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Libraries & Cultural Resources

Research Guides

PPOL: Public Policy

General Guide on Researching Public Policy. Intended for individuals enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program at the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy.

Services Provided By The Library

The closure of the Downtown Campus Library on April 26, 2016 did not mean the cessation of library services for those at the Downtown Campus.  Several services, with some modifications, are still available, including information and research assistance and liaison services.

John Wright is the Liaison Librarian (Interim) for the School of Public Policy.  He is available via phone, email or in-person to provide assistance to those who need it. 

Information and Research Assistance is also available in all of the libraries at the University of Calgary.  Requests may be made in-person, via email or phone and by appointment. 

Researching public policy may require the need for consultation with a librarian in a specific subject or disciplinary area.  Use the Consult with a Librarian service you can book an appointment with a librarian in the subject area that you are researching.

What Are Liaison Services?

Liaison Services are provided by the Liaison Librarian for Government Information, Political Science, Public Policy.  Services include the following:

For Students

  • contact person for any questions about the library, its services and resources
  • assistance by providing library support for teaching and research needs
  • assistance in the location of resources
  • assistance in the development of research strategies in the use of online resources

 For Faculty

  • contact person for any questions about the library, its services and resources
  • assistance by providing library support for teaching and research needs
  • assistance in the development of research strategies, especially for online resources
  • instructional support for courses, ie.,  library instruction (information literacy) sessions

For Faculty and Students

What is a Hold?

This is an online request to have an item from one of the libraries be delivered to a specific library at the University of Calgary.

Why Place a Hold?

Holds are placed on items in the following situations:

  • when the item is currently on loan to someone else
  • when the item is in a location that is not convenient for you to get to

Is There a Charge for This Service?

No.

What is Needed to Place a Hold?

A valid library card either from the University of Calgary or The Alberta Library (TAL) is needed.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Item Placed on Hold?

The turnaround is normally 2 business days from the date that the request was made.

How Do You Know When Your Hold is Available for Pick-up?

You will receive an email that will let you know your hold is available to be picked up.

Where Do You Go to Pick Up a Hold?

This will depend on the location that you chose when you made your request.  Options include:

  • Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL)
    • Shelves Behind the Service Desk on the Ground Floor
    • Self-serve
  • Business Library
  • Doucette Library
  • Gallagher Library
  • Health Sciences Library
  • Law Library
  • The Military Museums Library

How Much Time is Given to Pick Up a Hold?

You have 7 days to pick up your hold.

Is There a Charge for Not Picking Up a Hold?

No.

Is There a Place at the Downtown Campus Where Holds Can Be Picked Up?

No.  Arrangements are in place for faculty and staff in the School of Public Policy.  This service is not available for students in the School of Public Policy.


 

Items not available at the University of Calgary may be requested using Interlibrary Loan Services.  A form needs to be filled out for each item that is needed.

More information, including the form, may be found at:  http://library.ucalgary.ca/services/borrowing/request

Pick Up and Return Location for Interlibrary Loan Requests

There are only 2 pick-up and return locations at the University of Calgary.  These include the TFDL (Taylor Family Digital Library) and the HSL (Health Sciences Library).  Items are to be asked for at the Service Desks. 

More details may be found at:  http://library.ucalgary.ca/interlibrary-loan-service-points

NB.  There never was an Interlibrary Loan service point when there was a Downtown Campus Library (contrary to popular belief).

For Faculty and Students

Where are the Materials Place On Reserve for the School of Public Policy Housed?

Items placed on Reserve by faculty in the School of Public Policy are housed in the Reserve Room at the TFDL (Taylor Family Digital Library) on campus.

How Do I Get These Items?

Since the items are housed in the locked Reserve Room at the TFD, items are to be requested by going to the Service Desk on the ground floor of the TFDL.

How Do I Know What Is On Reserve for My Course?

Using the Library's Search Box, ie., the Big Box, type in the name of the course, eg.  PPOL613.  It should come up as a link in Best Bets. Click on the link to get a list of items that have been placed on reserve for the course.  Write down the call number.  This is used to locate the item in the Reserve Room

How Long Do I Have To Read the Reserve Item?

Most of the items have been place on 2 hour reserve, so, you have 2 hours to read the item.  The item must be returned within the 2 hour time limit, or heavy fines will be levied.

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Libraries & Cultural Resources