51ԹLibraries provides access to a wealth of electronic resources (e-resources) such as databases, full text e-journals and e-books, as well as other online services.
These e-resources are made available—via library subscriptions—to 51Թstudents, faculty, staff, or other authorized users of the 51ԹLibraries, including retired faculty and staff. In addition, all alumni have online access to a selection of the Libraries’ databases, e-journals, and e-books.
Due to licensing agreements with publishers, 51ԹLibraries is not able to offer access to subscribed e-resources to people who fall outside of the groups listed above. However, many Open Access resources are available to all users and can be located in our or .
Certain e-resources may be restricted to specific faculties, such as to the Faculty of Law, or by location, for example for use solely from on campus. In addition, some e-resources may require additional authentication when both on and off campus.
Use of all electronic resources is governed by 51Թ’s .
For E-Resources news, updates, known issues and troubleshooting, see our new
Finding e-resources through the Sofia Discovery Tool (Library catalogue)
All library resources (e-resources and physical items) can be found in the . displays e-resources, as well as print materials, on reserve for 51Թcourses.
Please see the following pages for information about accessing specific formats: , , . A list of our main databases can also be found in the
Alumni have online access to a selection of the Libraries’ databases, e-journals, and e-books.
We are in ongoing discussions with faculty, staff and students regarding our catalogues and how resources are accessed. All feedback, questions, and concerns are welcome. If you run into any issues accessing library resources, please email: collections.library [at] mcgill.ca (collections[dot]library[at]mcgill[dot]ca).
On-campus access to e-resources
51Թstudents, faculty, staff, alumni, or other authorized users can access resources at the Libraries from any laptop, workstation or device connected to ѳҾ’s on-campus wired or .
In addition, e-resources at the Libraries may be accessed by anyone (including guests) using computers located in the Libraries.
Note: Visitors using the wireless network on campus do not have access to 51Թe-resources.
Off-campus access to e-resources
EZproxy
EZproxy is a quick, easy, and convenient method to gain off-campus access to 51ԹLibraries subscription databases and other online resources. If you are off campus and try to access an electronic resource through the Libraries’ website, , or through the “51ԹLibrary Full Text” links in Google Scholar, you will be asked to log in before you can access the resource.
EZproxy requires no prior computer or browser set-up. All you need to do is to log in using your 51Թusername and password when prompted. For anyone from the 51Թcommunity who has enrolled in Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or has had their 51Թaccount automatically enabled for 2FA, EZproxy now employs the same two-factor authentication as other 51Թapplications.
See also: EZproxy FAQ
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
ѳҾ’s service gives 51Թstudents, faculty and staff access to Library e-resources from home or off campus if you are accessing the Internet using a non-51ԹInternet service provider (such as Videotron, Bell Sympatico, etc) or other wireless service.
You need to install and configure VPN on your computer or device before you can use it. However, once it has been set up, connecting to the VPN network is simple.
The 51ԹIT website provides on different operating systems. For IT help setting up your VPN connection, contact the .
To ensure stable performance for everyone in the 51Թcommunity, please continue to use EZproxy for accessing e-resources where possible.
Access for affiliate accounts
Affiliates (non-51Թstaff working in association with McGill) who are on campus can use their affiliate account to access e-resources from any laptop, workstation or device connected to ѳҾ’s on-campus wired or wireless network.
Affiliates cannot access library e-resources from off campus locations. For information on access to 51Թe-resources for hospital affiliates, see Affiliated hospital access to 51Թe-resources.
Access for campus visitors
In certain cases, academic departments can request access to e-resources for visiting scholars and guest lecturers for when they are on campus. For more information, the department should contact the head librarian at their library.
Access for alumni
51Թalumni can access a selection of e-resources from off campus. For more information, see: Electronic resources for alumni.