The St. Mary’s University Library is here to support your academic journey. It is more than books! The library provides access to over 30,000 items in its physical collection, online Ebook and journal article access, and over 200 online databases.

Librarians are trained to help you understand the information landscape. We are your guides for seeking, finding, and evaluating information resources. Our Library staff can help you find what you need for learning, research, or teaching at StMU.

Library Card

Your St. Mary’s ID card is your library card. Use it to:

  • Borrow an unlimited number of items (99+), renew, and place holds on materials.
  • Access the libraries at University of Calgary, Ambrose University, and Bow Valley College (50 item limit).

Information Resources & Research Support

Information Desk

  • Ask for help finding print, database, or internet resources.
  • Visit the desk to request and borrow Course Reserve items.

Online Search

  • Use the online library catalogue at stmu.ca/library to search for resources on the shelves at St. Mary’s, U of C, Ambrose, and Bow Valley College.
  • Sign in to the online library catalogue using your StMU login for 24/7 access to online databases and electronic resources while you are away from campus.

Personalized Help

Tutorials & Workshops

  • Build library skills by viewing the videos on the Research Tutorials page.
  • Register for a 30-45 minute library session on the Workshops page of the library website.

In-Class Library Instruction (Faculty)

  • Contact the library on the Faculty – Teaching page to request course-specific library instruction.

Physical Materials – Borrowing

Loan Periods, Renewals

  • Books (MainStacks / Oversize / Undersize

Borrow for the full term; renew up to one year unless recalled

  • AV / Education Lab / General Reserve

Loan periods vary (3 days – 3 weeks); renew up to three times

  • Course Reserves

Loan periods vary (2 hours – 3 days); non-renewable

  • Reference / Special Collections / Periodicals

In-library use only

Holds

  • Use the online library catalogue to login and place holds or ‘Requests’ on StMU library items.
  • You will receive an email in your StMU email account when items are ready for pickup at the information desk.

Interlibrary Loans

Overdue Fines & Other Fees

  • Overdue: Term, 3-Day and 1-Day Loans

$1.00 / day

  • Overdue: Hourly Loans

$1.00 / hour

  • Overdue: Recalled Items

$5.00 / day

  • Lost Items

Replacement Cost + $20.00 Processing Fee per item

  • Unpaid fines or fees over $25 may result in borrowing suspension.

Computers & Printing

  • Computers in the library are prioritized for research.
  • **Single day laptop loans are available at the information desk.
  • There is a printer/copier/scanner in the library (managed by StMU IT).
  • Printing and copying are a fee-for-service.
  • Scanning is free.

Library Facts

Coming Soon!

Updated: August 2026