Library FAQs
Are there photocopiers in the library?
Yes. There are two photocopiers in the library. They are located on the 5th floor (first level), under the staircase.
Can I borrow books?
If you are a currently registered student, faculty or staff member of Dawson College, you are permitted to borrow books from the Dawson College library.
Students may borrow up to eight books from the General Collection (a maximum of four on a specific subject), for two (2) weeks. All books must be checked out at the Circulation Desk (5th floor), but can be renewed online from your library account.
E-Books from the Canadian Electronic Library (ebrary) or eBook Academic Collection (EBSCO) can be read online, from any location.
Students may borrow up to eight books from the General Collection (a maximum of four on a specific subject), for two (2) weeks. All books must be checked out at the Circulation Desk (5th floor), but can be renewed online from your library account.
E-Books from the Canadian Electronic Library (ebrary) or eBook Academic Collection (EBSCO) can be read online, from any location.
Can I download eBooks?
Yes, it is possible to download eBooks from our eBook Academic Collection.
To download an eBook, you must be logged in to a personalized MyEBSCOhost account. If you do not have a MyEBSCOhost account, you can create one by opening any EBSCO database, clicking “Sign In” in the upper right corner of the screen, and following the steps to “Create a new Account”.
When you are logged in, you will be able to click the “Download (Offline)” button that appears with every item in the eBook Academic Collection. Click the link to download and save the file to your own device.
To open your eBook file, you will need to download and install Adobe Digital Editions on your desktop; or download the EBSCO eBooks app from the App Store or Google Play.
Your downloaded eBook will be accessible on your device for a 3-week borrowing period. After 3 weeks, the file will no longer open and you will need to download it again if you still want to read it offline.
Please note that any book in the eBook Academic Collection can be viewed online in the database window at any time, whether or not it has been downloaded, or is being simultaneously viewed, by other users.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to download eBooks from the Canadian Electronic Library.
To download an eBook, you must be logged in to a personalized MyEBSCOhost account. If you do not have a MyEBSCOhost account, you can create one by opening any EBSCO database, clicking “Sign In” in the upper right corner of the screen, and following the steps to “Create a new Account”.
When you are logged in, you will be able to click the “Download (Offline)” button that appears with every item in the eBook Academic Collection. Click the link to download and save the file to your own device.
To open your eBook file, you will need to download and install Adobe Digital Editions on your desktop; or download the EBSCO eBooks app from the App Store or Google Play.
Your downloaded eBook will be accessible on your device for a 3-week borrowing period. After 3 weeks, the file will no longer open and you will need to download it again if you still want to read it offline.
Please note that any book in the eBook Academic Collection can be viewed online in the database window at any time, whether or not it has been downloaded, or is being simultaneously viewed, by other users.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to download eBooks from the Canadian Electronic Library.
Can I print in the library?
Yes! There are four (4) public printers in the library. Printing a document in the library is a multi-step process, and can be done from a library computer or from your own device.
The cost for black & white printing is 10¢ per page, and 50¢ per page for colour.
The cost for black & white printing is 10¢ per page, and 50¢ per page for colour.
Printing from a library computer
Step 1: Send your document to LibraryQ
- Select LibraryQ from the list of available printer.
(Click “See more” to display them all.)
Step 2: Go to a Print Release Station
- Follow instructions for how to release your document. Your print job will stay in the queue for up to 24 hours. Your document(s) will not print until you release it
Printing from your own device
Step 1: Sign in to the PCounter
- Go to https://print.dawsoncollege.qc.ca
- Sign in using your student ID number and network password
- Upload your document(s) one at a time
Step 2: Send your document to the LibraryQ
- Select a printer from the list: LibraryQ-5C1P, LibraryQ-5C1P-COLOUR, or LibraryQ-6DP
- Click “Print” to send your job to the selected printer
Step 3: Go to a Print Release Station
- Follow posted instructions for how to release your document. Your job will stay in the queue for up to 24 hours. Your document(s) will not print until you release it.
Library Printers
B&W Printing- LibraryQ-5C1P: inside the Chapel, under the staircase (5th floor)
- LibraryQ-6DP: next to the Library’s main entrance (5th floor)
- LibraryQ-5C1P-Colour: this photocopier is inside the Chapel, under the staircase
Select LibraryQ-5C1P-Colour from the list of available printers
Visit the Print Release Station under the stairs to release the job from the LibraryQ.
- 6C2P is located inside the library’s computer lab.
It bypasses the LibraryQ, so must be selected directly from the list of available printers.
Print Release Stations (LibraryQ)
There is a Print Release Station next to each of the printers located on the 5th floor:- Under the stairs for LibraryQ-5C1P and LibraryQ-5C1P-Colour
- Next to the main entrace for LibraryQ-6DP
Can I print in colour in the library?
Yes! The Library has two photocopiers that can print colour copies of files (PDF only) directly from your USB key. If you do not have a USB key, you may borrow one from the Circulation Desk.
To use:
The photocopiers are on the 5th floor, under the stairs to the Library’s second level. Directions are posted on the wall behind each machine, but a staff member will be happy to help you if you have any difficulties.
A networked colour printer can also be found in the 2F.26 computer lab (ground level). The cost is 50 ¢ per page.
To use:
- Insert your money, your student ID or your cash card (50 ¢ per page);
- Insert your USB key in the slot (right side of the machine, top, front corner);
- Select “Removable Memory”;
- Choose your PDF file and click “Print”;
- Adjust print settings as needed (the default is “Full Color”);
- Press “Start” to release your job.
The photocopiers are on the 5th floor, under the stairs to the Library’s second level. Directions are posted on the wall behind each machine, but a staff member will be happy to help you if you have any difficulties.
A networked colour printer can also be found in the 2F.26 computer lab (ground level). The cost is 50 ¢ per page.
Can I print documents double-sided in the library?
Yes! The printers in the library provide the option to print documents double-sided.
Can I print from my own computer or mobile device?
Yes, you can!
Simply go to https://dc2.dawsoncollege.qc.ca, login using your Dawson account, upload your document(s), select the nearest printer (5C1P, 6CP, 6C2P or 6DP), and click “Print” to release your job.
Simply go to https://dc2.dawsoncollege.qc.ca, login using your Dawson account, upload your document(s), select the nearest printer (5C1P, 6CP, 6C2P or 6DP), and click “Print” to release your job.
Can I reserve a study room?
The library has two private study rooms – 6C.1 & 6C.3 – that can accommodate groups of 3 to 5 people. Use our calendar app to Reserve a Study Room.
The library’s three other study rooms – 6E.2, 6E.3 & 6E.4 – can accommodate multiple groups, and tables are available on a first come, first served basis. Though these spaces can not be reserved, we will do our best to ensure that study groups are accommodated. If a group of students is looking for space, and a single student is occupying a group room or table, the Reference Librarian will intercede and ask that person to move to an individual work station.
The library’s three other study rooms – 6E.2, 6E.3 & 6E.4 – can accommodate multiple groups, and tables are available on a first come, first served basis. Though these spaces can not be reserved, we will do our best to ensure that study groups are accommodated. If a group of students is looking for space, and a single student is occupying a group room or table, the Reference Librarian will intercede and ask that person to move to an individual work station.
Does the library have a scanner?
Yes. The Library has two photocopiers and both offer a scanning option. Instructions are posted on the wall behind the machines, and staff at the Circulation Desk can help you if needed.
How do I add money to my printing account?
There is a print account recharge station just inside the doors of the Library in the 5C wing. There are instructions posted, but don’t hesitate to ask a library staff member if you have any questions. For more information, visit our Facilities page.
How do I renew my book(s)?
Click the My Library Account link in the upper right corner of the page to login to your library account. Your Login name is your Student or Employee ID number, and the default password is your Birth Date (ddmmyyyy).
Inside your account, you may click “Renew all”, or select individual item(s) and click “Renew Selected”. If your renewal is successful, a new due date will appear in the “Due” column. You may keep the renewed item(s) for an extra two weeks.
If you cannot login, please go see the Reference Librarian, or call the Reference Desk at (514) 931-8731 ext. 1731.
Inside your account, you may click “Renew all”, or select individual item(s) and click “Renew Selected”. If your renewal is successful, a new due date will appear in the “Due” column. You may keep the renewed item(s) for an extra two weeks.
