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Frequently Asked Questions

Popular Answers

Can I get help with my research assignment?

We’re here to support you in your learning and research goals. Visit the Get Support page and choose from either one-on-one help from a Library team member or self-guided resources you can consult at your own pace.

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How do I sign in to my Library Account?

Humber students, faculty and staff:

  • Sign in with your Humber Username. For example: n01234567@humber.ca - what you use for MyHumber and Blackboard.

University of Guelph-Humber students, faculty and staff:

  • Sign in with your Humber Username. For example: n01234567@humber.ca.
    • Tip: If you are currently using the University of Guelph network, open an incognito window or separate browser to avoid the need to sign in and out.
  • You can also access University of Guelph online resources using your Guelph Library Account. 

If you don't know your Humber Username, try the retrieve username tool.

If you have trouble signing in, contact Information Technology Services.

Alumni and community users:

  • Come to the Library during our opening hours to get an account.
  • Sign in with your email address provided at account creation.

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How do I place a hold on a Library book?

If the book you’re searching for has a Place Hold option, go ahead and place the hold. We’ll reserve the book for you and send you a notification as soon as it becomes available.

  • Textbooks are not holdable to ensure all students have equal access.

Follow these steps to place a hold: 

  1. Go to the Get It section of the book record.
  2. Sign in to your Library Account with your Humber Username.
    1. Note: This step is skipped if you're already signed in.
  3. Select the Place Hold option.
  4. Choose a pick-up location before sending the request.

Choose from these two options to cancel a hold:

  • Cancel online via the Requests menu in your Library Account.
  • Allow the hold to expire automatically. This will happen if you don’t pick it up from the circulation desk within seven days. No fines are charged for holds that are not picked up.

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Do I have to pay to use the Library?

The Library is free to use, with a few exceptions:

  • Overdue fines for textbooks, faculty reserves, technology and equipment 
  • Replacement fines for lost Library items (charged if an item is more than 60 days overdue)
  • Annual Community Borrower registration fee of $20
  • Printing and photocopying via ONECard print credits

Please note all Library fines are non-refundable.

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What can I borrow from the Library?

If you’re a current student, faculty or staff member, you can borrow books from our general collection; media items such as DVDs and CDs; textbooks; faculty reserves; and equipment.

Review our Borrowing Policies (pdf file) for full details on how we issue Library items, including user groups such as alumni and community users, loan / rental periods, item limits, renewals, holds and more.

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How do I search for a book or textbook?

Start by typing keywords into Library Search, our comprehensive search tool. You can find the search box at the top of every page on the Library website.

If you’re looking for a textbook: 

  • Select the textbooks option in the drop-down.
  • Be sure to check the edition number in the book title.
  • Look for the course icon that identifies the title as a textbook.

Searching the Library is a skill that takes practice. To find what you’re looking for faster, review our best tips on using the Library Search tool.

You can also get support from the Library team.

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How long can I keep my book for?

Loan periods/due dates vary for different types of items. Review our Borrowing Policies (pdf file) for full details.

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Where do I return a Library book?

Use one of our Library drop boxes to return items. The Library team processes drop box returns during opening hours.

North Campus drop box locations:

  • First floor of the Learning Resource Commons (LRC), beside the stairs
  • Third floor of the LRC, inside the Learning Commons
  • Fourth floor of the LRC, at the Library entrance

Lakeshore Campus drop box locations:

  • Outside the Lakeshore Library (B202)
  • Lakeshore Commons (L Building)

If you’re not able to come to campus, we’re happy to make alternative arrangements—just email us at libcirc@humber.ca.

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Can I use Library computers?

Library and Learning Commons computers are intended for current students, faculty and staff of Humber and University of Guelph-Humber.

Alumni and prospective students with OSAP or application-related questions may access the Library computers, subject to availability, for one hour per day. Printing is free for alumni and for students who need application documents. 

Public / community users may not sign in to Library computers, but are welcome to use the public Wi-Fi on their own devices.

Review our Computer Use Policy (pdf file) for full details.

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How do I print, copy or scan documents?

Printing, copying and scanning is available in the Library and Learning Commons spaces.

Review the Information Technology Services (ITS) Copy/Print/Scan/Fax support page for full instructions, including how to add print credits to ONECard.

If you have questions, contact Information Technology Services.

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Why isn’t my textbook available as an eBook?

Most commercial textbook publishers do not sell eBooks to libraries. This is because their business model is built around selling directly to students. If the Library is able to buy a textbook for our collection, it’s typically only available in print.

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Why doesn’t the Library have the book or textbook I need?

If we have a book or textbook in our collection, but it’s not on the shelves, it may be checked out by another student.

If we don’t have a book or textbook in our collection, it may be a custom edition or not available for sale to libraries.

You can borrow from other libraries using our free Interlibrary Loan service, available to current students, faculty and staff.

Keeping our collections relevant and timely is a team effort. If you have suggestions for new items to add, contact us to let us know. 

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How do I cite sources for assignments?

Learn this important skill at your own pace with our collection of video tutorials, tip sheets, examples and more. 

You can also get one-on-one support from a writing tutor at the Humber Writing Centre.

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How do I access the Humber Archives?

The Humber Archives are located in the North Library (LRC 4068). They are open to drop-in visits from students, faculty, staff and members of the public from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please visit archives.humber.ca to explore our collection or email archives@humber.ca with any specific questions.

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How do I connect to campus Wi-Fi?

Current students, faculty and staff can sign in to Eduroam, a single wireless network across all Humber and University of Guelph-Humber campuses.

For step-by-step login instructions, review the Eduroam Quick Reference Guide.

Guests and community users are welcome to use the Eduguest  public network.

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Why does the Library charge fines?

We are committed to providing barrier-free access to the Library. That’s why we’ve eliminated overdue fines/late fees for most items and extended loan periods for our general collection.

We still charge fines for some high-demand collections, including textbooks, faculty reserves, technology and equipment. This is to ensure everyone has an equal chance to access them. All fines collected are donated to Humber to support student bursaries.

In addition, you will be charged a replacement cost for items not returned within 60 days of the due date.

If you have overdue items, you will not be able to sign out any additional items. Review our Borrowing Policies (pdf file) for full details.

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I’m a guest / community user. What can I borrow and access?

Guests can borrow print books and media items from the general collection. Visit the Library circulation desk in person to open an account and receive sign-in instructions.

Guests cannot access eResources, including eBooks and online articles.

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What is the chat service?

The chat service is a quick and convenient way to speak with a Library team member if you have questions. Just click the chat icon found on all Library pages to start a conversation during opening hours.

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Can I film or take photos in Library spaces?

While our priority is to advance teaching, learning and research at the Library, we do our best to accommodate filming and photography requests from current students, faculty and staff. We evaluate every request on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration any impacts on our spaces and services.

Students, faculty and staff:

External requests:

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Can I donate books to the Library?

If you have fewer than 10 books, all published in the last five years, bring them to the circulation desk at the North or Lakeshore Library.

If you have 10 or more books, please contact library@humber.ca. Include either a list of titles or a clear photograph of the books on a shelf with spines facing out. We will evaluate whether your donation is a good fit for the collection.

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How do I book a group study room?

The Library's study rooms are open to current Humber and University of Guelph-Humber students.

Use our online booking form to start. A confirmation email will be sent to your Humber Microsoft 365 account.

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How do I renew a Library book or textbook?

You can renew books and media items from our general collection using your Library Account. Please note semester-long loans can only be renewed in the final two weeks of a semester. 

Textbooks are seven-day loans. To ensure everyone has an equal chance to access textbooks, you cannot extend or renew a textbook loan.

Once a textbook is returned, you must wait 24 hours before you can borrow the same textbook again.

Review our Borrowing Policies (pdf file) for full details.

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Does the Library have a fax machine?

No, but we have printers you can use to scan and email documents.

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How do I open a Library Account?

When you become a student, faculty or staff member, your Library Account is automatically activated. With this account, you get access to the Library’s collections.

To borrow items from the Library, use ONECard just like a library card at circulation desks, self-checkout machines and the International Graduate School’s Book Lending Machine. 

Visit Humber's ONECard website to learn more and download the Avro Mobile app. It can take up to 24 hours after activation for the app to work on campus.

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Can University of Guelph-Humber students use the Humber Library?

Absolutely! University of Guelph-Humber students are welcome to access all Humber Library services, spaces and resources.

University of Guelph-Humber textbooks and books are integrated into, and can be borrowed from, the North Library collection.

Looking for Library support?

Get in touch with us—we’re here to help.

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How do University of Guelph-Humber students access Humber eResources?

Sign in with your Humber Username (ex. n01234567@humber.ca). If you are currently using the University of Guelph network, open an incognito window or separate browser to avoid the need to sign in and out.

Access Humber Library eResources using your Humber Username. For example: n01234567@humber.ca.

