Library Digital Resources

Give Credit Where It’s Due: Citing Sources Made Easy

Have you ever spent hours studying for a test, only to notice the person beside you sneaking a look at your answers? Or poured your energy into a group project and watched someone else take the credit?
Moments like these can be frustrating—and they’re a great reminder of why giving credit where it’s due really matters.

In academic work, citing your sources isn’t just a rule—it’s a way to respect the time, effort, and ideas of others, while also protecting your own work. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. There are plenty of supports available to make citing sources (and avoiding plagiarism) way less stressful.

Skill-Building Workshops (Free!)

Join one of our workshops to build confidence and practical skills:

  • Cite Right! APA Bootcamp
    Get hands-on practice with APA style—covering in-text citations, paraphrasing, reference lists, and citing different source types.

  • Avoiding Cut & Paste Plagiarism
    Explore how to use quotations properly and integrate sources into your work to avoid plagiarism. Perfect for those starting out with research or learning the ropes of proper citation.
  • Understanding Plagiarism: Protect Your Academic Integrity
    Learn how plagiarism relates to Academic Integrity; discover the importance of correctly citing your sources; gain essential skills to ensure your work is always your own.

  • Finding Peer-Reviewed Articles: The Key to Research Success
    Learn how to identify and find scholarly (peer-reviewed) articles through the library’s tools. You’ll also learn how to differentiate scholarly sources from non-academic ones to ensure your research is top-notch.

📍 Workshops are offered online and on campus (Ottawa).
👉 Check out the full Workshops Schedule to find a session that works for you.

Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism Guide

The Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism Guide is a go-to resource for building strong academic habits. Inside, you’ll learn how to:

  • Cite Your Sources
    Access style manuals, citation examples, and interactive modules—especially helpful if you’re learning APA style.

  • Avoid Plagiarism
    Understand what plagiarism is, how it happens, and what you’re responsible for as a student at Algonquin College.

  • Use and Cite Generative AI Responsibly
    Explore guidance on generative AI tools, including how (and when) to cite them in academic work. Always check with your instructor before using AI to avoid academic misconduct.

Explore the Learning Portal

Another great place to build your skills is the Learning Portal’s How to Cite Module, where you’ll learn about:

  • Why citing matters
    Prevent plagiarism, give credit to original authors, and strengthen your research with evidence.

  • Citation styles
    APA, MLA, and more—each style has its own rules, and your instructor will let you know which one to use.

  • How to build citations
    Learn how to create in-text citations and reference lists so readers can trace your sources.

  • Citation tools
    Citation generators can save time and reduce stress once you know how to use them properly.

Need Extra Help?

If you’d like one-on-one support, we’ve got you covered:

Citing your sources isn’t about jumping through hoops—it’s about fairness, credibility, and owning your academic voice. So next time you submit an assignment, remember: cite with confidence and give credit where credit is due. 💡📚

Find What You Need Faster: Explore Library Subject Guides

If you’re new to using the Library, finding the right resources can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many databases, books, and tools available, where do you even start? That’s where Library Subject Guides come in.

Designed to support your learning and research from day one, these guides help you quickly connect with the most relevant and reliable resources for your program or area of interest.

What Are Library Subject Guides?

Library subject guides are curated collections of resources organized by subject or discipline. Think of them as a research shortcut—bringing together key books, articles, databases, websites, and tools in one easy-to-navigate place.

Each guide is created and maintained by library staff with subject expertise, so you can be confident you’re accessing trusted, high-quality resources tailored to your studies.

Why Use Library Subject Guides?

✔ Expertly Selected Resources
Every guide is thoughtfully curated by library staff who understand the research landscape of that subject—no guesswork, no irrelevant links.

✔ Save Time
Skip endless searching. Subject guides gather the most useful resources in one place, so you can spend more time learning and less time hunting.

✔ Up-to-Date Information
Guides are reviewed and refreshed regularly to reflect current research, new databases, and emerging topics.

✔ Discover More Than You Expected
From specialized databases to hidden-gem journals and research tools, subject guides often introduce resources you might not find on your own.