If you cannot login, please go see the Reference Librarian, or call the Reference Desk at (514) 931-8731 ext. 1731.
How many times can I renew my book(s)?
As long as nobody has placed a hold on your book(s), you may renew it/them up to eight times. If your renewal goes through, you may keep the book(s) for an additional two weeks, from the day you renew. (Do not renew items before the due date, or you will lose those days.)
I need to find the Academic Skills Centre. Where is it?
The Academic Skills Centre has moved from its offices in 4E. It is now located on the second floor of the Library.
Enter the Library on the 5th floor, climb the stairs to the second level, turn left at the Reference Desk, and continue to the end of the 6D wing. There will be signs to guide you.
Enter the Library on the 5th floor, climb the stairs to the second level, turn left at the Reference Desk, and continue to the end of the 6D wing. There will be signs to guide you.
I tried to renew my book, but I wasn’t allowed? Why?
If you are unable to renew a book, it may be because:
- Another borrower has placed a “Hold” on the book;
- You have library fees in excess of $5.00; or
- You have reached the maximum number of renewals for that item.
Is there a bathroom in the library?
Yes. The bathrooms are in the 6E wing, next to the water fountains.
The book I need is checked out. Is there any way I can get it?
The library cannot compel a borrower to return a book. If the book you need is checked out, you have two options. You can:
Placing a “Hold” on an item prevents the current borrower from renewing it. If you are the first to place a Hold on that item, you will be the first in line to borrow it when it is returned. You will be called when the book is returned, and it will be held for you at the Circulation Desk for three days.
To place a book on Hold, find the item record in the Library Catalogue, and click “Place Hold” (on the right side of the record). At the prompt, login to your library account and confirm your Hold request.
If the item is already overdue, then the borrower will be contacted by phone and (after 48 hours) begin incurring fines at a rate of $10/day. If the item is still not returned, the borrower will eventually be placed on Default and will not be able to register for classes or access transcripts until they return the book, and/or pay any outstanding late fees or replacement costs.
(If you are in Discovery, you will need to click the “Retrieve catalogue item” link to open the book’s record in the Library Catalogue.)
- Record the due date and wait (and hope) for it to be returned on time, or
- You can place it “on Hold”.
Placing a “Hold” on an item prevents the current borrower from renewing it. If you are the first to place a Hold on that item, you will be the first in line to borrow it when it is returned. You will be called when the book is returned, and it will be held for you at the Circulation Desk for three days.
To place a book on Hold, find the item record in the Library Catalogue, and click “Place Hold” (on the right side of the record). At the prompt, login to your library account and confirm your Hold request.
If the item is already overdue, then the borrower will be contacted by phone and (after 48 hours) begin incurring fines at a rate of $10/day. If the item is still not returned, the borrower will eventually be placed on Default and will not be able to register for classes or access transcripts until they return the book, and/or pay any outstanding late fees or replacement costs.
(If you are in Discovery, you will need to click the “Retrieve catalogue item” link to open the book’s record in the Library Catalogue.)
The book I need is 'In Processing'. Is there any way I can get it?
Yes. If the item is “In Processing” it is in the library, and waiting to be properly catalogued and labeled for circulation. If you need the item urgently, ask the Reference Librarian to fill in a “Rush Processing Request” form. This request will be submitted to Cataloguing right away, and the book will be processed within 24 hours.
You will be contacted to pick up the item at the Circulation Desk when it is ready (sometimes within the same day).
You will be contacted to pick up the item at the Circulation Desk when it is ready (sometimes within the same day).
What is my Dawson Network account?
Students and staff of Dawson College each have a personal user account, which provides access to all college platforms and services.
For students, while the password remains the same, two different usernames are supported depending on the platform being accessed.
Student ID Number
Enter your ID as your username when you:
Dawson Email Address (firstname.lastname@dawsoncollege.qc.ca)
Type in your email address when accessing your:
If you have any difficulties with this account, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@dawsoncollege.qc.ca, (514) 931-8731 ext. HELP (4357).
For students, while the password remains the same, two different usernames are supported depending on the platform being accessed.
Student ID Number
Enter your ID as your username when you:
- Sign in to Omnivox
- Login to any computer on campus
- Connect to the wireless network on campus
- Access Library resources
Dawson Email Address (firstname.lastname@dawsoncollege.qc.ca)
Type in your email address when accessing your:
- Office 365 account (Outlook, OneDrive, etc.)
