by Sarah Jane Dooley, Louise Gillis, & Melissa Helwig
We miss you and we are here for you!
Despite our physical locations being closed many of our services are available online, like access to thousands of e-journals and e-books. Start your search here: https://libraries.dal.ca.
For the most up-to-date information regarding our spaces, remote services and collections, please keep checking back here: https://libraries.dal.ca/covid-19-updates.html
To make this as easy as possible for you, we created a Top 5 Tips to stay connected with us while you work from home. Stay home and stay safe!
Tip #1: Ask a Librarian
Did you know you have a personal librarian? Each program and faculty at Dalhousie has a subject librarian. You are welcome to email them directly at any stage of your research process. Your librarian is ready to help you and is accessible by email or by remote research appointment.
Start with the Subject Guides to search for your librarian by name or by subject area. Or go to Ask Us to contact your local library.
We are also still providing services such as LiveHelp (via chat) and Brightspace and IT HelpDesk assistance at support@dal.ca.
Tip #2: Subject Guides
Overwhelmed or unsure at where to start with electronic resources? Try a Subject Guide. These curated collections of subject specific resources are an excellent starting point for your research. They highlight relevant databases, useful journals, e-books and more. Still stuck? Your librarian’s contact details are listed too!
Tip #3: Register your DalCard
Why should I register my DalCard with the library? It allows you to access Document Delivery (see below for more important details). It also allows you to look at your library account info online and check due dates. Currently due dates are being adjusted in alignment with potential opening dates/times. See the online registration form here: https://libraries.dal.ca/borrow/library-cards.html
Tip #4: Document Delivery
How do I access journal articles and book chapters that Dal Libraries doesn’t have or that I can’t currently access in print?
Document Delivery (aka Interlibrary Loan) is a free service that delivers journal articles and book chapters to you electronically. Even though some of our physical spaces are closed, this service allows you to order items we might only have in print or might not own at all.
You can use the patron request (aka order form) from the Document Delivery page or check our YouTube tutorial on using Getit@Dal to access Document Delivery. To log in you need to have your DalCard registered at the library (see above). Your login is the barcode on your DalCard and your username is the last four digits of the phone number associated with your library account. To learn more about Document Delivery services during COVID see our recent Dal News article.
Tip #5: Book Pick Up & Drop Off
Where do I pick up my books?
Curbside Pick Up is now available! Circulating materials from the Dalhousie Libraries are once again available to Dalhousie and King’s faculty, staff, and students. Fill out the form and choose to pick up your books at the Kellogg, Killam, MacRae, or Sexton Libraries. This service cannot provide access to materials from other Novanet institutions at this time.
Where do I return my books?
All due dates have been moved to September 30 and will be reassessed as needed. This applies to Dalhousie items, as well as material borrowed from universities and colleges throughout Nova Scotia and from Mount Allison.
If you would like to make a return, the Killam Library’s book return is open 24/7! Use it to return material from any of the Dal Libraries. Note: If you are self-isolating, please do not return items.