Our building is open to current U of G students, faculty, and staff at a limited capacity of 50%. Learn about using the library this fall.

Guide for New Users

Welcome to the library!

For the latest updates on access to the library and all available services see Library Services During COVID-19.

McLaughlin Library is a central place on campus for providing academic support to students. On a busy day, more than 12,000 students, faculty, staff, and researchers use the library. In addition to providing access to books and journal articles to the U of G community, the library is the hub for assistance in developing your writing, studying, presentation, research, and data analysis and management skills, and houses the Supported Learning Groups and Student Athlete Mentor programs.

10 tips to get you started

  1. Your student or employee card is your library card. When you visit the library, you can use your ID card to sign out books and resources.
  2. Use your U of G Central Login ID to access online materials.
  3. Omni is the search engine for exploring the library's collections. You can find millions of books, journal articles, streaming video, and other physical and digital materials. Getting started with Omni gives you a quick overview on how to use it.
  4. Journal article databases are another great place to find academic articles and other information.
  5. Find materials selected by your instructor in course reserves (ARES).
  6. Check out our YouTube channel to discover videos on hundreds of library topics.
  7. We can help you succeed with writing, learning, research, and scholarship. Book a free online appointment with us.
  8. We have lots of different kinds of study spaces for you use. Check out our spaces and the library map for more information.
  9. Who needs Netflix? Find links to feature films and documentaries.
  10. Questions? Ask us!

For first-year students

You may want to check out these resources to make the most of your first year.

First-Year webinars

The library hosts several webinars focused on first-year success. Visit the library's Workshops & Events Calendar to check out the webinars and workshops to help you develop your academic skills and strategies.

Supported Learning Groups (SLGs)

SLGs are weekly, peer-led group study sessions facilitated by upper year students for courses that have been identified as particularly challenging for students. This fall, all SLGs are being offered online through CourseLink. If your course has an SLG, you will see an announcement on your course website letting you know how to participate. These sessions are optional - attend as many as you like and come and go as you please. Everyone is welcome! Find out more about SLGs.

Individual support

Learning resources

Not sure where to start or where to get help? Email library@uoguelph.ca and we’ll connect you with the right person.