- Zoom
- Moodle
If you have any difficulties with this account, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@dawsoncollege.qc.ca, (514) 931-8731 ext. HELP (4357).
Research FAQs
Can I access the library’s databases from home/off campus?
Yes, you can access all of the Library’s resources from home.
If you are off campus, click on a database link and you’ll be prompted to login using your personal Dawson account: enter your student ID as your username. The database will open, and you will be able to search as though you are on campus.
You may also begin a search using the Discovery Service, but you will be searching as a “Guest”. If you attempt to open an article or eBook, you will be prompted to login.
If you are off campus, click on a database link and you’ll be prompted to login using your personal Dawson account: enter your student ID as your username. The database will open, and you will be able to search as though you are on campus.
You may also begin a search using the Discovery Service, but you will be searching as a “Guest”. If you attempt to open an article or eBook, you will be prompted to login.
Do you have any books in French?
Yes, we do have books in French. If you have a specific title in mind, you can search for it as you would any other book. At the search screen, enter the title and click search. If we have a copy, the record will tell you the location (e.g., General Collection, Reserves…) and the Call Number, which will help you find the book’s exact location in the Library.
If you are looking for French language resources in general (and not specifically books), check our French Language Sources page for links to key search tools, and basic Search Tips.
If you are looking for French language resources in general (and not specifically books), check our French Language Sources page for links to key search tools, and basic Search Tips.
Does the library have the New York Times?
Yes, the library does subscribe to the The New York Times (1985 onwards). It is included in our subscription to Academic OneFile.
How do I access streaming videos?
Our Library subscribes to several streaming films collections and all are listed under the “Books/Films” tab on the homepage, as well as in the Streaming Videos section of our All Resources page
.
If you are on campus, the database will open and you can start searching and viewing films. If you are off campus, you will be asked to login (using your student ID number and password) and then be taken into the database, where you can search and watch films as you do on campus.
If you are on campus, the database will open and you can start searching and viewing films. If you are off campus, you will be asked to login (using your student ID number and password) and then be taken into the database, where you can search and watch films as you do on campus.
How do I find a book in the Library?
If you are looking for a specific book, go to our Library homepage and type the title in the Discovery Service search bar.
If the title is distinctive, the record will probably appear at the top of your search results. Check the Location (e.g., General Collection, Reserves…) and take down the Call Number. If there is a Due Date displayed, the item will not be available before that date. If you still want to borrow, you may place a hold.
If you have searched for the title and don’t see a record, you can refine your search by typing the author’s name in the second field of the search form; or do an entirely new search for the author alone. If we have a copy of the book, this search should find the record.
If these searches do not find your book, then we do not have a copy. If the book is listed as a required text on your course outline, please inform a staff member at the Circulation Desk. We’ll do our best to acquire a copy, but it will take time before the item is available for borrowing.
If the title is distinctive, the record will probably appear at the top of your search results. Check the Location (e.g., General Collection, Reserves…) and take down the Call Number. If there is a Due Date displayed, the item will not be available before that date. If you still want to borrow, you may place a hold.
If you have searched for the title and don’t see a record, you can refine your search by typing the author’s name in the second field of the search form; or do an entirely new search for the author alone. If we have a copy of the book, this search should find the record.
If these searches do not find your book, then we do not have a copy. If the book is listed as a required text on your course outline, please inform a staff member at the Circulation Desk. We’ll do our best to acquire a copy, but it will take time before the item is available for borrowing.
How do I find a movie?
Every film in our collection can be found via the Discovery Service.
Enter a search term in the field – e.g., the title, director, main actor(s) or a subject keyword. In addition to your search term(s), type in the word “videorecording” (with no space), e.g.: “nursing AND videorecording”.
When you find the movie you want, click on the title or “See Full Details” to open the record. Write down the Call Number and go to the Circulation Desk to request the item.
Please note that films may only be viewed inside the library. A portable DVD player can be borrowed from Circulation Desk.
Enter a search term in the field – e.g., the title, director, main actor(s) or a subject keyword. In addition to your search term(s), type in the word “videorecording” (with no space), e.g.: “nursing AND videorecording”.
