FAQs
- How do I get a course reserve?
- What if a book I need is already checked out?
- How do I return a book after the library is closed?
- How do I get started with my research assignment?
- Can I get books from other libraries at Western & Affiliated Colleges?
- Can I borrow items if I’m not a Brescia/Western student, faculty, or staff?
- I have a library fine. How do I pay it?
- How do I print, photocopy and scan?
- Do you have laptops or other A/V equipment?
- Can I book a study room?
- If I have a book from a different Western library, can I return it to Brescia?
- How are the books organized in the library?
- How do I find a book in Omni?
- How do I find a journal article in Omni?
- How do I find full-text articles from a citation?
How do I get a course reserve?
You can look up electronic readings for your courses through the course readings site.
What if a book I need is already checked out?
You can recall a book through Omni, our academic search tool. Simply search for the item, open the item page, sign in with your Western username and password under “Get It” where you will be directed to a page with a “Request” link. On average, recalls can take up to two weeks to arrive. Remember, occasionally there are multiple copies of a book in the library - ensure they are all checked out before recalling a copy of the book from another library.
How do I return a book after the library is closed?
You can place your book(s) in the library drop-box, located in the main entryway to
the right before entering the library foyer in the Mother St. James building.
How do I get started with my research assignment?
The Library has many available resources you can use to help you get started, such as Research Guides for all programs at Brescia, Citation Guides and the Clever Researcher Blog, which all help answer common research questions.
We also offer one-on-one research help. You can visit the Service Desk during our open hours, book an appointment with a Librarian during their weekly Office Hours or make an appointment through our Book a Librarian form.
Can I get books from other libraries at Western & Affiliated Colleges?
Yes! As a Brescia student, you are able to borrow books from all Western and Affiliate campuses. You can request that books be sent to Brescia by using the “Request” button in Omni, or you can check the book out directly by visiting the library that has the book. If there is a book that Western libraries doesn’t carry, try using our interlibrary loan system, allowing students to get books from libraries across Ontario. You can find more details on our Borrowing page.
Can I borrow items if I’m not a Brescia/Western student, faculty, or staff?
Yes, borrowing privileges are open to alumnae or community members with an Alumni card or a Guest Borrower card.
To apply for an Alumni card, please visit: https://alumni.westernu.ca/purple-perks/alumni-card/alumni-card-request.html
To apply for a Guest Borrower card, please visit the library's Service Desk.
I have a library fine. How do I pay it?
At the Beryl Ivey Library, you can pay your library fine by debit or credit card at the Library Service Desk. Additionally, you are able to pay your fines online through your My Library Account using a credit card.
How do I print, photocopy and scan?
Instructions for printing, photocopying and scanning can be found on our print, copy and scan page.
Do you have laptops or other A/V equipment?
Yes – there are laptops, projectors, Mac adapters and more are available for you to borrow. Most electronic items are available on a first-come first-serve basis, and must stay on campus. Several items, such as laptops, may be booked in advance. Visit our technology loan page for more information.
Can I book a study room?
The study rooms at the Beryl Ivey Library are for students currently enrolled in courses at Brescia. Rooms can be booked for group use (6 people maximum) for up to three hours per day, using the Brescia Booking System.
If I have a book from a different Western library, can I return it to Brescia?
Yes – the Beryl Ivey Library and the other Affiliate libraries are all part of Western Libraries. You can return your Western (or Affiliate) Library book to any of the campus libraries and it will be checked in and sent back to its home library.
How are the books organized in the library?
Our books and other materials are organized by call number. By using the Library of Congress Classification system, which uses letters and numbers (i.e. HQ560.W26 2011), students, faculty and staff are able to easily find available resources. Our bookshelves (or “stacks”) are arranged in alphabetical order in the Library.
How do I find a book in Omni?
For detailed instructions, including a step-by-step process, please view our .pdf handout:
How do I find a journal article in Omni?
For detailed instructions, including a step-by-step process, please view our .pdf handout:
How do I find full-text articles from a citation?
For detailed instructions, including a step-by-step process, please view our .pdf handout: