Contact the Library

We’re here to support you whether you’re new to research or just need a bit of extra help: 

  • Navigating library resources, databases, and other research tools. 
  • Understanding citation and referencing. 
  • Offering guidance on how to approach your research topics and assignments. 
  • Providing support for any research challenges you may face along the way. 

Appointments with a librarian are available for in-depth research or citation support.

Connecting with us 

There are multiple options available for you to connect including via chat, text, email, or in person. 

In-person

Drop in to visit us on the second floor of the Singhmar Centre for Learning.

Find us on the map

Chat, text, or call

For quick help, connect with our live chat, send us a text at 587.600.0084, or call the Library at 780.644.6070.

Email

Send us an email: library@norquest.ca.

We will respond within two business days.

Common questions  

Find answers to common questions about NorQuest Library services, including borrowing, research, and account help. Search for quick assistance and support. 

I would like to post a book chapter on misiwe pehtâkwan. How can the Library help?

Typically, a single chapter of a book may be shared on misiwe pehtâkwan under fair dealing. For more information, please consult with the Copyright Officer, Nicholle Carriere, or review the NorQuest guidelines for faculty: Curriculum Development Toolkit: Copyright

There is a book scanner available in the Learner Centre. Please note that you are responsible for ensuring that your scanned materials are in compliance with Canadian copyright law.

Who can answer questions about my program? 

Academic Program Advisors can help with questions about your programs, including planning your courses. 

You can find the email address for your Academic Program Advisor at NorQuest Academic Program Advisors.

Who can help with academic integrity?

For students: 

We recommend contacting the Student Resolution & Integrity Office (SRIO; formerly the Office for Student Judicial Affairs) if you need guidance, advice, and information related to allegations of academic misconduct or non-academic misconduct. 

You can also review these online guides: Learn to Write and Learn to Research.

For faculty: 

  • The Student Resolution & Integrity Office (SRIO; formerly the Office for Student Judicial Affairs) runs an Academic Integrity Course that can be added to courses in misiwe pehtâkwan. 
  • Librarians can address plagiarism and offering paraphrasing guidance during an instruction session.
  • You can also include these online guides in your courses: Learn to Write and Learn to Research.

What if I have a book from another library?
  • If you borrowed the book at NorQuest College as an interlibrary loan, you can return it to a book drop at NorQuest College
  • If you borrowed a book from another academic library (e.g. University of Alberta, MacEwan), you must return it to that library.
  • Return items from the Edmonton Public Library to the closest EPL Branch.
How do I suggest an item (book, audiobook, film, etc.), for the collection?

NorQuest Library welcomes suggestions from students, staff and faculty. Please submit your suggestions using the Suggest an item for the Library form.

How can I get help with noise in the Learner Centre?

You can get immediate help by talking to any staff member in the Learner Centre. Or you can anonymously send a text to (587) 600-0084.

If you do not need immediate assistance, but you would like to share feedback on your experience with noise in the Learner Centre, please complete the Learner Centre Noise Complaints form.

Can I place items on reserve?

To ensure equitable access to Library resources, the Library manages heavily-used material using the “reserve” system.

Reserve items are:

  • popular or heavily-used items, including required textbooks and technology
  • identified by instructors for the purpose of short-term use only
  • kept securely at the Library service desk

Reserve items include: 

  • Textbooks (3 hours)
  • Laptops (3 days) 
  • Calculators, including scientific, financial, and graphic (3 hours) 
  • Phone chargers and laptop chargers (3 hours) 
  • Headphones (3 hours) 
  • Whiteboard markers (3 hours) 

If you are an instructor and you want to place textbooks or required readings on reserve, please contact library@norquest.ca or complete this form.

Sourcing, ordering, and processing items for the Reserve Collection can take several weeks. Please submit your request a minimum of three weeks in advance if you would like the material available by a specific date. Reserve requests are accepted year-round.

How can I find Audio Cine Films (ACF)?

