George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Your First Year With the Library
Welcome to your first year at George Brown Polytechnic – we're so glad you’re here! We'd like to introduce you to the Library Learning Commons.
Every new student student has a personal librarian assigned to them as a main contact for library help and support. You’ll hear from them by email and may see them at library events. Feel free to reach out with any type of library or assignment related-question!
Getting Started
Welcome to your library! Here's how to access key services and get connected.
Library Locations & Hours
Get Your Student ID
You can use your GBC student ID for most services, including borrowing items from the library. A digital student ID can be accessed through the George Brown app. To set up your digital ID, you’ll need to upload and validate your photo.
If you prefer a physical student ID card—for easier printing, kiosk access, and entry to Athletics Centres—you can request one during the photo submission process and pick it up at your chosen library location to avoid lineups.
Get Connected (WiFi, MFA, & Printing)
Connect to GBC WiFi, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and learn how to print documents at the library.
Need help? Visit a library service desk or contact the library for technology help.
Library Resources
Search for books, articles, videos, images, reports, and more.
Search the Library
Search the library to find most of our resources. Trying to find a specific type of resource (e.g., books, articles, reports, etc.)? You can use the "Source Type" filter to refine your search results.
Alternatively, you can explore specific databases for targeted types of resources (e.g., eBooks, online videos, reports & statistics, etc.)
Library Research Help
Explore our research tutorial videos or check our research guides for assignment tips and subject-specific resources.
For one-on-one help, connect with your personal librarian or use the askON live chat & text service. In-person assistance is also available at our Reference Desks at the Casa Loma, St. James, and Waterfront campuses.
Borrow, Place Holds, & Renew Items
Library items can be borrowed from the library using your student ID card. Loan periods and renewal vary depending on the item.
Use your library account to place holds on physical items, check due dates, and renew your borrowed materials.
Managing Assignments
Get the support you need to succeed with your assignments.
Finding Sources for Your Assignment
Search the library for books, articles, videos, reports, and more. Check our research guides for assignment tips and recommended resources. Questions? Contact your personal librarian.
Cite Your Sources
Check our citation guide for examples that display how to properly credit your sources to avoid plagiarism.
Citation & Writing Help
The Tutoring and Learning Centre (TLC) offers tutoring services for academic language and writing skills, learning and study skills, and more!
You can drop-in to a TLC location or book a one-on-one tutoring session for help with writing and citation support.
Need Help?
Need help with research, technology, or using the library? We're here for you!
Contact Your Program Librarian
Your program librarian is your main contact for library help and support.
Drop-in reference help is also available daily at our research desks at Casa Loma, St. James, and Waterfront.
Chat & Text With askON and Get Tech Help
You can use askON to get real-time research help from library staff - even during evenings and weekends.
Our technology help specialists can help you with questions about password issues, MFA, Office 365, AppsAnywhere, and Yubikey Distribution.
Send Us Your Question
Need help, but not in a rush? You can e-mail us with a question or comment.
You can also browse our Library Help FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)!
Tech & Study Spaces
Need a laptop, place to study, or technology assistance? We are here to help!
Borrow Equipment
You can borrow laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, charging cables, VR headsets, and other tech accessories, including therapy lamps. Most of our tech equipment is housed at our St. James, Casa Loma, and Waterfront locations. Please call ahead to confirm an item availability for your location.
Book a Study Room
Working on a group project, or need a personal soundproof booth? You can book a study room online, ahead of time!
Need a quiet spot to focus? The library offers study carrels, open access computers, and quiet study zones, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Technology Help
For tech help, you can visit a library help desk during open hours, or call using the technology help contact information. You may also submit a support ticket online at any time, through GBC Assist.
Wellness & Support
Take care of yourself with the wellness and support services offered by the library and George Brown.
Wellness in the Library
The library is more than just books! You can borrow a therapy (SAD) lamp to boost your mood on gloomy days, watch for library events designed to help you unwind and take a break, and read online magazines and newspapers with PressReader.
Relax in our decompression zone at the Casa Loma LLC, where you can borrow board games and enjoy novels. You can also book a virtual reality lab to play games!
Wellness Resources From George Brown
Watch wellness webinars or join a skill-building wellness group to learn helpful strategies for managing stress.
1-on-1 Support
Book an appointment with GB Counselling or get personalized mental health support with peer mentoring.
Accessible Library Services
You can view the full range of accessible library services we offer, which includes but is not limited to:
Contact Your Program Area
You can contact your program area for program-specific questions and support.
Search Course Outlines
You can search course outlines to find learning materials and expected learning outcomes.
Student Services Directory
Browse the student services directory to discover more info on all the supports you have access to at GBC!
Toronto Public Library (TPL)
Even if you do not live in Toronto, all GBC students, faculty, and staff can acquire a free Toronto Public Library card to take out books, search databases, and so much more!
If you wish to only use TPL's digital services and live in Toronto, you can also register online for a digital access card.