All libraries on all campuses were closed as of 5 p.m. on March 18 until further notice. We are currently working with all of our employees to facilitate working from home and to ensure that essential library services can be delivered to users remotely.

There is an extensive collection of online resources, such as databases, ebooks, e-journals, streaming film collections, and e-reserves, to support teaching, learning, and research.

For details on what library services are available during this closure, please review the following frequently asked questions.

Can I access print or other physical materials while the branches are closed?

Yes, our print books and other circulating materials that are not available online are accessible to current faculty, staff, students and retired faculty through our new our print books and other circulating materials that are not available online are accessible through our new contact-less pickup service. 

Limited, controlled and scheduled access (in-person appointments) to Archives and Special Collections, the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, and Founders' Archive is available to Memorial’s faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Please visit their special FAQ for more information.

 Access to our libraries will continue to expand in accordance with Memorial’s phased approach.

What do I do with the books or other items I have checked out?

We have changed the due date on all library materials to mid-September, 2020. You may also renew your items online. Sign in to OneSearch and view your account information by clicking on your name and selecting items to renew. Please be assured that absolutely no late fines will be charged to any library users. If you would like to return any items while we are closed, the QEII Library book return is open and items from any branch can be returned there. Book returns at all other branches are currently in accessible while the buildings are closed. The advice from public health officials is to stay at home. Please keep your items for now, if possible. If you need to make arrangement to return materials, please contact us.

What if I get an overdue notice, or a notice to return an item?

Automatic notices have been turned off, however it is still possible you may receive a notice. Please disregard any such notices. You are not required to return items at this time. Absolutely no late fines will be charged to any library users.

How do I get help with research or citing while you are closed?

Librarians will be monitoring the online chat service from home. We are currently offering summer hours, but in September chat will be available 7 days a week, including evenings. For July and August, this service is available during the following times: Monday-Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm.

How can I make course materials accessible to my students?

We are continuing to offer our online Course Resources(Reserves) service, but due to the closure of our branches, we cannot offer our digitization service. We can add ebooks, e-journal articles, PowerPoints, Word documents, streaming video and other materials submitted to us electronically so they are available to your students. We take care of all copyright clearance. Please contact your branch.

You may also want to consider using an open textbook. Open textbooks are e-textbooks that have been funded, published, and licensed to be freely used, adapted, and distributed, are created by academics and subject specialists, and many are peer-reviewed. You can check out our Guide to Open Textbooks.

I normally have a Librarian visit my class. Are you still offering information literacy instruction while we teach remotely?

Our Librarians can deliver information literacy instruction services remotely to you and your students. Please get in touch with us to find out how we can help. Contact us by emailing an instruction librarian at your branch, or by completing our online Information Literacy Instruction Request Form. On the St. John's campus, you are also welcome to reach out to your departmental subject librarian.

I’m a student. How can I get sources I need to do my course assignments?

We have an extensive collection of online resources. You can:

• Use OneSearch to find and use scholarly online resources.
• Pick a topic from our research databases page and use a database to find resources.
• Some databases include full text and/or the Get It @Memorial link, a shortcut to OneSearch. Databases tell you what’s published on a topic (MUN doesn’t own it all). OneSearch tells you what MUN has access to. But databases often give you more information about resources than OneSearch can.
• For help, try our online chat.
• You can also check out the Library Research Essentials tutorial, available to every student as a course in Brightspace.
• If you need something we don't own, or that we only have physically in one of our branches, please complete our Request for Library Materials form and we will do our best to get you what you need.
• For textbooks, sign up for an account with your university e-mail address and search for free textbooks in VitalSource or Redshelf.
• Access e-reserves for course materials your professor put on reserve.

What do I do if I need copyright clearance for course materials?

Memorial University Libraries now conducts copyright clearance for all course-related materials, including for online courses. Check out our copyright FAQ for more information.

What do I do if an online resource (like an ebook or e-journal) isn't working?

Please email LSPHelp@mun.ca. Librarians and staff are working to troubleshoot any issues that may arise in order to ensure continued access to all our online resources.

Am I still able to request books or articles through Document Delivery?

Yes! Document delivery has resumed for articles and book chapters. However, most libraries are not sending physical items, as mailing times remain longer than normal. If there is a book you need that isn't in our collection, please contact your branch to request a purchase of an eBook or print book.

Is there access to the libraries' physical collections, the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, Archives and Special Collections, or Founders' Archive?

Limited, controlled and scheduled access (in-person appointments) to these collections is now available to Memorial’s thesis-based graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who are close to completing their degree or term of appointment. Services will be expanded soon to include Memorial Faculty conducting critical research. Access to our libraries will continue to expand in accordance with Memorial’s phased approach. Please visit our special FAQ for more information.

Will the libraries' open access author fund re-open on April 1 as scheduled?

We will be accepting applications as of May 11, 2020. This fund was established to help pay author processing charges for Memorial University researchers who wish to publish their work in Open Access journals. The fund is disbursed on a first come, first served basis. Please fill out the online application form. If you have any questions, please contact Patrick Gamsby.

How long will the libraries be closed?

At this time, we do not know when we will be able to re-open. Please continue to check Memorial University's COVID-19 Information Hub for official updates.