Tip: If you are currently using the University of Guelph network, open an incognito window or separate browser to avoid the need to sign in and out.

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Can I eat in the Library?

You are welcome to enjoy food or drinks in most of our spaces. Several designated areas have signs posted stating no food or drinks are allowed or only covered drinks are acceptable.

If you are eating or drinking in the Library, you are expected to: 

  • Use spill-proof containers or secure lids. 
  • Be considerate of others with food allergies. 
  • Dispose of garbage/recyclables and clean up after yourself. 
  • Report spills to a Library team member as soon as possible. 

Review our Food and Drink Policy (pdf file) for full details.

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Can I borrow a laptop from the Library?

No, the Library does not lend laptops. Laptop lending machines will be coming soon to the North and Lakeshore Learning Commons spaces.

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Can I borrow technology, equipment and/or school supplies?

Yes. We lend the following items to current students, faculty and staff:

  • Portable power banks / plugs 
  • Children’s tablets 
  • Phone chargers
  • HDMI and headphone adapters
  • AV cables
  • Scientific and financial calculators
  • DVD players
  • School supplies such as markers and scissors

Loan periods range from two hours to same day, with fines for overdue items. Review our Borrowing Policies (pdf file) for full details.

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Does the Library have videos or music?

Yes, we have a wide range of media items at the Library, including streaming videos, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records and sheet music. 

We also have a Music Room in the Lakeshore Library equipped with listening stations and record players.

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Does the Library have a lost and found?

If you’ve lost an item and the Library or Learning Commons is still open on the same day, visit the desk. We typically hold lost items until closing.

At the end of the day, lost items are brought to the campus Public Safety office. Sensitive personal items such as wallets, keys or ID cards are often brought to Public Safety within a couple hours for more security.

The North Campus Public Safety office is located in NX101.

The Lakeshore Campus has two Public Safety offices, located in A135 and the N building (beside Tim Hortons).

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When is the Library open?

Check our opening hours before visiting the Library.

 

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When is the Learning Commons open?

Check our opening hours before visiting the Learning Commons.

 

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How do I contact Library staff?

There are several ways to connect with our team:

  • Call our main line at 416-675-5079.
  • Search our directory for a specific team member.
  • Visit a Library or Learning Commons desk in person.
  • Click the chat icon found on all Library pages.
  • Send us an email.
  • Schedule a one-on-one research appointment for in-depth help.

Check out our Get Support page for more information on how we can help.

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Who is my librarian?

We encourage you to find your librarian in the directory. Feel free to ask about any of the following services: 

  • Student research and digital fluency skills development 
  • Resource suggestions for your classroom and your own research 
  • Program or course assessments 
  • Research help and consultation services (online and in person) 
  • Resource guides for your programs and courses 
  • Online tutorials and handouts on various research topics and skills 
  • Student outreach and orientation

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How do I book a research appointment with a librarian?

If you need help with a complex assignment or in-depth research, our librarians are available for one-on-one appointments, both in person and online. 

Humber students can book appointments using the Humber calendar. 

University of Guelph-Humber students can book appointments using the UofGH booking form.

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How do I put items on faculty reserve?

For Humber courses

At Humber, there are two ways for faculty members to give students easy access to course resources.

  • Use the Leganto tool to integrate resources directly into Blackboard. This can include links to online articles, streaming media, digitized content, websites and more.
  • Use our reserve service (pdf file) to place a four-hour loan restriction on physical items such as books, DVDs and CDs.

For University of Guelph-Humber courses

Visit the Guelph-Humber Course Reserves page to place Library items in reserve.

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How do I pay Library fines?

We charge fines for overdue textbooks, faculty reserves, equipment and children’s tablets. Please make an effort to return Library items on time. If you have overdue items, you will not be able to sign out any additional items.

There are two options for paying overdue fines / late fees: 

  • Pay on campus at the Library circulation desk using the Moneris debit machine.
  • Pay online using your Library Account.

This video demonstrates the online payment option:

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Why didn't I get a confirmation email for my study room booking?

Check your Humber Microsoft 365 account for a confirmation email. 

If you’re having trouble accessing Outlook, review these step-by-step instructions.

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My professor has something for me to read - where do I find it?

Start with Library Search, our comprehensive search tool. You can find the search box at the top of every page on the Library website.

  1. Choose Textbooks from the item type drop-down menu before typing your keywords. 
  2. Look for the course icon that identifies the title as a textbook.
  3. The location (example: North Library Textbook Collection) and call number (example: TX763 .G47 2022) are the details needed to find a print textbook on the shelves.
  4. The book's location will either be in the Textbook Collection area or Faculty Reserves at the circulation desk.