Access ACF with this link: https://libguides.norquest.ca/db-acf 

This is where you can stream movies like 28 Days and A Beautiful Mind.

Explore all available online video resources here: NorQuest Library streaming videos

How can I find Criterion on Demand? 

Access Criterion with this link: https://auth01.norquest.ca/login?url=https://media3.criterionpic.com/cod/lcl_top_subjects.htx

This is where you can stream movies such as The Soloist

Explore all available online video resources here: NorQuest Library streaming videos

How do I book library instruction for my class?
Instructors can request library instruction with preferred dates & times by completing the Library Instruction Request Form.
Are there library resources for misiwe pehtâkwan?

There are several options for embedded library support in misiwe pehtâkwan courses, including:

  • Library Resources Block
  • Customized Library Block with specific resources
  • Liaison Librarian Contact Information
  • A research/citation forum hosted by a librarian
  • Embedded library tutorials and activities
  • Online APA course (option: connect to gradebook to verify completion)

If you would like to add these resources yourself, we have a guide with step-by-step instructions: Linking Library Resources.

You can also connect with your Library Liasion who can answer any questions you may have.

How do I cite/reference/format in MLA? 

Please visit the MLA Guide for help with:

  • In-text citations 
  • References 
  • Formatting 

The official MLA Style Centre website also provides helpful guidance. 

How do I check when my books are due? How can I renew them?

In order to check when your books are due or to renew them, visit the Library website homepage and select My Library Account.

screenshot of NorQuest College Library home page with an arrow pointing to the link for the "My Library Account" page

Click Sign in to your account: 

A screenshot of the "My Library Account" page with an arrow pointing to the "Sign in to your account" link

If you are student or employee of NorQuest College, sign in using NorQuest Students/Employees. You will use your NorQuest email address and password to login.

A screenshot of the Library Account sign in page with an arrow pointing to "NorQuest Studnets/Employees"

If you are a community member and you have registered for a library account with NorQuest College, you will sign in using Community Members. You will use your personal email address and the password you set when registering for your account.

A screenshot of the Library Account sign in page with an arrow pointing to "Community Members""

Once you are logged into your library account, you will be able to see your loans, requests, fines, messages and personal details. On the overview screen, you will be able to view your checkouts and due dates, and you will have the ability to renew all items on your account.

A screenshot of the "My Library Card" page with a box around the "Loans" tab

If you only want to renew one of your loans, click on Loans for more details. You will be able to renew a single item from this screen.

A screenshot of the "My Library Card" page with arrows pointing to the "Loans" tab, the due date, and the link to renew.

How can I access library services or contact library staff from home? 

Accessing Library Resources from Home

If you're a current student or employee and see a yellow notification bar on your search results screen, it means you're not fully signed in. To access all available online library resources, please sign in using your institutional credentials.

Contacting the Library from Home

If you need to contact the library staff from home, there are multiple options available for you to connect including via chat, text, or email.

Chat, text, or call

For quick help, connect with our live chat, send us a text at 587.600.0084, or call the Library at 780.644.6070.

Email

Send us an email: library@norquest.ca. We will respond within two business days.

Can I borrow library materials?

As a NorQuest student or staff, you can:

  • Check out materials from the physical collection. Most NorQuest items are loaned for 3 weeks.
    • Please note: Reserve textbooks are available for 3-hour loans and Curriculum materials are for faculty use only. 
    • Place holds on physical items using the Request link below the item record. Select NorQuest College Library as the pickup location, then click Send Request. You will receive a notification by email when the book arrives.

How do Reserve items work?

"Reserve" items are popular or heavily-used Library resources, including required textbooks and technology. 

  • Textbooks can be borrowed for up to 3 hours
  • Most technology, including headphones, phone chargers, laptop chargers, and calculators, can be borrowed for 3 hours
  • Laptops can be borrowed for 3 days. There is more information about the Library laptops here: Technology Loaning at the Library

If you would like to borrow a reserve item, please ask at the Library desk.

