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Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
General Information, Regulations and Research Guidelines
2005-06


11 Libraries and Computing Facilities

11.1 Libraries

All registered students have access to the McGill University Library system. This comprises 14 libraries, one reading room, the Division of Rare Books and Special Collections, and a number of affiliated collections in various specialized departments. MUSE, the on-line catalogue, is available in the libraries and remotely to search for print and electronic resources in the McGill Libraries. The Electronic Data Resources Service supports research and teaching in all disciplines. The Library Website can be accessed at www.library.mcgill.ca.

McGill Libraries' electronic databases may be queried on computer workstations in any library or - in many instances - searched from remote computers. The Library has around 600 databases currently available, including numeric databases and indexing and abstracting services. The Library also subscribes to approximately 12,000 full-text journals, both from publishers such as Oxford University Press, Elsevier Science-Direct, Wiley InterScience, Kluwer On-line, and Blackwell Synergy and from journal vendors and aggregators such as JSTOR, Project MUSE, Dow Jones Interactive, Lexis-Nexis, and IEEE. The numbers are rapidly growing.

The Humanities and Social Sciences Area Library located in the McLennan and Redpath Library Buildings is the largest library. There are separate libraries for law, health sciences, and physical sciences and engineering, as well as specialized libraries in various fields. In addition, the Macdonald Campus Library (agriculture, food science and environmental sciences) is located 20 km from the Downtown Campus.

Students registered for Master's and Ph.D. programs may obtain borrowing privileges for most Canadian university libraries upon presentation of their McGill University identification card when it clearly indicates their status, and a CREPUQ introduction card, available from the Office of the Director of Libraries.

11.2 Computing Facilities
11.2.1 IST Customer Services (ICS)

McGill ICS provides technical support for the following student services: E-mail, Dialup Access Service (DAS), Virtual Private Network (VPN), REZ Voice and Data Service (post-installation), Wireless Network and WebCT.

They may be reached on-line via the Virtual Help Desk at www.mcgill.ca/ics/vhd or by phone at (514) 398-3398, or in person at Burnside Hall in room 112.

11.2.2 Network and Communications Services (NCS)

McGill NCS provides data services including access to Local Area Networks (LANs), the Internet, e-mail, McGill central systems, and the McGill University Website - all from virtually anywhere on campus (wired or wireless) and remotely. They also provide voice service (with long distance and voice mail) to students in McGill Residences. The Website at www.mcgill.ca/ncs lists products and services offered by McGill NCS.

11.2.3 WebCT

WebCT is McGill's on-line course management system.

WebCT is used in a large number of McGill courses. Currently

most of them are taught in a hybrid fashion with WebCT serving as

a component within a traditional class structure. As an on-line environment, WebCT provides key tools for extending the educational experience. Students can access content in various forms, post assignments, take quizzes and participate in on-line discussions.

The WebCT Student Resources Website at www.mcgill.ca/webct/students provides an overview of WebCT tools, task-oriented how-tos and general advice for student success with educational technology. Help is available on-line via the Virtual Help Desk at www.mcgill.ca/ics/vhd and by phone at (514) 398-3398.

11.2.4 Computer Labs

The computer labs are provided by many faculties and departments for students in their programs. A list of these can be found on the Web via the McGill Gateway at www.mcgill.ca/index/computer. Check the unit listings or contact the unit directly for information concerning facilities and accessibility.

11.2.5 Instructional Communications Centre

The Instructional Communications Centre (ICC) provides services related to the use of technology in teaching. It is McGill's central facility for the loan of audiovisual equipment and support for video production.

The ICC Audiovisual Arrangements Section located in the lobby of the Redpath Library and the ICC office at the Macdonald Campus house a full range of audio, video, computer, and projection equipment available for loan to McGill students. Equipment is provided free of charge for credit course activities. Training in equipment use is available and advance reservations are highly recommended. Further details are available on the ICC Website www.mcgill.ca/icc/equipment/loan.

The ICC also maintains two video editing suites available for staff and students who wish to produce their own programs. These suites are self-instructional, and sessions should be reserved in advance. For more information or to reserve a session, please contact the ICC Main Office, 688 Sherbrooke St. W., Suite 1600, (514) 398-7200.

McGill University
http://www.mcgill.ca/gps

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