 

 

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Does the Library provide Interlibrary loan service?

For students, faculty and staff

  • Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our free Interlibrary Loan service allows current Humber and University of Guelph-Humber students, faculty and staff to borrow items from other libraries.

For other libraries

  • We welcome requests from other Canadian libraries participating in the Interlibrary Loan service. 
  • Simply fill out our Interlibrary Loan form, submit a WorldShare request or email us at illo@humber.ca.

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Where can I find the Library Repository?

The Library Repository, a collection of scholarly work created by Humber students, is found on the Find Resources menu page.

  • The collection includes examples of past student theses and capstone projects from the Accounting, Game Programming, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Public Relations and User Experience programs.
  • We encourage faculty to help us expand the collection. We are open for submissions of scholarly work created by Humber students.

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Can I recommend a title for purchase?

Yes, you can suggest books for us to buy. Email library@humber.ca with the details and we will consider your request.

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Are textbooks for sale in the Library?

You can borrow textbooks from the Library but not buy them here. You can purchase textbooks from the campus store or from other retailers.

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What is Leganto?

Leganto is a tool for integrating lists of resources directly into Blackboard courses. These lists include links to online articles and book chapters, streaming media, newspaper articles, digitized content, websites and more.

Humber faculty can contact us at copyright@humber.ca to book a demonstration.

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Can I get a job in the Library?

We hire student assistants for both the North and Lakeshore Campuses. Check careerconnect.humber.ca for the job postings each semester.

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I’m a University of Guelph Alumni. What can I borrow and access?  

University of Guelph-Humber Alumni have access to Library resources from the University of Guelph and Humber.

  • University of Guelph resources: 
  • Humber resources: 
    • Bring your physical or virtual Alumni Card and Photo ID to the Library Support Desk during opening hours.
    • You can borrow print books from the general collection. For more information, see the full borrowing policies (pdf file).
    • Due to licensing restrictions, Humber eResources are only available to students taking courses this semester. Therefore, alumni cannot access databases.

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What is Resource Sharing and how does the service work?

This service makes it easy for students, faculty and staff from Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber to discover and request print books from other Ontario college libraries directly in Library Search.

Where do I request the books?

  1. Find your book in Library Search.
  2. Go to the Get It section of the book record.
  3. Sign in then select the Borrow From Other Library option.
  4. Complete the form then send the request.

When can I pick up the books?

  • After sending the request, you will receive an automated “Library Item Ready for Pick Up” email once the book is available in the Library.

How long can I keep the books?

  • Loan lengths can be different depending on the college library that has supplied the item. You will receive a due date at check out. If you need to renew the item, email us to see if the book you have loaned is eligible for renewal.
  • Resource Sharing loans can be returned to the North Library or Lakeshore Library.

Is it free?

  • This free service is funded by the Library to increase your access to a wide range of resources beyond Humber’s physical collections.
  • Overdue loans are fine free. However, you will be charged a lost replacement cost for books not returned within 60 days of the due date.

Email libcirc@humber.ca if you have additional questions about your Resource Sharing request.

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Can Continuous Professional Learners use the Library?

Absolutely! Continuous Professional Learners (CPL) are welcome to access all Library services, spaces and physical resources. Access eResources with your Humber Username. 

Set yourself up for academic success by getting to know what the Library has to offer. Take the tour found on the Library's home page to learn more or get in touch with us—we’re here to help.

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I’m a Humber Alumni. What can I borrow and access? 

Congratulations, Humber Alumni! Borrowing select Library resources is one of your perks.

Take these steps to unlock this perk:

  1. Create a Humber Alumni Connect account.
  2. Come to the Library Support Desk during opening hours.
  3. Show your Humber Alumni Connect app and photo ID to Library team members and complete the application form.
  4. Your Library account is processed during your visit. This account needs to be renewed annually.

Books and Media

  • You can borrow some print books and media items for 14 days.
  • Items can be renewed to a maximum of 28 days.
  • For more information, see the full borrowing policies (pdf file) 

Online Access

  • Sign in to your Library account with your email address provided at account creation to place holds on items and renew borrowed items.
  • Due to licensing restrictions, our eResources are only available to students taking courses this semester. Therefore, alumni cannot access databases

Computer Access

  • Alumni may access the Library computers, subject to availability, for one hour per day.
  • Printing is free for alumni.

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