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Library Use Policy

The Osler Library's policies aim to create environments that support teaching, learning, and research. Adherence to Library use policies will help ensure positive outcomes and experiences for Library users. Failure to follow them may result in fines, sanctions, or disciplinary actions.

Highlights

• All areas of the Osler Library are for quiet individual study. Conversation and other noise-making activities are not allowed. Cellphones, tablets, and computers should be silenced.
• Food and drink: Reusable water bottles or other sealed drink containers are permitted in the library. Water fountains are available throughout the building. Food is not permitted in the library.
• The Osler Library’s rare and archival materials can be consulted by members of the º£ÍâÖ±²¥bÕ¾ community and the general public on-site during our service hours (10 am – 4 pm, Monday to Friday). This service is provided by appointment only. To request materials for consultation and book an appointment, email osler.library [at] mcgill.ca at least 3 business days in advance. You will receive an email confirmation when the materials are available for you.

General Library use

1. Bring your valid º£ÍâÖ±²¥bÕ¾ ID with you. It is required for identification, borrowing materials, and access purposes and must be produced upon request.
2. Do not harass or threaten the well-being or dignity of library staff and other users.
3. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen items. For your own protection, do not leave your personal belongings unattended. Unattended personal belongings may be removed by Security or Library staff.
4. E-cigarettes and vaporizers are prohibited anywhere in the library (see º£ÍâÖ±²¥bÕ¾ Smoking Policy).
5. Do not disturb other users through discussions or telephone conversations. All devices should be silenced throughout the library.
6. Library users are not permitted to save seats for others.
7. Fundraising or product drives (food, clothing, hygiene products, other items or books), canvassing, soliciting, or surveying library patrons are not permitted anywhere in the library.
8. Library materials, facilities or equipment cannot be removed without authorization; familiarize yourself with borrowing conditions and use of equipment in the library and respect them. Do not deface, mutilate, inappropriately use, or willfully deprive other users of library materials, facilities or equipment. Do not highlight, underline or write on the printed content.
9. Observe copyright, intellectual property rights, and academic integrity when using library materials.
10. To report a problem with library facilities or equipment, please visit the service desk.
11. With the exception of service animals, animals are not permitted in the library without prior permission.

Rare and Archival Materials Use

Members of the º£ÍâÖ±²¥bÕ¾ community and the general public can consult the Osler Library’s rare and archival materials on-site during our service hours (10 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday). Please note that this service is provided by appointment only. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate walk-in patrons who have not requested rare or archival material in advance.

Requesting materials

To request rare and archival materials for consultation and book an appointment, please email osler.library [at] mcgill.ca at least 3 business days in advance. You will receive an email confirmation when they are available for you.

Please note:

• Some materials may require up to a week to retrieve.
• Limits will be imposed on the number of books or archival boxes that can be requested at one time.
• Some materials cannot be made accessible based on their preservation condition and privacy concerns.
• Any physical rare and archival materials sent for digitisation cannot be consulted until the project is completed and they are returned to the Oler Library.

While working with rare and archival materials

• Bags and coats are not permitted in the consultation rooms. Lockers and locks are available, as well as a place to hang coats and store bags.
• Food and drink are not permitted in the consultation rooms.
• Computers and silenced cell phones are welcome.
• Only pencils can be used to take hand-written notes.

Copying and reproduction by users

• Personal photography, for personal or scholarly purposes, is permitted with the approval of the Osler Library staff.
• Handheld cameras and cellphones with the flash disabled are permitted. No additional equipment, such as lighting or a tripod, is allowed.
• The reader must take care to protect the rare material at all times. Books and other items must be set up for photography with the assistance of Osler Library staff. Lanyards worn around the neck or wrist to support the camera are encouraged.
• Photography of staff members or other readers is not permitted.

On-demand digitization services

• If you need our rare or archival materials digitized for personal or scholarly use, please submit your request to osler.library [at] mcgill.ca.
• Note that on-demand digitization is restricted to 10 pages per user request.
• Once your request has been approved, we will prepare a file for digital delivery within 10 business days. After the file is delivered, we will add a copy to our repository and catalogue for others to find and use.
• High-resolution images intended for publication (web or print) must be requested by emailing osler.library [at] mcgill.ca.
• The granting of permission to publish any materials from the Osler Library collections does not absolve users from securing permission from copyright owners and paying such additional fees as the owners may require if we do not own copyright or the material is not in the public domain. Applicants assume all responsibility for questions of copyright and invasion of privacy that may arise in copying and using the photographic and digital copy.
• Users must include the supplied credit line when reproductions are used for publication, exhibition, websites, and video production.

Project and collection level digitization for research purposes

If your research requires a significant number of titles, or you are interested in partnering with the library on a grant requiring digitization work, please contact the Head Librarian of the Osler Library directly to prepare a proposal to the Digitization Project Committee. Each project proposal is evaluated using our digitization guidelines and requires a completed proposal. Examples of past projects are on our digital exhibitions and collections page.

Osler Room Tours and Class Visits

Short (10-15 min) individual drop-in tours can be provided during our service hours, depending on staff availability and the Osler Room’s occupancy.

One-hour tours or class sessions in the Osler Room can be arranged for groups of up to 15 º£ÍâÖ±²¥bÕ¾ students, faculty, and staff. To inquire about available times, contact us at osler.library [at] mcgill.ca.

Questions?

This policy was established to preserve a clean and welcoming environment for research and study based on the º£ÍâÖ±²¥bÕ¾ Handbook on Student Rights and Responsibilities. If you have questions or comments about this policy, please contact osler.library [at] mcgill.ca.

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