What’s New

Chill and Skill: Boost Your AI Smarts This Summer

AI tools are popping up everywhere—from schoolwork to job prep to your daily to-do list. But do you really know how they work, or how to use them well (and ethically)?

This summer, the library is offering two online workshops that break it all down in simple, practical ways.
🎓 Bonus: Attend a full session and you can request a certificate of attendance.

🚀 Why Join?

These workshops are all about giving you the basics—and the confidence—to use AI tools responsibly and effectively. You will:

✅ Learn how to use AI tools to support your studies (without crossing academic integrity lines)
✅ Discover real-world ways AI can save you time
✅ Boost your media literacy skills—so you’re not falling for fake news or sketchy sources
✅ Walk away with tips you can actually use

🧠 Workshop #1: AI at AC – A Beginner’s Guide to Generative AI

Want to know what ChatGPT can actually do? This workshop will help you figure out how to use AI tools in your research, writing, and studying—without breaking any academic integrity rules.

📅 May 21 | 2:00–3:00 PM – Register
📅 May 27 | 1:00–2:00 PM – Register
📅 June 4 | 2:00–3:00 PM – Register
📅 June 10 | 10:00–11:00 AM – Register

🔍 Workshop #2: Media Literacy in the AI Age

Not everything you find online is legit—especially in the age of AI-generated content. Learn how to spot misinformation and evaluate your sources using the C.R.A.A.P. test.

📅 May 20 | 12:00–1:00 PM – Register
📅 May 29 | 10:00–11:00 AM – Register
📅 June 5 | 10:00–11:00 AM – Register
📅 June 12 | 2:00–3:00 PM – Register

📚 See What Else Is on This Summer

These AI sessions are just part of our summer lineup! The Library is also offering workshops on research skills, citations, and more. Check out the full schedule here:

👉 algonquincollege.libguides.com/about/workshops

Got questions? Reach out to the Library—we’re here to help you make the most of your academic journey.

Introducing askON: Your New Virtual Research and Library Support Service 

The AC Library is excited to announce the May 5th launch of askON, a new online service that provides real-time, expert assistance for students, faculty, and staff. This new tool is designed to make it easier than ever to access research help, library services, and general information through convenient online chat and text message interactions.

What is askON?

askON is a virtual reference service that allows users to interact with knowledgeable library staff who can provide immediate support across a wide range of topics. Whether it’s guiding students through complex research questions, helping faculty access specific library resources, or navigating various online tools, askON ensures that expert help is only a click or text away.

How Does it Work?

askON connects users to library staff via a web chat or text message platform. Operating through the software provided by LibraryH3lp, askON offers interactive, real-time responses that cater to specific queries. The college community can use the service to seek assistance with:

  • Research and academic resources
  • Accessing library materials and services
  • Navigating databases and online resources
  • General library inquiries

The service is designed to be user-friendly and can be accessed directly through the library’s website, making it convenient for faculty, staff, and students at all levels.

Why is askON Important?

In an era where remote learning and digital tools are integral to the college experience, askON offers a flexible, efficient way to support the Algonquin College community. Faculty members can rely on this service to assist students with research or direct them to appropriate academic resources. Staff can also benefit from the service’s ability to quickly answer questions regarding library operations, policies, and resource availability.

askON is an especially valuable resource for:

  • Distance learning: Faculty who teach online or hybrid courses can use askON to help their students find the resources they need, even when they’re not physically on campus.
  • Time-sensitive needs: Immediate responses mean that users don’t have to wait for email replies or in-person assistance. The chat is available until 9 PM on weekdays, providing assistance late into the evening.
  • Ease of access: The service is available both as a web chat and text message, which allows for flexible communication based on what’s most convenient for the user.

Who Operates askON?

askON is a collaborative initiative developed by Ontario’s academic libraries, including Algonquin College’s library, and is operated by the Ontario Colleges Library Service (OCLS). This not-for-profit service is run on a cost-recovery model, with participating libraries contributing staff and funds to ensure its continued operation. The service is guided by a Steering Committee comprised of library leaders and staff from across Ontario’s participating colleges.

How Students, Staff, and Faculty Can Benefit from askON

As part of Algonquin College’s ongoing commitment to provide top-tier resources for both students, faculty, and staff, askON offers a unique opportunity to streamline access to library services. Here are a few ways users can utilize the service:

  • Research Support: Need help finding or recommending sources for your courses or research projects? askON staff are available to assist you in locating relevant academic materials, both digital and physical.
  • Library Service Inquiries: Have questions about library hours, services, or borrowing policies? askON can provide instant answers.
  • Student Support: Direct students to askON for assistance with assignments, research methods, or finding materials for their coursework.

Ready to Use askON?

Faculty and staff are encouraged to share the askON service with students, especially those who may be working remotely or need immediate help with library-related inquiries. The more the Algonquin College community uses askON, the better we can refine and enhance this service to meet everyone’s needs.

Get started May 5 and onwards by visiting the Algonquin College Library website and clicking on the askON chat feature or reach out via text message for real-time assistance.

For any additional questions or inquiries about askON, please don’t hesitate to contact the library team at library@algonquincollege.com.

🎉 A Big Welcome to All Our Students! 🎉

Whether you’re stepping into the classroom on campus or engaging in your studies from the comfort of your own home (or even balancing both!), we’re thrilled to have you. The Library and Student Learning Centre (SLC) are here to support you every step of the way, with an array of services designed to make your learning experience as smooth and successful as possible.

Quick Reminder: To access some online resources, you’ll need to log in using your College Network Account.

📚 Library Space: Your Study Sanctuary

Need a quiet place to focus or a spot to meet with your study group? The Ottawa campus Library is open 24/7! 🌙 Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, you can access a silent study room or even book a meeting room for group work. Need extra space? More meeting rooms are available on the 2nd floor of C Building. More information can be found on the Library Study Spaces page.

📖 Borrowing and Returning Books: Easy & Convenient

Need a book? Simply request items online using Page 1+, or pop into the library to pick it up. All you need is your AC card to borrow books. Returning books? Drop them in your campus Library’s drop box.

🌐 Digital Resources at Your Fingertips

Our A-Z Digital Resource Collections are packed with everything you need to succeed: databases, eBooks, journals, videos, and more! You’ll have 24/7 access—just log in with your College Network Account.

🧑‍🏫 Essential Skills Guides: Learn What You Need, When You Need It

From citing sources and avoiding plagiarism to study skills and math tips, the Essential Study Skills Guide has got you covered. Perfect for brushing up on those important skills you’ll need throughout your academic journey.

🤔 FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got a question? Visit our FAQ page for answers to commonly asked queries. We’ve gathered all the info you need to make your experience seamless and stress-free.

✨ Coaching Lab: Free Coaching for Your Success!

At the Coaching Lab, you can get one-on-one help in a variety of subjects like math, writing, study skills, and even ESL! Whether you’re on-campus or learning remotely, coaching is available at no charge. Need coaching at the Pembroke campus? Head over to the Pembroke Campus Student Support Lab for appointments.

🧑‍🏫 Peer Tutoring: Learn from Your Peers

Struggling with a course or concept? Peer tutoring pairs you with trained student tutors who’ve excelled in the course you’re taking. The best part? It’s just $8.00 per hour! You can book tutoring sessions online or on-campus.

📚 Skill-Building Workshops: Sharpen Your Academic Skills

Join our free workshops designed to help you strengthen fundamental skills like research, writing, digital literacy, and study techniques. Whether you’re attending in-person or online, these workshops are a fantastic resource to boost your success.

🔍 Page 1+: The Ultimate Research Tool

Meet Page 1+, our resource search tool! It helps you discover and access a wealth of industry-relevant resources more effectively. A must-have for your research!

🌍 Open Educational Resources (OER): Free Learning Materials

Access free, openly licensed textbooks, images, videos, and more with our Open Educational Resources Guide. This is your go-to for finding cost-free materials that support your studies.

📚 Subject Guides: Tailored for Your Program

New to your program? Or diving into a specific research area? Our Subject Guides are curated resources designed for specific programs and areas of study. They’re perfect for preliminary research and getting started.

🖥 The Learning Portal: Access Shared Resources Across Ontario

The Learning Portal offers shared access to resources from all Ontario Colleges. It’s packed with modules on topics like study skills, writing, research, and career exploration.

Get in Touch!

