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Guide for New Users

Welcome to the library!

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 and even children's content!
  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. 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? Contact us and we’ll connect you with the right person.

Other library resources

Whether you're a student, staff, or faculty, you can also advantage of library resources:

  • Find your next favourite book: The Gryph Reads leisure reading collection is full of great reads including popular fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and even video games. 
  • Explore diverse narratives and worldviews: In partnership with student groups on campus, the library curates collections on themes such as Black History Month, Pride, Indigenous HIstory Month, and Asian Heritage Month. 
  • Get help with a video or podcast: The library’s Media Studio is well-equipped to help you with your next media project! Media Studio staff are available for consultations and the studio loans media equipment for free. 
  • Visit an exhibition: You don’t need to go to a museum to view an exhibition — the library’s Archival and Special Collections team puts together rotating exhibitions in the library.
  • Learn a new skill: The library’s online guides are a great place to start when learning something new, such as using new software, creating media projects, using the library’s collections, and writing for different audiences and styles. 
  • Try a new recipe: Whether you’re looking to build your culinary skills or just try something new, you’ll be sure to find something tasty in one of the largest collections of cookbooks in North America - browse it on the third floor! 
  • Entertain your kids: Tired of rereading the same children’s book? The library has a large and well-curated collection of children's picture books and novels that you use to shake up your storytelling routine - find them on the 5th floor in the PZ call number range.