Tag Archives: mcgill library

Impactful Reads: What is McGill Reading?

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It’s that time of the semester again, Add/Drop’s just ended, and the assignments are already piling up in the calendar feature on MyCourses. So we’re all a little rushed, a little tired and a lot cold (it’s freezing outside!).

Alas, we’re afraid there’s not much we can do to decrease your workload or increase the temperature, but we’re hoping this little treat just might help boost your mood!

So for all those long metro and shuttle rides, the breaks between classes, or those few days you’ve accidentally slept in during a morning conference, here are some inspiring titles being read by your fellow students (courtesy of this r/mcgill Reddit™ thread):

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To access the titles you wish to read, simply click on the relevant book cover and you’ll be taken directly to the library catalogue, so you can check out the book.

InterLibrary Loan

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Do any titles catch your eye that aren’t in our collection? Worry not, because McGill students and faculty are allowed to borrow books or articles located in other Quebec university libraries and beyond through the InterLibrary Loan Service (ILL). The ILL is integrated into the Library catalogue and can help you access titles that aren’t available in our collection by searching libraries worldwide. Simply select “Libraries Worldwide” on the panel to the left which lists all the options to help you filter your search. For more information on how to use the ILL system, follow up on our services page here: https://www.mcgill.ca/library/services/otherloans/interlibrary.

With such progressions, the bookkeeping world is getting smaller and flatter and we can’t say we mind it even a tiny bit!

Libby: The Overdrive App

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Are you someone who prefers listening to books rather than reading? Perhaps you like staring out of the shuttle window as you see the snowy trees zoom past, pretending you’re in the middle of an adventure, a tragic love story or an intense breakdown of the stock market. Well, we’ve got a little something for you as well.

Check out our blog on Libby: The Overdrive App and discover our collection of audiobooks and ebooks directly from your phones/tablets! Along with an amazing user-friendly interface, the app keeps all your favourite titles a swipe away, making it the perfect personal library for students.

If you have any questions or general queries you may reach us at hssl.library@mcgill.ca

Well, that’s all for now, folks,

Happy Reading!

Unboxing: HSSL’s Board Game Collection

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Looking for a much-needed cozy night in with friends, but you’re all out of Netflix streaming options? Then this is the perfect time to reignite your competitive spirits; it’s time for a board game night! Beware though; these are known to break friendships, and bones too *gasp*. 

But what if I don’t have many board games, or what if they’re missing pieces? You may ask. If only there were someplace you could go to borrow these games…

The McGill Library has its very own collection of board games and they’re available for loan to all students! 

It’s very easy to search for them too. Simply log into your McGill Library account using your credentials and narrow your search results by selecting ‘Game’ under the Format tab on the left of the webpage. 

Listed here are some of our many titles to get you browsing:

All these games are available for two-week loans at the service desk in the McLennan-Redpath Library Building. Just bring the call number to a staff member, and they shall collect it for you.

We only request that you handle these with care so that more students can enjoy them in the future!

Sensory Friendly Spaces @ HSSL

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Sometimes you need a particular environment to feel comfortable and get into the zone. The following is a list of some areas where we Natural Light, Quiet Floors, and Uncrowded Spaces. Make sure to check out the Floor Plans page to get more information on what is available to you, including printer locations, charging stations, and more.

Natural Light

Redpath Library Building

📍3459 Mc Tavish St

The Redpath Library Building has tons of great window seats for natural lighting. The Blackader-Lauterman Collection is hosted on the third floor and this area also provides tons of great study spots. Redpath Floor 1 and 2 are known for their oversized windows and open-concept study spaces, creating a chill environment for your work. 

Standing Desk Windows

📍3459 McTavish Street, 6th floor

Located on the different corners of the 5th and 6th Floor of McLennan Library Building, these standing desks are usually accompanied by spectacular views and natural lighting. Pictured are two of the desks on the 5th floor. It’s also great that you can adjust the table to your comfort and that you’re turned away from others. 

Quiet Spaces

McLennan Sixth Floor

📍3459 McTavish Street, 6th floor

By far the quietest place on our list with the biggest capacity, McLennan Sixth Floor is known for its colour-coded workspaces and extremely motivating environment. Whether you’re looking to face outside onto the lower field, inwards into the library interior (through big glass panels providing tons of natural lighting), or sitting on comfy armchairs in the middle of bookshelves, this is your place! 

Lighting: Natural + Artificial (white) lighting 

Food/Drinks: Not allowed 

Noise level: the quietest you can get! 

Birks Reading Room

📍3520 Rue University, 2nd floor

Shhh! This is the perfect place for the old library vibes. Upon entering, you have to take your shoes off which adds to the comfortable and cosy vibes. They take the silence rule very seriously here, so cellphones off, no food, and not even a peep.

Tranquility (Zen) Room

📍3459 McTavish Street, 6th floor

Reopened after the pandemic, this spot is a quiet oasis located on the 6th floor of Mclennan. For the purpose of getting away from the hustle and bustle of being a student and working, this space is designed to give you a space to go inward. This silent space also permits no food and asks to not open electronics such as laptops and cellphones inside; to keep it a sanctuary away from the noise.

Uncrowded Spaces

ROAAr Reading Room

📍3459 McTavish Street, 4th floor

Apart from being an uncrowded study space, the ROAAr Reading Room provides a quiet and beautiful environment to work in. The room has warm artificial lighting and table workspaces. Permission may be required to access space and materials.

Disclaimer, HSSL is not responsible for any delayed work caused due to distraction because of beautiful artwork. Proceed at your own risk!

Quiet Pods

📍3459 McTavish Street, Main floor (Lobby+Innovation Commons Room B) 

Sponsored by student associations, quiet pods are the perfect space for an individual, quiet study session. The pods are soundproof. They have power in their shelves, and a light and fan for circulation that turns on as soon as the pod is occupied. If you prefer uncrowded spaces while working, then you may use the pods located in Innovation Commons Room B, which is a relatively less busy area than the main lobby. 

Education Curriculum Resources Centre

📍3700 McTavish Street, 1st Floor 

Located in the main Education building, the Centre is open 9-5 from Monday-Friday. Relatively unbusy, it is important to note that the Centre has limited capacity and is adjacent to a more crowded student study space.

In response to the growing need from students regarding the lack of available seating, the Library joined forces with a student-founded organization to develop Waitz: the anonymous space use app.

Using completely anonymous Bluetooth and Wi-Fi usage sensors in main library study locations, Waitz is able to estimate the number of people in a seating area with around 95% accuracy. Along with finding the perfect seat, Waitz is your answer when it comes to finding an uncrowded spot when you’re desperately in need of some time alone.

To use this new and exciting tool, simply download the Waitz app, or visit:

www.mcgill.ca/library/branches/hssl/spaces/find-space to access real-time occupancy rates.  


We hope this page is helpful in finding a space in the Humanities and Social Science Library for you. If you have any feedback or questions email hssl.library@mcgill.ca