The Library is here to help you make the most of your time at Queen’s. Here's a brief overview of the great services available to you:

• Borrowing from the Library
• Help with Your Library Research
• Library Study Spaces
• Other Library and Partner Services

Borrowing from the Library

• Library Cards
  Your student card is your library card. Visit the circulation desk in any campus library to activate it.

• Borrowing Limits
  Queen’s undergrads can borrow up to 100 library items at any time.

• Loan Periods
  Loan periods vary from 14 days to 1 hour, depending on the type of item you borrow.

• Renewals
  If you need to use a borrowed item for a little longer, it is often possible to extend the due date (some exceptions apply).

• Holds and Recalls
  Need an item that someone else has checked out? We’ll notify you when it becomes available and hold it for you. Wait periods can range from one or two days up to two weeks.

• Library Account
  Access your Library Account online to see what you have borrowed and when your items are due. Renew your borrowed items or place requests for holds and recalls online through your account.

• Book Retrieval Service
  Need an item from another library on campus? We will deliver it to the library you use most frequently, generally within 3-5 days (excluding weekends and holidays).

• Interlibrary Loans
  Can’t find a specific item at Queen’s? If the Library doesn’t have it, we can help you get it from another library through interlibrary loan (ILL). Book loans are generally free of charge (some exceptions apply). Fees apply to photocopied items (e.g., journal articles or book chapters) and the copies are yours to keep.

Help with Your Library Research

• Research 101
  Research 101 is a series of online tutorials and guides to introduce you to the services available the Library and to get you started with your library research.

• Subject Guides
  Not sure how to begin your library search? Subject Guides link to the most frequently used resources in different areas of study and often provide useful tips.

• How-to Guides
  Mystified by QCAT? Need to know how to print to a library printer? Not sure how to write a book review or cite a reference? You might find one of our How-to guides helpful.

• FAQs
  Looking for a quick answer? Our FAQs cover a wide range of topics.

• Workshops and Instruction Information

• Ask a Librarian
  Library staff are here to help you with any aspect of your library experience. Whether you have a general library question or need help finding resources for a specific assignment or project, we welcome your inquiry. Don’t hesitate to ask us for library help – it’s what we do!

  Submit your question online, call us or ask in-person. Some libraries also offer support through IM.

Library Study Spaces

Queen’s students are welcome to study in any of six campus libraries. Details are available for various study space options at Engineering & Science and Stauffer Libraries. Study space is also available at Bracken Health Sciences Library, the Education Library, the Lederman Law Library, and Special Collections & Music Library.

About Library Study Spaces

• Hours
  Opening hours vary by library and time of year. Stauffer library is open 24/7 during exam periods.

• Group Study Rooms
  In addition to providing quiet individual study space, several campus libraries offer bookable group study rooms. Study rooms in Bracken, Engineering & Science and Stauffer can be booked online. (Bracken bookings are restricted to Health Sciences students and faculty.)

• Virtual Tours and Interactive Floorplans
  Not sure how to find your way around the library? Virtual tours and interactive floorplans are available for each library on campus.

• Computers & Printing
  Each campus library is well-equipped with public access workstations, wireless and wired internet, printing, copying and scanning facilities.

• Food & Drink
  Drinks and snacks are generally permitted within library facilities, with the exception of areas housing special print collections and/or computer equipment. Please note that campus libraries are not equipped as food service locations. For the comfort and convenience of other library users, and to help maintain a clean and welcoming study environment, please do not bring hot or smelly foods into the library. Please choose reusable containers or low-packaging drinks and snacks.

Other Library and Partner Services

• Queen’s Learning Commons
  Located on the ground floor of Stauffer Library, the Queen’s Learning Commons provides one-stop access to a range of helpful academic support services.

• Exambank
  Exambank provides access to hundreds of past exams.

• Connect from Off-Campus
  The Library subscribes to thousands of online journals, e-books and databases. On-campus users can connect directly to these digital collections, but off-campus users may encounter subscription barriers. Follow the “Connect from Off-Campus” link from any Library webpage to login and connect to these resources.

• RefWorks
  RefWorks is a web-based tool that can help you create and manage bibliographies. We recommend that you invest a few minutes in an online tutorial.

• Adaptive Technology Centre
  The Adaptive Technology Centre is dedicated to facilitating information access for students with disabilities.