✔ Built-In Research Support
Many guides include research tips, citation help, and links to academic support services—perfect for students new to academic research or looking to sharpen their skills.

Explore Our Subject Guides

Our subject guides span a wide range of disciplines, including Health Sciences, Business, Arts, Technology, and more. Each one is designed to support your coursework, assignments, and projects.

Getting started is easy:

  1. Visit the Library website and click on the Subject Guides button

  2. Browse or search by subject area

  3. Explore the resources and research tools available to you

We’re Here to Help

Have questions about a specific subject guide or need help finding the right resources? Library staff are happy to help with personalized research support. Contact the Library to get started.

Library subject guides are a powerful tool for academic success. By using them, you’ll save time, access high-quality resources, and build stronger research skills throughout your studies.

Start exploring today—and unlock a smarter way to research.
Happy researching! 📚✨

We Are All Connected – Indigenous Friendship Circle

Wellness & Abilities is partnering with Anita Tenasco, Director of Indigenous Initiatives, to bring you a chance to participate in a Friendship Circle to build relationships and strengthen connections. By participating in this circle activity, you will relax with colleagues while you learn:

  • About each other
  • Rivers in Canada
  • Indigenous histories
  • Minopimadizin (the healthy life focused on the collective)

Come be part of this meaningful circle and celebrate friendship and connection.

 

 

 

 

AC Day 1: Join Us on Monday, January 12th!

Hey there, new students! AC Day 1 is the perfect chance to dive right into the AC community. Don’t miss out on connecting with your classmates, securing the tech support you need, and discovering all the awesome academic resources waiting for you!

Heads up: AC Day 1 events are open to new students at the Ottawa Campus only.

Click here to register for AC Day 1!

Library Tours

This short walk through our beautiful library will introduce attendees to our onsite services and resources. Learn how easy it is to use our self-checkout kiosks to borrow books and how to borrow laptops from our new 24 hour laptop lockers. Find out more about the Coaching and Peer Tutoring services and meet Page 1+. It’s a lot like Google, but instead of searching the web, it searches the library’s online and in-house collection!

Where to meet: Library main desk, Room C350 (3rd Floor, C Building)
Tour times:

  • 10:00 am – 10:30 am

  • 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Student Learning Centre Info Booth

Got questions about academic supports? Swing by the Student Learning Centre booth! Learn about coaching, peer tutoring, workshops, and all the tools designed to help you not just survive, but thrive in your studies. We’re here to help you succeed — inside the classroom and beyond.

Where to find us: 1st Floor, C Building (across from Nawapon)
Hours: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

On-Campus Workshops (Ottawa)

  • Getting Started with Brightspace & Zoom

    In this workshop, you’ll get to know Brightspace, the online platform for your courses. You will learn how to access your course materials, submit assignments, take quizzes, see your grades, and more. You will also learn about Zoom, including how to set up your Zoom account, adjust your account settings for security, schedule your own zoom meetings, and work with your classmates.

Note: Space is limited — first come, first served.

Where: Library Learning Lab, Room C263 (2nd Floor, C Building)
When: 10:00 am – 11:00 am | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Can’t make this one? Check out other available dates!

  • Getting Started with Brightspace, Email, and Microsoft 365

    In this workshop, you will find out how to sign in and navigate Brightspace, the online platform for your courses, so you are comfortable using it. The workshop covers how to access your course material, submit assignments, take quizzes, see your grades, and more. You will also learn about your student email and some of the Microsoft 365 apps, like Word and Teams, that you can access through your email account and that can help you in your studies.

Note: Space is limited — first come, first served.

Where: Library Learning Lab, Room C263 (2nd Floor, C Building)
When: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Can’t make this one? Check out other available dates!

Want the full schedule of AC Day 1 fun or ready to register? Click here!

Your Student-Friendly Guide to My Career Journey

Explore programs, careers, and future pathways with My Career Journey — a new, student-friendly tool now available through the Library’s A–Z Digital Resource Collection.

What Is My Career Journey?

It’s an online tool from the Government of Ontario that helps you figure out:

  • What careers match your interests
  • What programs can get you there
  • Where those programs are offered
  • Which jobs are currently in demand
  • What skills and training you’ll need

Think of it as your career GPS — helping you see where you could go and how to get there.

 

🚀 How to Get Started (in 5 minutes)

  1. Go to the website

👉 https://www.ontario.ca/page/my-career-journey

  1. Take the short questionnaire

It’s quick, simple, and gives you:

  • A personalized resource guide
  • Suggested programs
  • Relevant job profiles
  • Labour-market insight

Great if you’re unsure of your direction or want to compare options.

  1. Explore programs

Use the Program Search tool to explore:

  • College programs (including Algonquin)
  • University pathways
  • Apprenticeships
  • Trades and training opportunities

Tip: If you’re considering transfer options or post-diploma programs, this is a super helpful way to compare.

  1. Check out in-demand careers

This shows which jobs are growing in Ontario — and what education you’ll need.
Examples include:

  • Skilled trades
  • Tech and IT jobs
  • Healthcare careers
  • Early childhood education
  • Engineering and applied sciences

This helps you see whether the program you want aligns with real hiring trends.

  1. Look at the maps

The map feature shows all Ontario colleges, universities, and Indigenous institutes — including:

  • Program availability
  • Campus locations
  • Nearby opportunities

Useful if you’re considering a future transfer, dual credential, or another location after Algonquin.

 

🎯 How Algonquin Students Can Use It Effectively

✔ Picking a program

Not sure if your program is the best fit?
Use My Career Journey to compare programs across Ontario and see your alternatives.

✔ Finding career pathways

Wondering where your diploma can take you?
The tool connects programs → careers → required skills → labour demand.

✔ Planning next steps

My Career Journey shows which institutions offer these options:

  • Apprenticeships
  • Post-graduate certificates
  • Degree completion
  • Changing fields

✔ Seeing the bigger picture

Ontario-wide labour market info helps you understand:

  • What fields are hiring
  • What employers look for
  • Salaries and job outlook
  • Education and certification requirements

💡 Tips for Getting the Most Out of It

  • Be curious — click through job profiles even if they seem unfamiliar.
  • Compare programs — sometimes a similar diploma at another college has a different emphasis that suits your goals better.
  • Use it early — the sooner you explore career trends, the easier it is to plan your course loads, electives, and coop/internship decisions.
  • Pair it with Algonquin resources like:
  • Co-op office
  • Career Centre
  • Program Coordinators
  • Academic Advising

📘 What This Tool Doesn’t Do

Just so you know:

  • It’s not searchable through Page 1+ — you must go directly to the website.
  • It won’t tell you which program you should choose — but it gives you the info to make the decision yourself.

🌟 Final Word

My Career Journey is an incredibly helpful resource — especially if you’re in college and trying to figure out what comes next.
Give yourself a few minutes to explore it. You might uncover options you didn’t even know existed.

From Collaboration to Concentration: Study Spaces at Ottawa Campus Library

The Ottawa Campus Library offers a variety of study spaces tailored to meet different academic needs. From collaborative zones to silent study space, students can find the perfect environment to enhance their productivity.
  • Collaborative Space (C350):
     Our Collaborative Space is designed for group work and low-volume discussions. While individual study areas are available, please note this space is not intended to be silent. To maintain a respectful environment, audible audio is not allowed; we ask everyone to please use headphones and be considerate of their peers.
  • Silent Study Room (Room C365):
    For those seeking a quiet environment, the Silent Study Room is perfect for focused, individual study. This room is dedicated to silence—no talking is permitted. It is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing students to study whenever it suits them.
  • Collection Room II (Room C361):
    Collection Room II provides a quiet study space, housing the Library’s collections of Reference, law, ESL and children’s books. This area features both individual and group seating but is designated for quiet study only. Please note that food is not allowed in this room and it is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
  • Meeting Rooms:
    The Ottawa Campus Library provides bookable student meeting rooms for group study, located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Dare District (C Building). Click here to check availability and find instructions for booking a room.
With these varied spaces, the Ottawa Campus Library ensures that every student can find a conducive environment to study, collaborate and succeed academically.

