to continue to wear a mask after May 24. Mask dispensers and hand sanitizers will remain in place at library entrances.

Where can I go to attend a class on Zoom?: The Cyberthèque (Redpath Library Building, ground floor), the main floors of the Redpath and McLennan Library Buildings, and the second floor of the Redpath Library Building serve as designated Conversation Zones. Students can attend/participate in online activities on these floors. First come, first served. Earbuds/earphones are required in the Conversation Zones. Please note that students who attend classes virtually but do not need to speak can do so from any library work area.

Can I book a library locker or carrel?: Bookable lockers and carrels are available in selected library branches. Some previously bookable carrels in the McLennan-Redpath Library Complex have been converted to general seating.

Can the general public access the McGill Libraries?: Yes, the general public can visit all library locations during opening hours.

If I’m not a current McGill student, faculty or staff member, can I consult rare and special materials in the Rare Books Reading Room?: Yes, visitors who are not current McGill students, faculty or staff can consult rare and special material in the Rare Books Reading Room by following the process outlined here.

I need help from a librarian. What do I do?: We are here to answer your questions and help you find what you are looking for. Chat, email or text a librarian. You can also book a virtual appointment with subject-specific research experts who will help you find what you are looking for. On-site reference services are available. Please consult the hours page for more information.

I am a faculty member and need help linking to ebooks, ejournals and other library resources. Where can I go for help?: Visit our Teaching Services page for step-by-step-instructions on how to create persistent links in WorldCat Discovery. Your liaison librarian can also assist in this process and help you locate materials to support your teaching.

Are the stacks open? Can I borrow a book?: Yes, stack areas are accessible at most library locations. Note that books in the Humanities and Social Sciences Library have been moved to the McGill University Collections Centre at Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. This off-site facility will house a large portion of the University’s print collection. This move is done in anticipation of the Fiat Lux renovation project.

I have outstanding library fines. Will I be blocked from graduating or from registering for future courses?: Yes, outstanding fees will block you from graduating or registering for future courses. Outstanding fines can be reconciled in person at most library locations. Users of the McGill Libraries can pay their full fines balance online via credit card (Visa or Mastercard) through their library account. Visit the dedicated webpage for more info and fee payment instructions. Some users may see “lost item” fees on their account; however, these fines will be cleared when the items are returned. For questions about library fines or any issues related to your library account, check with your library.

Can I return books?: Yes, books may be returned in the bins located at each library. Loans will be discharged by library staff at our earliest opportunity. Please note, you may continue to receive automated notices from the circulation system. For questions about returning books, or any issues related to your library account, check with your library.

I need to access an e-book and electronic journal article. How to I do this?: Yes, you can access online resources 24/7 off campus. McGill students have access to millions of electronic resources. The Libraries have almost 3.5 million books available online; 232,000 e-journals; 111,000 e-videos; more than 1,000 online databases; over 101,000 e-music recordings, and more. Students can access electronic items in the online catalogue. To learn more about accessing online resources, visit the dedicated webpage.

I am a McGill student. Can I access print course reserves?: The McGill Libraries are a single point of access for course-related materials. This allows the Libraries to provide students with access to course material through the collection or by licensing the work for use by classes at no additional cost to the student. As part of this transition, the Libraries are combining the course packs service with our electronic course reserves program, under the new name Course Readings Service. This sustainable approach will offer the greatest flexibility for McGill students, wherever they are located for the winter semester. Students may print the electronic readings if they prefer to work from paper.

I would like to submit a request for materials from another institution via McGill Interlibrary Loans. Is the service available?: McGill students and faculty may order articles or book chapters that are not owned by McGill Library or other Quebec university library through the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service. The ILL system is integrated into the library catalogue/Sofia Discovery Tool. Find out how to use it and how to view and manage your ILL requests.

I would like to request a scanned copy of a journal article from the print collections of the McGill Libraries. Is this service available?: Yes. Please submit your article/chapter scan request following these instructions. Please note that this service is open to current McGill students, faculty and staff only.

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