We will be able to help you quickly if you have the following information handy: Title of the textbook OR Course Name & Number.

Textbooks can also be purchased from The Core (Bookstore).

How do I return books?

You can return them to either of the two book drop boxes at NorQuest College.
These are located:

  • inside the Learner Centre at the Library help desk,
  • outside the Learner Centre entrance.

 

How can I get my textbooks?

You can find and purchase your textbooks from The Core (the NorQuest College bookstore).

You may also borrow a copy of your textbook from the NorQuest Library. Textbooks are only available for 3-hour loans. Please ask at the Library desk for current textbooks.

You can also request a small portion of a textbook (e.g. one chapter) through the Library's Scan on Demand Service.

I need help with an assignment. Who can help me?

If you need help with research, citation, or references visit the library help desk in the Learner Centre, or contact the library by e-mail (library@norquest.ca), phone (780-644-6070), text (587-600-0084), chat, or book an online or in-person appointment with a librarian.

If you require help for anything else related to your assignment, contact Tutorial Services.

What is NEOS and what does it mean to me?

NEOS is a cooperative library consortium consisting of government, college, and university libraries throughout Alberta.

NEOS libraries share books and other physical resources. Through the NEOS network, you have access to approximately seven million items. You can request these items to be delivered to the NorQuest Library via an interlibrary loan, or you can visit the owning library directly to borrow them.

Other Questions you may have about NEOS:

What personal information are you collecting?

Personal information extracted consists of:

  • name
  • address
  • phone number
  • email
  • college identification number (library account number)

The personal information you provide to the college is collected under the authority of Section 33© of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It will be used to create your NorQuest Library account.

Why do we have to go through this process?

Because NEOS is a library consortium, the personal information listed above will be shared with library partners within NEOS for the purpose of identity verification in order to facilitate material loan and other library services at NorQuest and partner libraries.

What is the risk to me if I consent to share my personal information?

The risk to you is minimal. It is similar to requesting a public library account. You need to provide your name and contact information and in return, you are granted borrowing privileges. NEOS is no different. Libraries adhere to an ethos of confidentiality; libraries do everything possible to protect the privacy of the people who use their services.

How long will my personal information stay in the NEOS system?

Library accounts are expired when a student withdraws or ends their studies. Accounts are purged from the system two years after expiry unless there are outstanding items or fines charged to the account. If you wish to borrow from a NEOS library, you must visit the library in person to create a new account, or you may place an interlibrary loan request through NorQuest College Library.

What happens if I do not provide consent?

If you do not provide your consent your personal information will not be shared with any NEOS libraries. As a result, you will not be able to place ‘holds’ on NorQuest or non-NorQuest materials.

How do I use Solaro?

Access Solaro here.

  1. Enter the barcode number on your NorQuest student ID card
  2. Write down your new username and password
  3. Go to the Solaro website or app 
  4. Enter your new username and password

Tip: Your barcode number can be found on your NorQuest student ID card! 

picture of a NorQuest student ID card with a box around the barcode number at the bottom

How do I cite/reference/format in APA? 

Please visit the APA Guide for help with:

  • In-text citations
  • References
  • Formatting

The official APA Style website also provides helpful guidance.

The NorQuest APA Course is another helpful resource for you to complete at your own pace. Completing all four modules can be done within an hour and give you foundational knowledge about using APA style citation.

I am a distance student and need books mailed to me. Can I still do this?

Yes.

If you live outside the Greater Edmonton Area, you may request items from the NorQuest Library to be mailed to you. Items will be shipped via Canada Post with a return label included. This is at no cost to you.

However, Reserve materials are not available for loan. If you are in need of a textbook, they can be purchased online through The Core (NorQuest's bookstore). You can also use Scan on Demand request form to ask for a single chapter of a book.

What do I do if I have lost or damaged a library item?

If you have lost or damaged a library item, you may be charged the replacement cost of the item. Please contact library@norquest.ca to discuss your options.

Can I borrow items from other NEOS libraries?

