Welcome to the SFU Library!

As a Fraser International College student, you are eligible for a range of services at SFU Library.

This guide provides some basic information about your borrowing privileges as an FIC student, and answers to questions frequently asked by people new to the Simon Fraser University Library.  If you don't find the answer to your question, try our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) database or talk to a library staff member.

FIC student borrowing privileges/services

Fraser International College students may:

• Request research assistance in any format [in-person, by phone, by email, by live chat]
• Use library materials at SFU Library and the SFU Student Learning Commons;
• Attend the Library's Lib Skills workshops and workshops offered at the SFU Student Learning Commons;
• Borrow general circulating material at all libraries, under the same loan periods as SFU undergraduates;
• Request books that are out on loan to other users;
• Request items, with the exception of specialized collections such as Media Resource Centre (formerly Media Collection) material, to be transferred from one campus to another;
• Access the Library's licensed electronic resources, both on and off campus.
• Book a group study room.

Fraser International College students may not:

• Borrow films, videos, DVDs, or other Media Resource Centre (formerly Media Collection) items from the SFU Library;
• Use Interlibrary Loan or Document Delivery services;
• Book one-to-one appointments through the SFU Student Learning Commons for help with academic writing and learning skills;
• Use multimedia equipment and games held by the Fraser Library at SFU Surrey, which are only accessible to SFU Surrey students.

Where is the SFU Library?

Simon Fraser University offers library services and collections at three locations.  The entrance to the Bennett Library (Burnaby campus map)  is on the north side of Convocation Mall on the SFU Burnaby campus. The Belzberg Library (SFU Vancouver campus) is at 515 West Hastings Street in Vancouver, between Richards and Seymour Streets. The Fraser Library is on SFU's Surrey campus, part of Central City Mall, which is located on the west side of King George Highway, between 100th Avenue / Old Yale Road and 102nd Avenue in Surrey, adjacent to the Surrey Central SkyTrain station. Detailed directions are available in our FAQ database.

The information about the SFU Library, as well as many library resources, is available through the SFU Library web site at http://www.lib.sfu.ca/, or call the Library Info Line at 778.782.3869.

When is the library open?

Call the SFU Library hours line at 778.782.4351 or check hours on the Library homepage to find out when the library is open. Please note that Library hours may differ during exam periods, holidays, summer session, and semester breaks.

How do I get a library card?

Your FIC ID card IS your SFU library card.  Your library barcode number is not the same as the student number that appears above your name.  Your library barcode number is below your name, in small print directly above the barcode on your student card, starting with the numbers 29345....

Where can I learn to do research effectively?

The Reference Desks in the SFU Library are a great place to get help with research whenever you need it.  Friendly librarians will discuss the best sources and strategies to use for your topic.  The Ask Us Desk at Bennett Library is on the 3rd floor, visible straight ahead of you from the entrance, or you can call us at 778.782.5735.  You can also use our AskAway chat reference service, or send a question by email.

We also create research guides, which may help you get started on any topic.

At the beginning of each term, the SFU Library offers hands-on, drop-in classes to teach you how to find books and articles. See the Lib Skills class schedule or pick up a brochure at the Reference Desk.

Where can I check out my books?

You can check out books at the Circulation Services desk near the entrance to all three SFU libraries.  Come here to check out books, pay fines, and pick up holds.. See our guide to Borrowing materials from SFU Library for details.  

AVOID FINES!  Library fines are steep [$1.00 per day for general collection items] . Don't get caught!   Keep track of your date due slip or look up your due dates in your record on the library computers.  You can also sign up for notification by email of overdues, requests, recalls, etc.

You can return SFU Library materials to either Bennett, Belzberg or Surrey. Library materials may be returned down the Book Return chute in the middle of the 3rd floor at the Bennett Library and in a slot in the Checkout Desk in the Belzberg library.  Books may be returned when the library is closed.  At the Bennett Library,  there is a book drop outside, to the left of the entrance.  At the Belzberg Library, the book drop is outside the library door, available when Harbour Centre campus is open.

How do I find journals?

Journal, magazine, and newspaper articles are a great way to find current information on a topic. To find out if SFU Library subscribes to a specific journal, search the Library catalogue. Journals, magazines and newspapers may not be borrowed but photocopiers are available for student use.

In the Bennett Library, print journals are shelved on the 6th floor, alphabetically by their title. Recent issues of journals and newspapers are in the Current Journals area. Older issues are bound like books and shelved by title throughout the floor. Back issues of newspapers are often found on microfilm. Access e-journals through the Electronic Journal Database or through the Library catalogue.

If you need help locating specific journals on the 6th floor, use the phone located to the left of the Current Journals area and ask for assistance.

How do I find journal articles on my topic?

You can use the Library catalogue to see if SFU subscribes to a specific journal, but the catalogue doesn't list the articles published within a journal. To identify individual articles on your topic, and from a variety of journals, you need to use a journal articles database. Find the best database for your topic by looking at the Journal Articles & Databases page of the Library web site or ask for help at the Ask Us Desk.

Where are the photocopiers? Laser printers?

Photocopiers are found at Bennett (1st, 3rd, and 6th floors), Belzberg and SFU Surrey. Buy a printing/copying card from the machines on the 3rd floor of the Bennett library. The same card can also be used for printers in other labs on campus. Belzberg sells these cards at the Checkout Desk. Microform reader/printers at the Bennett library use the same card, but take coin at Belzberg.

You can also use these cards to print Word documents from the Information Commons printers and library searches from printers on the 3rd, 5th and 6th floors of the Bennett library.