For more info, stop by the Library or connect with us online. Whether you need help finding resources or just want to chat about your academic journey, we’re here to support you!

🔗 Connect with Us:

Have an amazing first few weeks back at school! Let’s make this semester your best one yet! 🌟

AC Day 1: Join us on January 6, 2025!

Whether you’re a new student or returning to the Ottawa campus, you won’t want to miss the exciting and informative activities we have planned for the day! Join the Library and Student Learning Centre (SLC) on Monday, January 6, 2025 for AC Day 1 and discover how we can support your academic journey this semester and beyond!

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!

Event Location: Attendees to meet at the Library main desk in Room C350 (3rd Floor, C Building)

  • 10:00am – 10:30am
  • 2:00pm – 2:30pm

Student Learning Centre Drop-in Booth

Have questions about academic supports and not sure where to start? Drop by the Student Learning Centre booth and learn about services like coaching, peer tutoring, and workshops. These resources are designed to help you succeed academically and beyond. Join us and discover how we can support you!

Event Location: C Building, 1st floor (Across from Nawapon)
  • 10:30am – 12:30pm

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.
*Please note, this workshop is first-come, first-serve due to limited spaces.

Event Location: Library Learning Lab (Room C263, 2nd Floor, C Building)

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.
*Please note, this workshop is first-come, first-serve due to limited spaces.

Event Location: Library Learning Lab (Room C263, 2nd Floor, C Building)

To view the full schedule of AC Day 1 activities or to register, please click here.

Welcome to College: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Started

Hey there, future college superstar! 🎉 Feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as you step into this new chapter? Totally normal! You’ve made it to college, but now you might be wondering, “What’s next?” Don’t worry – we’ve got your back with some super handy tips to help you hit the ground running. Let’s dive into the 7 Steps to Success that will get you cruising through your college journey with ease!

1. Connect with Tech

Welcome to the digital age! To make the most of your time at Algonquin College, you’ll want to get comfortable with some essential online tools. Sign up for a free workshop or visit the Navigating Technology Guide to get the lowdown on Zoom, Brightspace, email, Microsoft 365, and more. It’s like having a tech-savvy buddy guiding you through!

2. Master the Art of Time Management

Procrastination? No thanks! Embrace your inner time wizard by diving into some Time Management modules. These will arm you with nifty techniques to plan your time wisely, tackle assignments early, and develop a routine that works for you!

3. Plan Your Schedule Like a Pro

They say “Failing to plan is planning to fail,” and that’s spot-on. Start by crafting a semester plan and weekly schedule. This way, you’ll keep track of your goals and stay on top of your game. A little planning goes a long way!

4. Take Notes Like a Boss

Struggling to juggle listening, note-taking, and absorbing information? You’re not alone! Even if your classes are online and recorded, effective note-taking is crucial. Check out the Taking Notes in Class module to learn tips and tricks for balancing tasks and creating notes that actually help you study.

5. Read with Purpose

Ever feel like you’re reading but not really absorbing the material? Fear not! The Reading with Purpose module is here to transform you into a reading ninja. Discover strategies to get the most out of your reading and make that knowledge stick.

6. Discover the Treasure Trove of Services

Your college offers a ton of resources to support you. From the Library to the Student Learning Centre (SLC), you can get help with research, citing, study skills, math, presentations, coaching, peer tutoring, and so much more. Check out our Services site to find out how we’ve got your back.

7. Ask Away!

Got questions? Don’t hesitate to ask! Swing by your campus Library or use our online chat service askON. Our friendly staff are always ready to help you out in real time.

Whether you’re navigating campus or rocking online classes, starting your college adventure on the right foot is key. Follow these steps, seek help when needed, and remember: the secret to success is already within you!

Best of luck with your first week – go make it amazing! 🌟📚🎓

Jumpstart Your School Year by Joining AC Day 1 on Sept. 3!

Whether you’re a new student or returning to the Ottawa campus, you won’t want to miss the exciting and informative activities we have planned for the day! Join the Library and Student Learning Centre (SLC) on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, for AC Day 1 and discover how we can support your academic journey this semester and beyond!

Library Tours

This short walk through our beautiful library will introduce attendees to our onsite services and resources; such as the silent study area, collaborative learning spaces, and helpful staff. Learn how easy it is to use our self-checkout kiosks to borrow books and find out how to borrow laptops from our new 24h laptop lockers! You’ll also learn about our 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.