Yes! If you're part of the NEOS library system, you can borrow items from other NEOS libraries. Here's how:

For NorQuest students, faculty, or staff:

Option 1: Request through NorQuest Library

  • Use NorQuest Library’s interlibrary loan service.
  • The item will be borrowed on your behalf and made available for pick-up at NorQuest Library.
  • You will return this item to NorQuest College Library.

Option 2: Borrow directly from another NEOS library

  • Visit the library that owns the item.
  • Set up a library account there.
  • Borrow the item directly.
  • You can return NEOS items at any NEOS library, including NorQuest.

For members of other NEOS libraries:

  1. Request the item through your home library’s interlibrary loan service.
  2. Visit NorQuest Library and set up a NEOS account using your student or staff ID card.

For community users of NorQuest Library:

  • You’ll need to set up separate accounts at other NEOS libraries to borrow their items.
How do I book a student meeting room?

Book a Student Meeting Room here.

Meeting rooms are for students only. Faculty and staff can book a drop down space or meeting room through iOffice.
What is my NorQuest ID? 
Your student ID appears above the barcode on your student ID card
 
Your student ID is also part of your 13-digit barcode. Your student ID number is the 6th - 12th number in the sequence. 
 
If you use the NorQuest Mobile ID, you will find your barcode on the second page of the app. Your student ID number is the 6th - 12th number in the sequence. 
 
I can’t login. What do I do? 

Instructions below are for current students and employees trying to access online library resources.

If you're a current student or employee and see a yellow notification bar on your search results screen, it means you're not fully signed in. To access all available online library resources, please sign in using your institutional credentials.

A screenshot of the NorQuest Library search tool with the yellow notification bar at the top. The yellow bar has a link to sign in.

A screenshot of the sign in page for the NorQuest Library account with an arrow pointing to "NorQuest Students/Employees"

Still not working? Try a different browser, or try clearing your cache.

If that does not work, please contact the Service Desk for further assistance.

Do we have access to Turnitin or some other kind of plagiarism detection software?

At this point in time, we are unaware of a software being used College-wide.

The general approach to plagiarism and academic integrity at NorQuest College is more educational and skills-based in nature. It is important to recognize that students have many different levels of experience and knowledge regarding research; as such, the priority is that they learn the skills to complete research tasks that align with their assignment guidelines and instructor expectations. Additionally, many of these types of software have glaring privacy issues and are dishonest and unethical in the ways that they use information. 

The Library has many in-house resources to educate students, including our Learn to Research guides

Can I use Hoopla?

NorQuest College's subscription to the Hoopla database expired on May 9th, 2025. Access to this resource is discontinued.

How do I make a request through interlibrary loan?

Complete the Interlibrary Loan & Scan on Demand Request Form to request books, book chapters, or articles not available through the NorQuest Library.

Note: Interlibrary loans are free for NorQuest students, staff, and faculty! 

How do I check if I have fines?

In order to check if you have fines, visit the library website homepage and select My Library Account.

screenshot of NorQuest College Library home page with an arrow pointing to the link for the "My Library Account" page

Click Sign in to your account: 

A screenshot of the "My Library Account" page with an arrow pointing to the "Sign in to your account" link

If you are student or employee of NorQuest College, sign in using NorQuest Students/Employees. You will use your NorQuest email address and password to login.

A screenshot of the Library Account sign in page with an arrow pointing to "NorQuest Studnets/Employees"

If you are a community member and you have registered for a library account with NorQuest College, you will sign in using Community Members. You will use your personal email address and the password you set when registering for your account.

A screenshot of the Library Account sign in page with an arrow pointing to "Community Members""

Once you are logged into your library account, you will be able to see your loans, requests, fines, messages and personal details. To view your fines, select Fine + Fees.

A screenshot of the "My Library Card" page with an arrow pointing to the tab "Fine + Fees"

If you have fines, please contact the library to arrange payment.

Other services in the Learner Centre 

The Learner Centre is home to many services to support student success. Learn more about how to access: