MacEwan University library staff have been busy working behind the scenes to make accessing the library’s resources as easy as possible in response to COVID-19. Even though the John L. Haar City Centre Campus Library and Alberta College Campus Library are now closed, they have a lot to offer online.

"We've really pulled together to support our students in these challenging circumstances," says Karen Keiller, dean of the library. "We've added new services, like Scan on Demand and ramped up to offering all of our services online."

Here are our librarians’ notes on finding what you need from home:

Ask away – our librarians are waiting to answer your questions

If you have a quick question – how to use MLA formatting for your essay, which keywords to use when you’re searching for resources or what to do about a book that’s overdue* – our librarians are standing by to answer them via online chat, text or email every day of the week. Check the daily chat hours here.

*Don't worry about late fees and overdue equipment. All loans have been extended until May 31/June 1 and late fees have been cancelled from March 13 until the situation changes.

2. Most of the collection is available online or can be scanned

Online journals, textbooks, ebooks and databases are all available on the library’s website. “Some of our subscription providers have also been reaching out to provide extended access to their products,” says librarian Kymberly Sobchyshyn. One of the library's ebook providers, for example, now allows unlimited readers access at the same time.

The library has also created a Scan on Demand Service to help students access portions of books in its physical collection (a concept that went from idea to implementation in only 24 hours).

3. Librarians are booking online appointments to help you start researching your paper or project

If your questions are a bit deeper – how to narrow down the focus of your paper’s topic, where to look for resources you need and which databases to use – our librarians have specialized knowledge in more than 50 areas of study.

If you haven’t worked with a librarian before, you can set up an online research consultation using the “Book an Appointment” button that many of the librarians have included in their profiles on the library’s subject guides or by email.

4. Spend 45 minutes in a live online Research Essentials Workshop

All of the library’s regular drop-in Research Essentials Workshops are now being offered online. Join librarian Joan Morrison live to see how to build a search strategy based on your research essay question so you can find high-quality scholarly books and articles on your topic. No need to register in advance; just look for Research Essentials Workshop dates on the library’s calendar of events, choose the session you want to take and follow the instructions for accessing the virtual classroom. Come prepared with the research question you’d like to answer.

5. Get writing help online

Writing and Learning Services is now part of the Library, and tutors are available online to provide feedback on your paper. You can submit your draft paper online using their online submission form, and tutors will provide written feedback within one to three business days.

You can also schedule a video chat appointment with a tutor by emailing writingcentre@macewan.ca (make sure to include a few times you’re available to chat during business hours – Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).