Event Location: Attendees to meet at the Library main desk in Room C350 (3rd Floor, C Building)

  • 10:00am – 10:30am
  • 12:00pm – 12:30pm
  • 2:00pm – 2:30pm

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.
*Please note, this workshop is first-come, first-serve due to limited spaces.

Event Location: Library Learning Lab (Room C263, 2nd Floor, C Building)

  • 9:00am – 10:00am
  • Can’t attend this session? Click here to check out the Student Learning Centre’s workshops running daily from August 26-30, 2024.

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.
*Please note, this workshop is first-come, first-serve due to limited spaces.

Event Location: Library Learning Lab (Room C263, 2nd Floor, C Building)

  • 10:00am – 11:00am
  • Can’t attend this session? Click here to check out the Student Learning Centre’s workshops running daily from August 26-30, 2024.

Online Workshops

Getting Started with Brightspace & Zoom

In this virtual 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.

Event Location: Online through Zoom. Click here to join. Password: BrightSPAC
  • 11:00am – 12:30pm

To view the full schedule of AC Day 1 activities, please click here.

Upcoming Changes for Library Databases on the EBSCO Platform

Changes to the EBSCO interface will not be coming until later in the year, but we want to give the college community as much notice as possible to plan accordingly.

Why is EBSCO changing the interface?

EBSCO is redesigning the EBSCOhost experience and user interface to meet ever-evolving user expectations for accessing, searching, choosing and using library resources. They are introducing many new features including personalized dashboards, new ways to share and like resources, reading eBooks, and much more.

How will the new EBSCO differ from what I have today?

They have reimagined the new EBSCOhost experience and user interface (UI) based on customer feedback, usage data, user research and usability studies. The redesigned UI presents users with new, intuitive ways to refine, navigate, like and share search results.

The AC Library currently subscribes to 28 EBSCO databases. We have provided a list of databases that will be affected:

  • Academic Search Complete
  • Alt Health Watch
  • Applied Science & Technology Source
  • Art & Architecture Complete
  • Business Source Complete
  • Canadian Reference Centre
  • CINAHL Complete
  • EBSCO eBooks
  • Environment Complete
  • ERIC (Education Resource Information Center)
  • Exploring Race in Society
  • Food Science Source
  • GreenFILE
  • Health Source
  • Hospitality & Tourism Complete
  • Humanities International Index
  • LISTA: Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts
  • MAS Ultra
  • MasterFILE Elite
  • MEDLINE
  • Military and Government Collection
  • Primary Search
  • PsycINFO
  • Regional Business News
  • SocIndex FT
  • The Serials Directory
Find Support:

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at library@algonquincollege.com.

Search articles, books, journals & more

Generative AI 101: A Beginner’s Guide

ChatGPT is a free-to-use Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that has been quickly gaining traction – and causing some frenzy – within the academic world.

The emergence of ChatGPT has given students easy access to the power of AI in the form of a research and writing tool. The library has developed an introductory workshop on generative AI tools, specifically ChatGPT, for beginners.

In this workshop we will focus on:

  • Algonquin College’s Academic Integrity policy and the responsible use of generative AI tools in coursework.
  • The strengths and weaknesses of using ChatGPT as a research tool.
  • The difference between the free version (Chat GPT 3.5) and the paid subscription (ChatGPT 4).

Upcoming Generative AI 101: A Beginner’s Guide workshops:

  • Mon, January 15, 2024 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
  • Fri, January 19, 2024 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
  • Mon, January 29, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
  • Tues, February 6, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
  • Wed, February 14, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
  • Fri, February 23, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
  • Wed, March 20, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

To register for an upcoming workshop, please click here.

For more information, please see the supporting content found within our Generative AI Guide and Citation Guide.

Join Us for AC Day 1 on January 8th!

Happy new year! Join us for all the activities happening on January 8, 2024 for AC Day 1 and discover how the Library and Student Learning Centre (SLC) can support you in your journey towards academic success this semester and beyond.

Library Tours

This short walk through our beautiful library will introduce attendees to our onsite services and resources; such as the silent study area, collaborative learning spaces, and helpful staff. Learn how easy it is to use our self-checkout kiosks to borrow books and find out how to borrow laptops from our new 24h laptop lockers! You’ll also learn about our 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!

Event Location: Attendees to meet at the Library main desk in Room C350 (3rd Floor, C Building)

  • 9:00am – 9:30am
  • 11:00am – 11:30am
  • 1:00pm – 1:30pm
  • 3:00pm – 3:30pm

On-Campus Workshops (Ottawa Campus)

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.
*Please note, this workshop is first-come, first-serve due to limited spaces.

Event Location: Library Learning Lab (Room C263, 2nd Floor, C Building)

  • 10:00am – 11:00am
  • Can’t attend this session? Click here to check out the Student Learning Centre’s workshops running daily from January 2 to January 12, 2024.

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.
*Please note, this workshop is first-come, first-serve due to limited spaces.

Event Location: Library Learning Lab (Room C263, 2nd Floor, C Building)

  • 11:00am – 12:00pm
  • Can’t attend this session? Click here to check out the Student Learning Centre’s workshops running daily from January 2 to January 12, 2024.

Online Workshops

Getting Started with Brightspace & Zoom

In this virtual 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.

Event Location: Virtual Event via Zoom. Click here to join the session.

  • 1:00pm – 2:00pm
  • Can’t attend this session? Click here to check out the Student Learning Centre’s workshops running daily from January 2 to January 12, 2024.

To view the full schedule of AC Day 1 activities and events please click here.

How to Cite Right and Avoid Plagiarism

Have you ever invested your own time studying for an upcoming test only to notice the person next to you looking at your answers? Or maybe you put a lot of effort into a group project only to have another person take credit for your work. These situations can be pretty unpleasant and can make you feel as though your energy and effort is being devalued. This is just one of the reasons why it’s so important to cite the sources you’ve used in your assignments and projects – everyone deserves credit where credit is due!

If you’re unsure how to properly create citations, don’t sweat it – we’re here to provide you with helpful services and resources to make the process as painless as possible.

Workshops

Free skill-building Workshops are available on a weekly basis:

  • Avoiding Plagiarism: Gain a better understanding of what is expected of you academically in relation to citing your sources and avoiding plagiarism.
  • Cite Right! APA Bootcamp: Find out how to use in-text citations, how to paraphrase and format a reference list, get hands on experience creating references for different types of sources, and more.
  • Intro to the Library workshops: Discover our 24/7 digital resources and find out how to use and navigate online library tools.
  • Finding Academic Articles: Learn how to find academic articles using library resources. Learn how to discover the characteristics of an academic article and how to differentiate it from a popular source.

Workshops are offered both online using Zoom and on campus (Ottawa) in room C263. Click here to view the full Workshops Schedule.

Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism Guide

In the Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism Guide, you’ll learn how to:

  • Cite Your Sources: This guide includes style manuals and information to help you cite in different styles, as well as a series of interactive modules to help you learn the basics of using APA style.
  • Avoid Plagiarism: Not sure if you’re doing everything you need to do to avoid plagiarism? Not even exactly sure what plagiarism is? This guide will explain everything you need to know and what you are responsible for as a student at Algonquin College.
  • AI: Generative Artificial Intelligence: Find general information on Generative AI, as well as guidance on using and citing AI in an academic setting. Always consult your instructor before using generative AI tools in your coursework to ensure that you are not committing an act of academic misconduct.

The Learning Portal

We also recommend exploring the Learning Portal’s How to Cite Module. Here you will learn about:

  • Why you should cite: to prevent plagiarism and give credit to other’s work, as well as providing evidence for the topics presented in your research.
  • Citation styles: there are many different styles of citing and each comes with its own set of rules and formatting of content. Your teacher will often tell you which style they want you to use (ex: APA, MLA, etc.)
  • How to build citations: building proper citations is a crucial step in allowing readers to trace back your information and is also a form of protection from accusations of plagiarism. Learn how to build in-text citations and references/work cited
  • Citation tools: Writing a citation from scratch can seem daunting but once you become familiar with citation generating tools, it will help simplify the process.

Have questions or need assistance?

AC Library Live Chat

Additional Resources

Never forget to cite your sources and always remember to give credit where credit is due!