Community Users Guide

Nova Scotian residents who are 19 years of age or older are eligible for an off-campus borrower's card, which permits borrowing material from any Novanet library. Patrons may use their current library card from any university library, community college library, or public library from across the province to borrow materials from the Patrick Power Library.

If you need an off-campus borrower's card, you can obtain one at the Library's Circulation Desk. In most cases, you only need to present an official photo ID that includes proof of Nova Scotia residence, such as a driver's license, for privileges to be granted immediately. 

Books, periodicals, and DVDs: basic loan period is 3 weeks and may be renewed for a maximum of 12 weeks. This loan period is available to all off-campus (community) borrowers.

We recommend that you verify the dues dates of items you have signed out through your online Library Account.

Off-Campus Borrowers are welcome to use the following library resources and services:

• Online library catalogue (also available off-campus)
• E-books and e-journals (in-library use only) *
• Most research databases (in-library use only) *
• Print collections, including serials
• Microform and microform readers
• Photocopiers, scanners, and printers (printed documents can be paid for and picked up at Circulation desk)
• Reference and research services (virtual and in-person)
• BARA (Borrow Anywhere, Return Anywhere) service (i.e. library materials may be returned at any Novanet library or public library in Nova Scotia)
• Computers designated for public use
• Access to the Saint Mary's University Archives/Institutional Repository
• Borrowing and renewal of materials
• Novanet Express services (borrowing from other Novanet libraries)
• Seating areas and individual study spaces

Off-Campus Borrowers do not have access to the following library resources and services:

• Study room reservations (available for SMU students only)
• Computers that are not designated for public use
• Interlibrary Loan service 
• Reserve and Reference collection materials are not available for loan
• Off-campus access to electronic resources licensed to the Patrick Power Library
• Book recall privileges

*Access is permitted to electronic books, journals, and most Saint Mary's research databases in-person on designated "guest" computers within the Library. Off-campus access to Saint Mary's electronic materials and research databases is restricted to currently registered Saint Mary's University students, faculty, and staff.