Special User Groups and Visitors

Individuals who are not currently students, staff, or faculty (both Regular and Contract) at the University of Winnipeg may register for library accounts to access the UWinnipeg Library's digital and print resources.

On this Page:

• Sponsored Researchers (research assistants, visiting scholars, senior scholars, etc.)
• Community Accounts (alumni, retirees, reciprocal borrowers, members of the public)
• Evening and Weekend Access
• Group and Class Visits
• Available Resources
• Conduct in the Library
• Contact

Sponsored Researchers

Researchers with a limited term or appointment position at the University of Winnipeg receive full access to the library's print and digital resources, including off-campus access to electronic resources. This group includes research assistants, visiting scholars, post-doctoral fellows, senior scholars, professors emeritus, and UWinnipeg interns. To obtain library access credentials, please follow these steps:

To access digital resources (ebooks, online journals, databases, etc.):

1. The faculty member or department sponsoring the researcher must fill out the Technology Solutions Center new account form on behalf of the researcher. Both a Windows (Campus Network Access) account and an Email (Outlook) account must be requested in order to remotely access library databases.
2. The researcher will receive a network username and password that can be used to access digital resources by logging into library computers or off-campus proxy.

To access print materials and interlibrary loan:

1. The researcher must request an ID card by emailing a completed ID card request form and photo to studentcard@uwinnipeg.ca from their UWinnipeg email address. They will be notified when their card is ready for pickup at Student Central (489 Portage Avenue, Rice building).
2. The researcher must then bring their ID card to the Library Circulation Desk to activate their library account. The ID must be presented whenever borrowing print materials.
3. If the researcher is not based in Winnipeg and requires access to ILL, the sponsoring department or faculty member must request a library account on the researcher's behalf. Please email your request to circulation@uwinnipeg.ca from your UWinnipeg email address and provide the following information:
   • researcher's name
   • researcher's network username (as provided by TSC)
   • department and/or faculty member for whom the researcher is working
   • the dates of the researcher's contract

Account extensions may be requested by following the same procedure.

Please note that, due to licensing requirements, offsite database access is restricted to users with a valid network account. Network accounts are issued by TSC, and the library has no role in determining who is eligible for one. Individuals who are not granted network accounts may apply independently for a Community Account.

Community Accounts

Alumni, retirees, reciprocal borrowers, and members of the public over the age of 16 are eligible for community accounts. All library accounts, except for Temporary Users, are valid for one year and can be renewed. Access to digital resources is available on campus only. Photo ID and an email are required when establishing and renewing your account.

How to Register

To register for an account, please complete the Library Account Request Form, or visit the Library Circulation Desk. Temporary User accounts cannot be registered online; please visit the service desk when you are at the library. Note that an email address is required for all accounts.

There will be a minimum two-day delay before digital access credentials are ready; in the meantime, patrons may request temporary computer passes from the circulation desk.

Account Types

Alumni
Individuals who have graduated from a course of study at the University of Winnipeg are entitled to both print and digital access at no cost. You must present your alumni card, available through Alumni Services, to register for an account.

Retirees
Individuals who have retired from the University of Winnipeg are entitled to both print and digital access at no cost.

Reciprocal Borrowers
Individuals who belong to an institution that has a reciprocal borrowing agreement with the University of Winnipeg are entitled to both print and digital access at no cost. Reciprocal institutions include all members of CURBA and Red River College.

Members of the Public
Individuals who wish to conduct research at the Library but do not fit any of the above categories may register for a community account. There are three levels of access available:

Level 1: Temporary Users
For visitors who require one-time access to the library's digital resources

• Valid until end-of-day
• Access to library computers, printers, and non-proxied electronic resources via a Digital Access Pass
• Print materials may be used in the library but cannot be borrowed
• Can only be requested in person
• No fee

Level 2: Digital Access Only
For visitors who require ongoing access to the library's digital resources.

• Valid for one year
• Can be renewed or upgraded to Level 3
• Access to library computers, printers, and non-proxied electronic resources
• Print materials may be used in the library but cannot be borrowed
• Can be requested in person or online via the Library Account Request Form
• No fee

Level 3: Digital and Print Access
For visitors who require ongoing access to both digital and print resources

• Valid for one year
• Can be renewed
• Access to library computers, printers, and non-proxied electronic resources
• Books in the main collection can be borrowed; other materials may be used in the library
• Can be requested in person or online via the Library Account Request Form
• $25 annual fee

Digital Access Passes

Temporary accounts for access to computer workstations with printing/photocopying privileges are available to guests 16 years of age and older during normal public hours. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, who may register an account on their behalf.

