Guide for Graduate Students

Welcome to McLaughlin Library! We are a central place on campus for providing academic and research support to the U of G community. In addition to providing access to books and journal articles (and more!), the library is the hub for assistance in developing writing, studying, presentation, research, scholarship, and data skills, and is the home to many workshops and programs. Build and broaden your academic skills with our support. We’re here to help you through your graduate journey with thoughtfully curated services, programming, and resources.

Ten tips to make the most of the library

1. Omni is the library’s search engine and a great place to start your research. However, if you’re looking to focus your results on a particular discipline or type of resource (like primary sources or government documents) or if you’re conducting a knowledge synthesis consider using our Research Databases.
2. LibKey Nomad is a browser extension that provides one-click access to our full-text articles and books when you’re researching outside of the library's website. For more information, including instructions on installing and downloading, see our LibKey Nomad guide.
3. Have you searched in Omni and still can’t find the resource you’re looking for? Although this resource may not be available in our U of G and Omni partner libraries, fill out the Interlibrary Loan form and we will do our best to locate and deliver that item to you as quickly as possible.
4. We have bookable and drop-in spaces to suit your needs. As a graduate student you also have access to a dedicated bank of bookable individual study rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis.  
5. Meet with an expert to improve your writing, studying, researching and English language skills. We can also support you at any stage of your research from developing a Research Data Management Plan, to finding, collecting and analyzing data, to publishing and knowing your rights as an author. Explore our services and book an appointment.
6. Are you a TA or Instructor? Familiarize yourself with our resources geared towards undergraduate students and check out the Faculty & Instructors guide for more on how we can support you as a teacher.  
7. Browse and use our Archives & Special Collections, consisting of eight primary collection areas, in your teaching or research.
8. View the library’s workshop calendar to see what’s happening this semester. Use the “Graduate” filter to display workshops targeted to you. Keep an eye out for Dissertation Writing Retreat, Data Skills Workshop Series, EAL Graduate Writing Camp, and Graduate Accountability Groups.
9. Library Accessibility Services (LAS) is for students registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS). We provide assistive technology access and instruction, accessible study space, and other services designed to help with reading, writing, note-taking, and studying.
10. Explore resources we’ve created on copyright, data, research, publishing, technology, and more to help you develop your academic and professional skills in the Digital Learning Commons.

Got questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us. We’re happy to help.