The Library's mission is to support the teaching and research programs of Queen's University. While the Library's first concern is to provide collections and services to Queen's students, faculty and staff, alumni and local area residents and visitors are welcome to come into the libraries at Queen's and use the facilities.

This document describes the scope of services available to alumni and those who have no affiliation with Queen's.

LIBRARY ACCESS

The libraries at Queen's are open to members of the public. Researchers and visitors are welcome to visit any campus library to consult and make use of:

• the print and microform collections
• library catalogues
• research databases and other electronic resources (in-library access only)
• self-service copiers and printers
• basic information services
• reading rooms

BORROWING PRIVILEGES

Queen's graduates may use their alumni cards to borrow books, subject to the fee schedule outlined below.

Area residents unaffiliated with Queen's may borrow books, but first must purchase a Community Borrower's Card from a circulation desk in Bracken Health Sciences Library, the Engineering and Science Library (in the Douglas Library building), the Education Library, the Law Library, or in Stauffer Library. The Community Borrower's Card is for the cardholder's personal use. It may not be transferred to other individuals or used for business purposes.

Fill out the Library Card Application Form, print it off and bring it to the Circulation Desk in any of the campus libraries (except the Jordan Library) to get your card. These Library Application Forms are available in print out at the library reference desks as well.

Most books can be borrowed for 14 days and can be renewed if not requested by another patron. Journals do not circulate outside the libraries. Borrowers are advised to check individual libraries' circulation policies to clarify precisely which library resources may be borrowed (see also Library Borrowing Policies).

Borrowing Privileges for Visiting Scholars, Faculty Members or Students of Another University
Faculty and students from other universities may be eligible for borrowing privileges at Queen's University Library under the terms of reciprocal agreements among educational institutions. For more information, consult Borrowing Books: From Other Universities.

FEES FOR A LIBRARY CARD

SERVICES

Online Catalogue

Alumni and area residents may search QCAT, the Queen's Library catalogue, on campus at any of the computers within the libraries. In addition, the catalogue is freely accessible on the web and searchable from off-campus anywhere.

Electronic Research Databases

Anyone is welcome to come into the libraries and use the electronic indexes, journals and full-text resources available online. Remote access from home, however, is restricted to Queen's students, faculty and staff due to licensing agreements with the vendors of the electronic products. Alumni and area residents are advised to explore the online research databases provided to them by their local public library.

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary loan services are available only to Queen's students, faculty and staff. Alumni and area residents are eligible to use the interlibrary loan services provided by their local public library.

Library Workshops

Instruction in the use of library resources is primarily for university members, although alumni and area residents are welcome to attend the general training sessions offered at Stauffer Library in the fall term.

LIBRARY TOURS

Self-guided tours are available at Stauffer Library and at the Engineering and Science Library. Group guided tours can be arranged through the information desk in each library:

Engineering and Science Information Desk: 613-533-6981
Stauffer Library Information Desk: 613-533-2527

SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

We do not provide classes for high school students but are happy to work with teachers to prepare their students before they visit the libraries at Queen's. For more information, consult Queen's Resources for Teacher Librarians.

Preferred time for visits: We recommend that classes of high school students make use of Queen's Library's facilities AFTER the University terms end in December and May. During the Fall and Winter Terms (i.e. September - December and January - April), Queen's students have first priority for use of all library facilities, collections and services.

SPECIALISED / ENHANCED SERVICES

Photocopying or Microform Printing Service (in Stauffer Library)

• 50 cents per page (if requested through the Stauffer Library Circulation Desk)
• Contact: Stauffer Library Access Services at 613-533-2524

Research Services

Research and mediated searches may be requested by alumni and members of the community for a rate the encompasses the cost recovery of staff time and materials. For more information, contact reference services at the relevant campus library.

Services to Professionals in the Community

Research services are offered to professionals in the community by the relevant subject library, e.g. to health professionals by Bracken Health Sciences Library, to teachers by the Teacher Resource Centre and the Education Library, and to the legal community by the William R. Lederman Law Library.

An Ellison LetterMachine is available for use at the Education Library.

Meeting Rooms

University-affiliated groups may use the Library's meeting and instruction facilities, subject to availability. These facilities are not normally available, however, to community groups or individuals. For more information, contact the appropriate campus library.