When you find the movie you want, click on the title or “See Full Details” to open the record. Write down the Call Number and go to the Circulation Desk to request the item.
Please note that films may only be viewed inside the library. A portable DVD player can be borrowed from Circulation Desk.
How do I find an article?
You can begin your search for articles by doing a keyword search of our Discovery Service.
Enter your search term(s), and click “Search” to get a list of results. Your results list will include several different types of resources, including books, eBooks and articles from both popular sources (e.g., “Magazines” and “News” articles) and scholarly sources (“Academic” or “Peer Reviewed” journals).
Use the “Source Types” limiters at the left side of the screen, to narrow your search to the specific type(s) of articles you need. Most research assignments require you to find scholarly sources.
The Discovery Service does a single search of all of our databases, but cannot search them as thoroughly as the databases’ own search engines. If you do not find the information you need using Discovery, you should consider searching each database individually. You will find a complete list on our All Resources page.
Note that you may search for articles from any location. Please come and see us at the Reference Desk (6C) if you need help refining or expanding your search.
Enter your search term(s), and click “Search” to get a list of results. Your results list will include several different types of resources, including books, eBooks and articles from both popular sources (e.g., “Magazines” and “News” articles) and scholarly sources (“Academic” or “Peer Reviewed” journals).
Use the “Source Types” limiters at the left side of the screen, to narrow your search to the specific type(s) of articles you need. Most research assignments require you to find scholarly sources.
The Discovery Service does a single search of all of our databases, but cannot search them as thoroughly as the databases’ own search engines. If you do not find the information you need using Discovery, you should consider searching each database individually. You will find a complete list on our All Resources page.
Note that you may search for articles from any location. Please come and see us at the Reference Desk (6C) if you need help refining or expanding your search.
How can I find an article in French?
Please see our French Language Sources page for tips on how and where to search for French language articles.
Don’t hesitate to Ask a Librarian if you have questions.
Don’t hesitate to Ask a Librarian if you have questions.
How can I save articles?
The only effective ways to save the articles you find while searching the database(s) are to:
Important:
- Email your sources one at a time
When you find an item you want to keep, click the title to open a detailed display, then use the Email option on the right side of the record display. - Email yourself sources in a batch
While you search, add useful items to your database’s research folder. When you’ve found all the articles you want, go to your folder (link in upper right corner), select all the sources you want to keep, and click the Email option. The contents of your folder will disappear when your session ends or times out, so remember to send your results before closing your search session! - Create a personal account on the database platform
Sign into your database account any time you start a new search. When you are signed in, the items you add to the research folder will be stored for you until you choose to delete them. - Download the article PDF
When you find an article of interest, download the PDF file to your H: drive or a personal storage device. - Copy the article’s permanent link into a document or email
A permanent link for each article is provided inside the item’s detailed record.
Important:
- Your database accounts are completely separate from your other College accounts. Using your Dawson account to sign into a computer on campus, or to search the databases from off campus, does not automatically sign you in to your database account(s).
- You cannot save articles by copy/pasting the record’s URL from the address bar of the browser. This link is associated with an active search session, and cannot bring up the article once the search session has ended.
I am off campus and can’t access the databases… What do I do?
If you are unable to login, we recommend you take the following steps…
If you still can’t login, on any browser, please send an email to libreference@dawsoncollege.qc.ca, explaining your difficulties and including the following information:
This information will help us to better diagnose and resolve the problem.
If you are off-campus and want to use the databases, then you first have to login to our proxy server. This establishes a remote connection to our network, and is equivalent to logging into a computer when you are on-campus.
- Confirm that you’re Dawson account is working and that you’re using your student ID number as your username (rather than you email address).
- Delete your browser History, then try to login again.
- Open a different browser and try to login.
If you still can’t login, on any browser, please send an email to libreference@dawsoncollege.qc.ca, explaining your difficulties and including the following information:
- The name of the browser(s) you are using.
- The text, or a screenshot, of any error message(s) you are seeing.
- A contact number where you can be reached, while in front of your computer.
This information will help us to better diagnose and resolve the problem.
If you are off-campus and want to use the databases, then you first have to login to our proxy server. This establishes a remote connection to our network, and is equivalent to logging into a computer when you are on-campus.
