SFU Library AskAway policy page

Welcome to this policy page, for library staff who provide the AskAway service.

 Looking for the AskAway service? Find out more, and get help via live chat, at Welcome to Askaway.

Library homepagehttps://www.lib.sfu.ca

General information

Library locations
Service hours
Library policiesLibrary policies - including Facilities, Borrowing, and Collections and gifts.
Library floor plansLibrary floor plans. See also the FAQ for floor plans of all buildings at all SFU campuses
Loans contact
Reference desk phone numbers
  • For all locations: 778.782.4351. (Leave a message and staff will call back.)
Email for reference questions
  • Ask a Librarian includes options for in-person, email, phone, and virtual help.
  • Liaison Librarians page lists contact information for subject specialist librarians by subject.

Resources & services

Services overviewSee Services for you for an overview of Library services for the SFU Community
Library CatalogueLibrary Catalogue - See also Library Catalogue search guide
Library SearchLibrary Search - Default. Includes Library FAQs, research guides, course guides, reserves, workshop information, institutional repository, database lists, etc.
DatabasesDatabases & indexes 
Database authentication
Institutional RepositorySummit Research Repository
Google Scholar linkSFU Library databases: Google Scholar
Subject guidesResearch guides: Find materials/sources by subject & course - Specific course guides (if available) can be found listed in the relevant subject guides.
Citation guides

Citation style guides

  • SFU Library no longer directs students to OWL Purdue.
  • Questions about specific citation issues (e.g., "How do I cite a website with no author?") should go to our reference staff.  
  • Broader citation issues (e.g., "What is patch-writing vs. paraphrasing?" and "How do I properly integrate my in-text citations into the text without disrupting the flow of the paragraph?") can be referred to the Student Learning Commons (SLC). 
  • Citation management tools - Information about citation management tools and where to get help with them.
List of Librarians
ReservesReserves
Interlibrary LoansInterlibrary loans
E-journalsE-journals
Print journalsLocated on Floor 6 of WAC Bennett Library.  Journals are shelved alphabetically by title (no call numbers). Check the catalogue record for accurate location information.
Technical help
  • For technical problems while using the Library's website, or to report errors or technical problems in our Catalogue, contact us for technical assistance:
    • by email at libhelp@sfu.ca
    • by telephone during library hours at 778.782.4706 
  • Canvas help. 
E-resource emergency contact
  • During regular hours start with Technical help (above), and contact our Access Services / Loans Dept (778-782-4345) if there is no answer. They will contact our Systems staff as needed
  • Loans may be able to tell you if others have reported the problem and if there is an ETA on a fix, but in most cases, it could take up to a day to resolve (longer if disruptions occur in evenings or on weekends).  Please help the patron find alternative resources if possible
Writing centre contact
  • Student Learning Commons (SLC) 
  • The SLC provides writing and learning support services across the three SFU campuses
    • Includes support for students in Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Breadth courses, international students, English as an Additional Language (EAL) students, college transfer students, graduate students and many others. 
  • Peer mentors are available for appointments or drop in.
Instruction
  • SFU Library embeds general instruction within courses. To book a library workshop for a class, instructors are encouraged to contact the appropriate Liaison Librarian
  • For other library workshops from the Research Commons and Student Learning Commons, please see: Scheduled workshops and classes

Borrowing information

Library cardsLibrary cards
Loan periodsLoan periods
Holds / recalls / requestsHolds/ recalls/ requests
RenewalsRenewals
Fines / penaltiesFines/ penalties and Appeal Form
Borrowing policiesBorrowing policies. See also Laptop and other equipment lending: Policies and responsibilities
Library account informationLibrary account information
After hours book returns

Available at all SFU Library branches -- hours vary by location.

Equipment & facilities

Equipment collectionsLaptop and equipment borrowing listed by branch
Internet accessInternet access - available at all workstations.  Guest ID available to non-SFU researchers 
Wireless accessWireless access
PhotocopiersHow and where do I print, scan, and photocopy in the library?
PrintersHow and where do I print, scan, and photocopy in the library?
Microfilm / microficheMicrofilm/ microfiche
Meeting / study roomsMeeting/ study rooms - available at all 3 campuses. Graduate (group and individual) rooms and rooms for students registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning are available at WAC Bennett Library (Burnaby)
Computer labsComputer labs 

Campus information

Academic calendarAcademic calendar
Class timetableClass timetable
Exam schedulesExam schedules
Campus maps

Other resources

AskAway local Coordinator(s)Ali Moore - ajm30@sfu.ca, 778.782.6865
Back-up phone numbersMain Campus Library (Bennett) Loans 778.782.4345
Library FAQFAQs