Photo ID must be presented every time you request a digital access pass, even if you have already presented your ID earlier in the day. Any identification with your full name and a clear photo - such as a driver's licence, status card, passport, student card, etc. - is acceptable. ID without a photo will not be accepted.

There is no public wifi available on campus.

Computer accounts are valid for 2 hours and are issued up until 6:00 PM Tuesday - Thursday, and until 3:45 PM Monday, Friday, Saturday. Patrons who wish to use a computer after the cut-off time must request a digital access pass in advance. Patrons who wish to use more than 2 hours of computer time may request an additional pass if one is available.

While using our computers, guests have access to a certain level of digital media e-resources through the library catalogue search on our website's homepage.

Digital passes provide access to printing, which must be paid for with cash. The default setting is double-sided black & white printing and costs $0.105 cents per page. Colour printing and larger page sizes are also available; for pricing and more details, contact circulation@uwinnipeg.ca.  

Evening and Weekend Access

The University of Winnipeg campus is closed to the public on evenings after 6:00 PM and on weekends. Individuals who would like to visit the library during these hours must provide photo ID along with either a valid UW library card or appointment confirmation to campus security, located on the 1st floor of Centennial Hall.

Library cards are issued to patrons who register for library accounts. Appointments can be booked through the Library Visitor Request Form. Requests must be submitted at least one business day in advance. A request form is not necessary to access the Smart Lockers or Centennial entrance book-drop outside of public hours.

Patrons already in the library do not need to leave or book an appointment, but must request additional computer passes before 6:00 PM, after which time no new passes will be issued.

Group and Class Visits

Educators who would like to bring their class or group to the UWinnipeg Library to engage in research are welcome to do so during operational hours.

To coordinate your visit, or for further inquiries, please contact the Accessibility, International, and Extended Services Librarian. Be advised that the library requires a minimum of two weeks' notice to coordinate a group visit.

If you are interested in using the library's computers, accessing online resources, etc. during your visit, please see the Computer Access for Group Visits FAQ for more information.

Available Resources

Digital Resources

Digital resources refers to the library's computers, printers, and electronic resources. Electronic resources include ebooks, online journals and articles, and databases. Some databases are restricted by the proxy due to licensing agreements and cannot be accessed by Community Accounts. Electronic resources can only be accessed from library computers.

It is the responsibility of all patrons to ensure that electronic resources are used in an effective, ethical, and lawful manner and to abide by the licensing terms for each resource. Excessive downloading, distributing, or retaining substantial portions of the information is prohibited, as is the use of any electronic library resources for commercial purposes or as a substitution for a license by another organization.

Wireless printing and wifi are not available; library computers must be used for printing and internet access. (Individuals who belong to Eduroam institutions may connect to the University's Eduroam wifi on their personal devices.)

Print Resources

Accounts with print access may borrow books from the library's main collection for 30 days. Items may be renewed up to 6 times if no other patrons have requested them. Journals, multimedia, and special collections may only be used in the library. Please see our borrowing page for more information.

Conduct in the Library

The UWinnipeg Library is a respectful working and learning environment and all library users are expected to conduct themselves in a manner supportive to research and study. This includes adhering to all applicable University Policies, including the Acceptable Use of Information Technology Policy, Use of Electronic Resources Policy, Respectful Working and Learning Environment Policy, and the Sexual Violence Prevention Policy. Behaviour that will not be tolerated in the library includes, but is not limited to:

• Abusive language, including threats, harassment, and/or discriminatory remarks;
• Behaviour that is disruptive or otherwise interferes with the ability of others to work in and enjoy the library, including refusal to adhere to posted sound zones;
• Refusal to present ID when requested by library staff or campus security;
• Smoking, vaping, consumption of alcohol, or use of illicit substances;
• Vandalism, theft, or any other intentional damage to or misuse of library property, including hacking and unauthorized installation of software on library computers;
• Sexual misconduct, including voyeurism, indecent exposure, or engaging in sexual acts;
• Viewing websites that are sexually explicit or promote prejudicial and/or hateful agendas;
• Photographing, filming, or recording in the library without prior permission from Library Administration.

Furthermore, visitors to the library are advised of the following rules:

• Per the University's Service Animals Policy, service animals are welcome, but please leave your pets at home.
• Food and drink are permitted in most areas of the library, with the expectation that garbage is properly disposed of and any messes are suitably cleaned up. Food and lidless beverages are not permitted at library computers.
• Children under the age of 14 who are not enrolled at the Collegiate must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Personal belongings left unattended for more than half an hour may be removed and placed in the Lost and Found.

Library users who engage in unacceptable behaviour will be asked to leave the library. Serious violations or repeat offences may result in a permanent ban from the library.

Contact

circulation@uwinnipeg.ca

204.786.9808