Experience the Making of a Traditional Indigenous Birch Bark Canoe

This November (Nov. 3–14), the Library is thrilled to host the construction of a 12-foot Traditional Indigenous Birch Bark Canoe, led by master canoe builder Chuck Commanda, in the Kejeyàdizidjigwogamig – The Knowledge Keeper’s Place.

Using only traditional tools and techniques, this project provides a rare and meaningful opportunity to witness Indigenous knowledge and craftsmanship in action. Classes, staff, and students are invited to observe the process, with visits arranged in advance through Indigenous Studies and the Mamidosewin Centre.

Once completed, the canoe will be displayed in Nawapon, with careful attention to preservation and environmental monitoring. This initiative celebrates cultural learning, fosters cross-college engagement, and honors traditional practices.

We look forward to your participation in this meaningful experience.

Unlock More with SmartLibrary: One Card, Twelve Libraries

Have you ever been frustrated when your local library doesn’t have the book or resource you need? Imagine being able to borrow from twelve different libraries — public and academic — across the Ottawa–Gatineau region, all with a single card.

That’s the magic of SmartLibrary.

What Is SmartLibrary?

SmartLibrary is a partnership between twelve libraries in the National Capital Region that lets you use one card to access all their collections. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or lifelong learner, SmartLibrary opens the doors to millions of books, DVDs, and digital resources.

📚 Visit the official site → smartlib-bibliogen.ca

Why You’ll Love It

Here’s why SmartLibrary is a game-changer for knowledge seekers:

  • More Access: Browse and borrow from twelve different libraries instead of just one.

  • More Languages: Access both English and French materials, from popular novels to scholarly research.

  • More Convenience: Borrow from the location that’s easiest for you — whether you’re in Ottawa or Gatineau.

  • More Variety: Academic journals, local history, movies, kids’ books — you name it, one of the partner libraries probably has it.

How to Get Your SmartLibrary Card

It’s easy!

  1. Be a member of one of the partner libraries.

  2. Ask for a SmartLibrary card at your home library.

  3. Start borrowing from any participating location.

Just remember: you’re responsible for returning items on time and following each library’s borrowing rules.

Meet the Partners

SmartLibrary brings together some of the region’s top public and academic libraries, including:

  • Ottawa Public Library – with over 2 million items and a wide range of programs and services.

  • Bibliothèque municipale de Gatineau – offering 664,000 French-language documents across 10 branches.

  • Algonquin College Library

  • Carleton University Library

  • Canadian War Museum & Canadian Science & Technology Museum Library and Archives
  • National Gallery of Canada

  • Université du Québec en Outaouais Library
    …and several others.

Together, they form a powerful network that makes learning and discovery easier than ever.

Why It Matters

In a world full of subscription services and paywalls, SmartLibrary is a reminder that knowledge should be free and accessible. It connects people to information, supports bilingual learning, and encourages community growth — all through collaboration between libraries.

Ready to Explore?

As an Algonquin College student you’re just one step away from unlocking a much larger collection. Visit smartlib-bibliogen.ca to find out how to get your SmartLibrary card and start borrowing today.

Your Fall Semester Support Starts Here!

Whether you’re back on campus, learning remotely, or doing a bit of both—welcome to the new semester! The Library and Student Learning Centre (SLC) are here to help you hit the ground running with tools, spaces, and support designed to help you thrive this fall.

🔐 Quick Tip:

To access most online resources, log in with your College Network Account.

📚 Your Study Sanctuary: Library Spaces

Need a quiet corner to concentrate or a space to collaborate? The Ottawa campus Library is open 24/7—perfect for night owls and early risers alike.

✔ Silent study rooms available
✔ Bookable meeting rooms (also on the 2nd floor of C Building)

👉 Find details on the Library Study Spaces page.

📖 Borrow & Return Books with Ease

Looking for books related to your courses or other reading materials?

  • Request online via Page 1+

  • Bring your AC Card to borrow in-person or use the Book Locker

  • Return anytime using your campus Library’s drop box

🌐 24/7 Digital Access

Explore our A-Z Digital Resource Collections:
📘 eBooks | 📊 Databases | 📰 Journals | 🎥 Videos
Just log in with your College Network Account to access everything, anytime.

