We’ll start where our assignments usually start – you are given a set of instructions telling you to find sources and write your paper. Sounds simple enough in theory, right? Well sometimes it is, and that is great, but when it’s not, take a breath and explore the different ways the UM libraries can help. A great place to start is the Learning Support page, which outlines many of the resources and services offered by the UM Libraries. If you already have a particular question or challenge you are looking for help with, here are some of the specific ways the UM Libraries and librarians can support you.

If you are new to doing research, consider making a one-to-one appointment with one of UM’s librarians for support on how to search for sources. They can help you get familiar with the UM Library system including the basic “library search” (like google but better for research), as well as the various databases available. UM librarians can also help you understand the types of sources to look for based on your assignment requirements (what is peer-reviewed anyway?) and how to use filters to make finding them easier. This will help to ensure that, once you find the perfect source, it really is the perfect source.

If you would like to do your research more efficiently, librarians can teach you tips and tricks to streamline your search. Not all search terms are created equal, and a librarian can help you figure out the best search terms to use to find the topics you need. They can also help you understand and filter the information provided for each source to help you quickly determine if a source is right for you and what you are working on.  

If you are looking for something on a more obscure topic, it might sometimes feel like no one has written anything that covers what you need. That is the time to find your subject librarian. Subject librarians are not only research experts but experts in a particular field and so will be best able to help you with everything from knowing which database to start in to helping dig up more niche information.

If you find the perfect source but can’t seem to access the document, reach out to any of the UM’s librarians either through a one-to-one appointment or through the online chat, Ask Us. Through the mysteries of the libraries (or perhaps knowing where else to look or how to use Document Delivery), there is a pretty good chance the librarians will be able to help you out.

Whatever aspect of research you are working on, UM librarians are excited and ready to help. You can find them through the online chat, one-to-one appointments or drop-in sessions – more information on all of these can be found on the UM libraries website.

If your thesis is ready to deposit, do it now.

• Do not wait until the last minute to deposit your thesis. Library support will not be available during the Winter Holiday. Check library hours.
• Technical oversight will be sporadic, and any technical issues will likely not be addressed or resolved until the University opens on Wednesday, January 2, 2025.

If you have any doubts, questions or concerns, get help now.

• Consult the following support pages for publishing, deposit, or related concerns:
  • MSpace thesis deposit: step-by-step instructions and instructional video
  • MSpace thesis deposit FAQs
  • Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) thesis submission and deadlines
• Book a consultation before the Holiday over Teams:
  • On copyright concerns, contact Althea Wheeler
  • On meeting existing or future publisher obligations, contact Kate Langrell 
• Contact your Subject Librarian
• For technical assistance contact, email libraryresearchservices@umanitoba.ca

Your Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) Student Program Assistant is a resource.

• If you have questions about the thesis review process or any aspect of thesis preparation leading up to submission, contact your program’s respective Student Program Assistant (SPA). Your SPA will review your thesis after you submit it to MSpace and approves it to be included there.

If you do encounter technical problems over the Winter Holiday, don’t panic.

• Send an email to libraryresearchservices@umanitoba.ca and your FGS Student Program Assistant. Once the University re-opens, MSpace staff and FGS SPA will work together to ensure you will not be penalized for the issue and work to resolve your issue as soon as possible.

As part of the Machray Hall redevelopment, the Jim Peebles Science and Technology Library (Science Library) will be closed to walk-in use beginning May 1, 2024.

Access to print and digital collections, librarians, and other services will continue to be available during the closure. The library will undergo a transformation, resulting in new student study spaces and services. Anticipated reopening is in 2026.

Where are the books?

The science collection will still be accessible no matter where it is located.

• Electronic resources are available anytime, anywhere. UM Libraries provides access to an extensive number of electronic books and journals in the science, engineering, agriculture, and environmental science subject areas. Start your search by visiting the Libraries home page.
• High-circulating print items will be moved to the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, 3^rd floor, until the Science Library reopens.
• Unique print items can be found in the Library’s Annex and remain available for loan. These titles are unique among academic libraries across Western Canada and will be permanently held in the Libraries Annex.
• The remaining collection items will be held in off-site storage, still accessible to you by request.

Items from the print collection and offsite storage can be requested for pickup at any UM Libraries location or from a pickup locker. Items put on reserve for courses can be retrieved from the Course Reserves kiosk now located in Armes Link (between Parker & Allen Buildings), 30B Sifton Road.

Where can I work?

Additional study spaces are being added in the Elizabeth Dafoe Library. Students may also use study spaces in any other UM Libraries location. Check the locations and operating hours.

Group study rooms are available in Elizabeth Dafoe Library, Music Library, Agriculture Building (66 Dafoe Road), Engineering Building (EITC E3), and Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library. Book group study rooms online.

Quiet Pods are available in Elizabeth Dafoe Library for individual use. Book a Quiet Pod.

Public access computers are available in all UM Libraries locations. In addition, laptops and portable chargers can be borrowed from the Laptop Lending locker and Portable Charger kiosk in the Elizabeth Dafoe Library.

Printing and scanning are available in all UM Libraries.

How can I get help?

Subject librarians are still available to support students and instructors from the Faculties of Science, Engineering, Agricultural and Food Sciences, and Environment, Earth, and Resources.  Find your subject librarian.

You may also use our Ask Us online chat if you have any questions.

Helpful links

UM Libraries home page

Libraries locations

Library study spaces

About Quiet Pods

Book a Quiet Pod at Elizabeth Dafoe Library

About group study rooms

Book group study rooms online

Laptop Lending

Portable Charger lending

Printing and scanning

Book a Quiet Pod

Three Quiet Pods are now available for UM students on the main floor of the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, near the main entrance. The pods are for individual use only. You can book a Quiet Pod in advance to use the quiet space for a maximum of three hours.

