Services for students

Students in the library

The University Library is here to help you succeed with your studies.

It's true that we have lots of books (and ebooks!). But we also have a range of other services and resources to help you with your study, from computers and scanners to individual study spaces and group study rooms. 

Ask Library are available to provide information on:

  • Search tips
  • What to do when books are out on loan
  • Referencing
  • Borrowing
  • Finding computers
  • Lost books and lost property
  • Navigating around the Library
  • Finding books on the shelves
  • ... and lots more

Contact us via online chat, email, phone, or in person.

Take a self-guided tour

  • Welcome to the Library

    Watch our welcome video to get an overview of our services and facilities!

  • Find books, journal articles and other information for your assignments

    Use Library Search to find books, ebooks, journal titles, DVDs, streaming media and all of the other resources available in the library. For tips on how to find what you need, take a look at the guide to using Library Search. There is also a guide on how to find your textbooks.

    But there are other starting points for finding information that you need, including the Library's How Do I guides. Compiled by the Library's liaison librarians (our resident information searching experts), each of these guides provide an introduction to the most useful resources and how to find the correct information, fast.

    Library Essentials are short courses available in MyUni, designed to support you in finding, using, and referencing information. We encourage you to self-enrol in the relevant course for your program. Our Library Essentials and other training resources are available on the Training page.

  • Textbooks

    The Library provides access to required textbooks for periodic reference, in electronic format where possible. However, students are expected to purchase their own copies of textbooks. See our Textbook purchasing guidelines for more information.

    For support to find your textbooks, see our Textbooks guide.

  • Referencing support

    The referencing support page includes an interactive Harvard UofA guide for referencing, answers to FAQs, helpful tips and tools to get you referencing quickly as well as guides for other referencing styles.

  • Find readings for your course

    The Library provides access to readings compiled for your course through Course Readings.

    To find these, navigate to your course in MyUni and look for the link to Course Readings on the left. From here, you will be able to access books, journal articles, websites, and other relevant material.

    Learn more in the Course Readings How Do I guide.

  • How to borrow

    Your student ID card is also your library card, and you can borrow books and other items yourself using one of the self-check machines located at each library. Alternatively, simply take the book to the nearest Ask Library service point for staff assistance.

    Undergraduate students can borrow up to 50 items at a time (including two High Use items). Most books are automatically renewed unless they have been requested by another user (or are from the High Use Collection). Learn more about borrowing at the library.

    If the item you want is located at a different campus to your pickup location you can request the item. Learn more about requesting.

  • Find out what you've borrowed (and when they're due back) using MyLibrary

    To find out what you have out on loan simply login to MyLibrary. MyLibrary contains a list of all your current and previous loans, and also lets you track the status of your requests.

  • Places to study

    The library has a range of different study spaces to suit your study style, whether you need a computer, a quiet study spot or a group discussion area. Some spaces are able to be booked.

    book a study space

    Each library has different opening hours that change throughout the year. For those who like to study late (or early), level 3 of the Barr Smith Library is open 24/7 (including the High Use Collection). Please note that you will need your University ID card for after-hours access.

  • Assignment and study help

    Ask Library is here to help you with using the library and finding the resources you need. 

    You may also like to:

  • Tech in the Library

    The Library offers a wide range of standard and specialist technology and equipment, from access to computers, scanning, and printing, to the loaning of laptops and ipads. Learn more

  • Printing, photocopying & scanning

    Printing, photocopying and scanning is available at each library. Scanning generally requires a USB drive and is free, and photocopying and printing both use the University print quota. Learn more about printing, photocopying & scanning.

  • Self-guided tour

    Go on a self-guided tour of our libraries using the GooseChase app!

    Take a self-guided tour

  • Services for remote and offshore students

    The library has a range of services to support remote and offshore students.