As a student, I am aware that the ongoing McLennan library move has left a lot of Arts students questioning the effects it will have on borrowing books, study spaces and printing. While there are of course other libraries such as the Schulich Library, or the Nahum Gelber Law Library, the McLennan-Redpath Library has been the main source of information for students throughout their academic careers at McGill. Personally, due to the move I have been studying in the beautiful Islamic Studies library and the Birks Reading Room, both of which I suggest for students looking for a quiet and aesthetic place to do their work.
However, multiple questions about other resources still feel up in the air. To remedy some of the anxiety around this change I sat down with Dr. Kristen Howard, Liaison Librarian for the Humanities and Social Science Library. As an integral support for the teaching, learning and research needs of students and faculty members of the departments of History and Classical Studies, Indigenous Studies program, and the School of Religious Studies, Dr. Howard has valuable experience in the research needs of a variety of subjects. Whether it be a history student trying to find archival content for their honours thesis or a religious major looking for a specific scripture, Dr. Howard is a reliable source of knowledge for many of the questions we all have about the move. Below are her invaluable answers to some of the most important questions about the move:
Q: Where will the books be held during the renovation?
Dr. Howard: In anticipation of the Fiat Lux renovations, the Library has already begun moving items from the circulating collections in the McLennan and Redpath Libraries to our new off-site storage facility, the McGill University Collections Centre (MUCC). The MUCC is a state-of-the-art, climate controlled facility featuring a high-density storage and retrieval system that will keep our collections safe and available for decades to come
Q: What will be the general process for students to take out books from the library during this semester?
Dr. Howard: We are moving books to the MUCC one floor at a time, and all items on McLennan 6th floor (which includes such subjects as Philosophy, Ethics, Archaeology, the World History) have already moved to the MUCC. Students will need to borrow items that have already moved from other universities by using our free Network Loanand Interlibrary Loan services. This is an easy process that can be done through Sofia, the library catalogue! We will soon begin moving items located on McLennan 5th floor, which includes literature in English, French, and other languages, as well as fiction. Students are highly encouraged to visit the 5th floor to borrow any items they may need this term before the floor closes – you might keep this in mind if you are in a literature, linguistics, or language course, or are hoping to pick up a fiction book to read for fun. After the floor closes, McGill users can still use the Library Pickup Service Formto request items, and if the item has not yet been moved to the MUCC library staff will be happy to retrieve the item.
Course reserves remain accessible in the Reserves and A/V room on the first floor of McLennan, and students are encouraged to see if their instructors have placed items on reserve.
Q: Are there any challenges that students may face with this new change? Do you have any advice to help combat these challenges?
Dr. Howard: One challenge that students will face is how the library catalogue describes items still in our building. As we continue to move items to the MUCC, students may notice an increased number of items in the library catalogue that are described as “All copies in use” and with the location marked “Collections Centre – Robotic Shelving – By Request.” In general, these are items that have already been moved to the MUCC. However, items are moved in the backend before they are moved physically – for example, this copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy says that it is unavailable and at the Collections Centre, but it is actually still on the 5thfloor of McLennan. Before the floor closes later this month, you are welcome to retrieve it yourself, and after the floor closes you can still request it using the Library Pickup Service Form. If you are ever unsure if a book you need is still in the building, please use the Chat with a Librarian service and we’ll be happy to help you. Another challenge that some students will face is a natural tendency to procrastinate. I’ve been telling students all school year that this is the best year to work on procrastination if that’s a challenge for you! I highly recommend that all students plan ahead for your research projects, term papers, and other assignments by conducting your research early allowing plenty of time to request items through Network and Interlibrary Loan. Keep in mind that Network Loans (items from other universities in Quebec) are normally delivered within 4 business days, and Interlibrary Loan items typically take 1-2 weeks, but can take longer. Planning ahead is crucial to ensure that you give yourself enough time to receive (and use!) these items.
Q: With the emphasis on online books do you have any website suggestions that students can access for free?
Dr. Howard: The McGill Library owns nearly 4 million eBooks, so I recommend beginning with searching our library catalogue! After conducting an initial search, students can use the Format filter on the lefthand side to check “eBook” to ensure that all results are available in electronic format. Students can also consult our Humanities & Social Sciences Subject Guides, which are lists of resources created by McGill librarians on everything from African Studies to Women’s Studies. These invaluable guides include resources ranging from databases accessible to McGill users to useful websites, all curated by subject.
Q: As a librarian do you have any general advice for students looking for sources?
Dr. Howard: My biggest suggestion is to use resources available through the McGill Library first, rather than conducting a general Google search. It’s always a great idea to start with a Subject Guide or Course Guide to see what resources are best aligned with your courses. And don’t forget that librarians are on call to answer questions about finding sources! You can find us in the McLennan Library from 10:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday, and we’re available to answer questions over chat, email, or text 10:00am – 6:00pm Monday-Friday and 12:00-5:00pm on weekends. You are also always welcome to send an email to your Liaison Librarian who can provide you detailed, individual help as you are looking for sources.
Ultimately the library move will be an adjustment for all within the McGill community, however with the guidance of librarians, online resources and course guides, Arts students will be able to access the resources they need during the renovation.
For more information regarding the move please consult the library's website.