Features of the Quiet Pods

Each pod is equipped with ventilation and lighting controls and the height of the desk can be adjusted according to your preference. Power is available via standard AC socket or USB-C port. Learn more about the features and using the Quiet Pods.

Check in and check out a Quiet Pod

Remember to arrive for your booking on time, or the booking might be cancelled. Don’t forget to ‘check in’ using the link in the booking confirmation email — or scan the QR code inside the Quiet Pod upon arrival. If you need to cancel your booking, click the cancel booking link in your confirmation email.

When you are ready to leave, click ‘check out’ on the check-in page. Do not leave anything behind. You must leave the Quiet Pods 15 minutes prior to library closure.

Additional quiet study spaces

Sometimes all you need is a quiet place to study. Take advantage of the Library’s quiet study spaces, including an additional 86 study seats that have been added for students in the second-floor Quiet Zone of Elizabeth Dafoe Library.

Quiet study space for students is available in all UM Libraries locations.

Students may borrow a portable charger from the Elizabeth Dafoe Library kiosk to charge their devices for up to 4 hours. All you need to bring is your own cable or cord.

About the portable chargers

• Powers cell phones, tablets, and laptops
• Charges up to 3 devices at once
• Provides standard 110-volt power, USB, and wireless charging for Qi-enabled phones

Borrow one today

Portable chargers can be borrowed from the self-serve kiosk in the Elizabeth Dafoe Library in four easy steps:

1. Tap the screen to borrow.
2. Read and agree to the terms.
3. Swipe your UM student ID card.
4. Remove the charger that pops out.

Chargers are available for four hours per loan. Overdue fines will be applied to a student’s account if the charger is not returned within the four-hour period or by the library’s closing time, whichever comes first.

Returning the charger

Returning the portable charger is even easier – only one step.

1. Insert the portable charger into any vacant slot, pushing it in until you hear a click. (No need to swipe your student card!)

UM Libraries is committed to supporting students and researchers all along their academic career.  The charger kiosk is one of several supports UM Libraries provides, along with laptop lending and pickup lockers.

Try a charger today.

If your thesis is ready to deposit, do it now.

• Do not wait until the last minute to deposit your thesis. Library support will not be available during the Winter Holiday. Check library hours.
• Technical oversight will be sporadic, and any technical issues will not likely be addressed /resolved until the University opens on January 3, 2024 (Wednesday).

If you have any doubts, questions or concerns, get help now.

• Consult the following support pages for publishing, deposit, or related concerns:
  • MSpace thesis deposit: step-by-step instructions and instructional video
  • MSpace thesis deposit FAQs
  • Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) thesis submission and deadlines
• Book a consultation over Teams in the next two weeks:
  • On copyright concerns, contact Althea Wheeler
  • On meeting existing or future publisher obligations, contact Andrea Szwajcer
• Contact your Liaison Librarian
• For technical assistance contact, email libraryresearchservices@umanitoba.ca

Your Faculty of Graduate Student Program Assistant is a resource.

• If you have questions about the thesis review process or any aspect of thesis preparation leading up to submission, contact your program’s respective Student Program Assistant (SPA). Your SPA will review your thesis after you submit it to MSpace and approves it to be included there.

If you do encounter technical problems over the Winter Holiday, don’t panic.

• Send an email to libraryresearchservices@umanitoba.ca and your FGS Student Program Assistant. Once the University re-opens, MSpace staff and FGS SPA will work together to ensure you will not be penalized for the issue and work to resolve your issue as soon as possible.

The Lean Library browser extension provides quick and simple access to digital content purchased by UM Libraries.

Using Lean Library means you spend less time searching for research material and more time studying, reading, and writing. With a few simple steps you’ll have access wherever and whenever you decide to study or do research, whether you’re in a neighbourhood coffee shop or at home, during the day or in the wee hours of the morning.

Learn more about how Lean Library can extend your research.

How does the extension work?

The extension will automatically detect when you are on a website that contains content the library subscribes to. If you are off-campus, you may be prompted to log in with your UMNetID credentials.

Once you are logged in, the “LL” extension icon in the menu bar will turn an aqua colour if the library provides access to the article. A grey icon means that access is not available and Lean Library will automatically check for open access versions of the article or provide a link to interlibrary loan.

Download the Lean Library browser extension for quick and simple access to digital content purchased by UM Libraries.

Open Libraries

Beginning September 7, Elizabeth Dafoe, Sciences & Technology, and Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Libraries are open for individual study space. Our digital collections and databases are available virtually, 24×7. And physical materials from all collections are still available simply by placing a request online and retrieving it at a Pickup Locker.

• Access materials
• Use a pickup locker

Ask Us!

Ask Us chat is the fastest way to get in in touch with the Libraries for help. The Ask Us chat bubble can be found on the bottom right corner on the libraries’ web pages. Librarians are also available to consult with you on your research.

• Request an appointment with a librarian.

Top Five Tips

Check out the 5 Top Library Tips You Need to Know to help get you started using library services this fall. Whether you’re a new student or a returning student, these tips will highlight important information for using the Libraries’ collections and services even while continuing to learn in a virtual setting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VZrTWwEmpo

Follow us

As restrictions continue to lift, UM Libraries will gradually open more spaces, collections, and services.

Make sure to follow the libraries on Instagram @umanitobalibraries or Twitter @UM_Libraries to stay up to date with all the latest news and library openings.

• Check out the Libraries COVID-19 Updates