Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
COVID-19
- How do I request a book in Omni?
- Where do I return my books?
- How do I get course reserve material?
- Can I request items from other university libraries?
- Can I study in the library with my friends?
- How long will I be allowed to stay in the library?
- What if I need to access research materials on the upper three floors of the library which are closed to the public?
- How many items can I take out at once?
- How long can I borrow an item for?
- Can I access resources when I’m off campus?
- How can I pay my overdue fines?
- How do I print in the library?
- Is food allowed in the library?
- Whom do I contact about issues with my library account?
- I’ve requested some library books, but I don’t have my student ID yet. What should I do?
- How do I get an alumni or community borrower library card?
Search the library collection in Omni.
- Once you have found the item you'd like to request, sign in and then click "Request."
- Under "Pickup Location" select "McLaugnlin Library", "Curbside Pickup" or "Home Delivery."
- You will receive an email with further directions once the item has been processed. Please wait until you receive this email before coming to the library.
- Please see Library Services during COVID-19 for more information.
The book return bins can be found in two locations: the front doors of the library and at the library's loading dock. The bins are accessible 24/7.
Access to the loading dock is off of Gordon Street at the back of the library. Please note that the book return bin at the loading dock is not wheelchair accessible. Patrons who require assistance can contact library@uoguelph.ca.
Yes. Current U of G students, staff and faculty can request physical items from Omni partner libraries.
- Request items through Omni.
- Select your pickup location.
- You will receive an email notification when the item is ready. (Note: the email comes from the library you requested the item from).
Unfortunately, no. For safety reasons, there is no group study even if you are roommates or are a part of the same social bubble. There will only be one-person per table or in a study room at a time. For this reason, Group Study Rooms are also not available for use.
You can stay as long as you need to during the library's opening hours. If demand for library space increases, we may need to adjust this policy.
You can place a hold request on any item housed on any floor of the library through Omni and we’ll collect the materials for you. Items can be picked up at curbside, or delivered to your home. Did you know you can browse the stacks virtually in Omni? For physical items at U of G, Virtual Browse is located at the bottom of the record. Scroll through to discover books located nearby on the shelves.
Most users can borrow up to 500 items, including 2 DVDs at a time.
Borrowing is currently suspended for Alumni and Community Borrowers.
See our Borrowing Policy for more information.
Most users can borrow:
- Books for 120 days
- DVDs for 14 days
Borrowing is currently suspended for Alumni and Community Borrowers.
See Borrowing Policy for more information.
Yes. Registered U of G students, faculty and staff can access library resources via Omni (and other databases) from anywhere at any time. Sign in to get full access.
- Community borrowers cannot login to Omni due to licensing restrictions imposed by online publishers
- Alumni have online access to a subset of our electronic resources
- Registered distance education students, see Distance Education
- For users affiliated with the university, please see Sponsored Users and the Service Summary Table; please note the sponsoring department or unit on campus is responsible for requesting sponsored accounts - this is not done by the Library
Library fines can only be paid over the phone using VISA or Mastercard. Call the Ask Us Desk at (519) 824 - 4120 x53618.
Students, faculty, and staff may print, scan, or photocopy. No appointment is required. Load money onto your printing account online via Papercut. We are not accepting cash, credit, or debit onsite.
- Printers can be found on the first floor, near the public computers
- Find instructions on using the printers including how to load money onto your account
If you are a new student and have not been issued your UG ID card, you may not yet have been entered into our library system. Library staff will need to create a temporary library account for you before you can get your books. Please contact us at library@uoguelph.ca
Alumni and Community borrower cards cannot be issued at this time. During COVID-19, access to the library and the print collection is restricted to current UG students, faculty and staff.
Alumni may request electronic access to some U of G e-resources.
Community borrowers and Alumni can explore our Open Access resources.
Your question might be answered in one of our topic-specific FAQs:
- E-book FAQ
- Copyright FAQ
- Data Collection & Surveys FAQ
- Open Scholarship Support FAQ
- Researcher Identifiers (ORCID) FAQ
Still can't find what you're looking for? Contact us.