❓ Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers

Browse our FAQs for fast, clear answers to common questions—no need to stress or search endlessly.

✨ Free Academic Coaching at the Coaching Lab

Struggling with a subject or just want to stay ahead? Book a free one-on-one session (online or in-person) for:

  • Math

  • Writing

  • Study Skills

  • ESL

📍 On the Pembroke campus? Visit the Student Support Lab for coaching appointments.

👥 Peer Tutoring: Learn with a Peer

For just $9/hour, connect with trained student tutors who’ve successfully taken the same course.

📅 Book sessions online or on campus.

🛠 Skill-Building Workshops

Boost your academic game with free workshops on:

  • Research

  • Writing

  • Digital literacy

  • Study techniques

Attend in-person or online! Click here to view the full workshop schedule.

🔍 Discover More with Page 1+

Think of Page 1+ as your research super tool. Quickly find books, articles, and academic resources relevant to your field—all in one place.

🧭 Subject Guides: Start Smart

Each guide is packed with resources tailored to your program or subject area—perfect for starting research or understanding your field.

🌐 The Learning Portal: Province-Wide Resources

Access shared resources from colleges across Ontario through the Learning Portal. Explore helpful modules on:

  • Writing

  • Studying

  • Research

  • Career planning

👋 We’re Here to Help—Anytime

Need guidance, research support, or someone to talk through your academic path? We’re just a message or visit away.

📍 Visit your campus Library Help Desk
💬 Use our Live Online Chat
📅 Book a Research Appointment

We’re excited to be part of your journey. From resources to real support, we’ve got your back all semester long. Welcome to a vibrant new term!

AC Day 1: Join us on September 2, 2025!

Hey there, new students! AC Day 1 is the perfect chance to dive right into the AC community. Don’t miss out on connecting with your classmates, securing the tech support you need, and discovering all the awesome academic resources waiting for you!

Heads up: AC Day 1 events are open to new students at the Ottawa Campus only.

Library Tours

This short walk through our beautiful library will introduce attendees to our onsite services and resources. Learn how easy it is to use our self-checkout kiosks to borrow books and how to borrow laptops from our new 24 hour laptop lockers. Find out more about the Coaching and Peer Tutoring services and meet Page 1+. It’s a lot like Google, but instead of searching the web, it searches the library’s online and in-house collection!

Where to meet: Library main desk, Room C350 (3rd Floor, C Building)
Tour times:

  • 10:00 am – 10:30 am

  • 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm

  • 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Student Learning Centre Info Booth

Got questions about academic support? Swing by the Student Learning Centre booth! Learn about coaching, peer tutoring, workshops, and all the tools designed to help you not just survive, but thrive in your studies. We’re here to help you succeed — inside the classroom and beyond.

Where to find us: 1st Floor, C Building (across from Nawapon)
Hours: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

On-Campus Workshops (Ottawa)

  • Getting Started with Brightspace & Zoom

    In this workshop, you’ll get to know Brightspace, the online platform for your courses. You will learn how to access your course materials, submit assignments, take quizzes, see your grades, and more. You will also learn about Zoom, including how to set up your Zoom account, adjust your account settings for security, schedule your own zoom meetings, and work with your classmates.

Note: Space is limited — first come, first served.

Where: Library Learning Lab, Room C263 (2nd Floor, C Building)
When: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Can’t make this one? Check out other available dates!

  • Getting Started with Brightspace, Email, and Microsoft 365

    In this workshop, you will find out how to sign in and navigate Brightspace, the online platform for your courses, so you are comfortable using it. The workshop covers how to access your course material, submit assignments, take quizzes, see your grades, and more. You will also learn about your student email and some of the Microsoft 365 apps, like Word and Teams, that you can access through your email account and that can help you in your studies.

Note: Space is limited — first come, first served.

Where: Library Learning Lab, Room C263 (2nd Floor, C Building)
When: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Can’t make this one? Check out other available dates!

Want the full schedule of AC Day 1 fun or ready to register? Click here!