I saved a bunch of articles but now I can’t find them. Why?
The only effective ways to save the articles you find while searching the database(s) are to:
Note that you cannot save an article by copy/pasting the URL of the record from the browser’s address bar. This link is associated with a particular search session, and cannot bring up the article once the search session has ended or expired.
- Email your sources one at a time
When you find an item you want to keep, click the title to open a detailed display, then use the Email option on the right side of the record display. - Email yourself sources in a batch
While you search, add useful items to your database’s research folder. When you found all the articles you want, go to your folder (link in upper right corner), select all the sources you want to keep, and us the Email option. The contents of this folder will disappear when your session ends or times out, so remember to send your results before closing your search session - Create a personal account on the database platform
Sign into your database account any time you start a new search. When you are signed in, the items you add to the research folder will be stored for you until you choose to delete them. - Download the article PDF
When you find an article of interest, download the PDF file to your H: drive or a personal storage device. - Copy the article’s permanent link into a document or email
A permanent link for each article is provided inside the item’s detailed record.
Note that you cannot save an article by copy/pasting the URL of the record from the browser’s address bar. This link is associated with a particular search session, and cannot bring up the article once the search session has ended or expired.
My student club would like to screen a film on campus. Do we need to pay for a “Public Performance” license?
If the screening has an educational purpose, then a Public Performance license is not required. However, if the screening is for entertainment, or otherwise “non-curricular” purposes, then, yes, you must pay for a Public Performance license. Even if you are showing the film for free, and to just a small group of students, you must obtain a Public Performance license for that film.
Some of the films owned by the Library already have the Public Performance rights included. Please check with a Reference Librarian to be certain.
For most feature films you will be required to purchase a license through one of two licensing agencies:
Criterion Pictures of Canada
Audio Cine Film
Some of the films owned by the Library already have the Public Performance rights included. Please check with a Reference Librarian to be certain.
For most feature films you will be required to purchase a license through one of two licensing agencies:
Criterion Pictures of Canada
Audio Cine Film
What is (and isn't) in Discovery?
The following databases are all searched when you enter keywords into the Discovery Service search form.
The following subscription collections are not included in Discovery Service search results: ArtSTOR, Repère, Statista, and various open access collections listed on our All Resources page.
Article Databases
Subscription
Academic OneFile
Academic Search Complete
HeinOnline
JSTOR *
MasterFILE
PsycARTICLES
Vente et Gestion
Open Access
Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)
Education Resource Information Center (ERIC)
Érudit
Persée
PubMed
Subscription
Academic OneFile
Academic Search Complete
HeinOnline
JSTOR *
MasterFILE
PsycARTICLES
Vente et Gestion
Open Access
Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)
Education Resource Information Center (ERIC)
Érudit
Persée
PubMed
E-book Collections
Canadian Electronic Library
eBook Academic Collection
Streaming Video Collections
Academic Video Online (AVON)
NFB CAMPUS
Canadian Electronic Library
eBook Academic Collection
Streaming Video Collections
Academic Video Online (AVON)
NFB CAMPUS
The following subscription collections are not included in Discovery Service search results: ArtSTOR, Repère, Statista, and various open access collections listed on our All Resources page.
Why can’t I see the full text of an article that I found?
If you are unable to locate link to the “Full Text” or “PDF Full Text”, then it is most likely not available under our subscription(s).
When you search for articles in individual databases, remember to select the option to limit your search to “Full text” (or “Texte intégral seulement”). If you do not apply this limit, your results list will include records for articles that are not included in our subscription(s).
When you use the Discovery Service, the results are automatically limited to “Full Text”.
When you search for articles in individual databases, remember to select the option to limit your search to “Full text” (or “Texte intégral seulement”). If you do not apply this limit, your results list will include records for articles that are not included in our subscription(s).
When you use the Discovery Service, the results are automatically limited to “Full Text”.
Why can’t I eat in the library?
Food waste produces unpleasant stains and smells and attracts insects and rodents who will happily gnaw on books and carpeting for whatever nutritional value they can provide (and then leave their own waste). Please respect your library and eat your meals in the cafeteria.
Drinks are permitted, but they must have lids.
Drinks are permitted, but they must have lids.