Frquently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About Pratt Library

What is the location of the E.J. Pratt Library?

The library is located on the Victoria University campus at 71 Queen's Park Crescent East, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1K7. The closest subway station is Museum.

What are the Pratt Library's hours?

Please see the library's hours as posted on the web page. Extended hours begin before each exam period.

Can anyone use the E.J. Pratt Library?

While members of the public are welcome to use the library's collections within the building, borrowing privileges are extended only to U of T students, staff and faculty who have a T-Card, and to Alumni of Victoria University. The Information Commons facility, including printing and software, is available only to U of T students, staff and faculty, and Vic Alumni.

Where can I go to study?

E.J. Pratt library has individual study carrels located on the Queens Park Level as well as in the Reading Room on the first floor and study areas on the second floor. There are larger tables available for use in the Reading Room as well.

Where can I meet and work on group assignments?

There are four group study areas in the Pratt Library. Two are located on the Queens Park Level, adjacent to the student lounge. Two study rooms are located on the second floor. One room is bookable. Please come to the Pratt Library Circulation desk for assistance.

Where can I use a computer to work on an assignment?

The Robert Farquharson Information Commons located on the quad level or first floor of the Pratt Library has computers equipped with software to assist in assignments and essays. In addition, laptop computers are available for use in the library.

Can I borrow laptop computers to use outside the library?

Laptops can only be used within the library and should not be removed from the building.

Where do you keep journals or magazines (or other periodicals)?

Current and back issues of magazines, or periodicals and scholarly journals are located on the second floor of the Pratt library. For journals available in electronic format, consult the listing of titles on the U of T Web page.

Are previous years' exams available?

Past exams and exam timetables can be found on the U of T web page.

What photocopying, printing or scanning facilities are available in the library?

Photocopiers are available on the ground level adjacent to the student lounge, on the first level in the south end of the Reading Room behind the staircase, and on the second floor behind the elevator. The Information Commons help desk is equipped with a laser printer where print jobs are picked up. Some PCs in the South Information Commons are equipped with scanners.

Borrowing

How do I get a library card?

Information on obtaining a T-Card, the photo ID student card used for borrowing books can be found on the U of T Library web page.

How many books may I check out at one time? How long may I check them out for?

Undergraduates may borrow up to 50 books at one time. Graduate students may borrow up to borrow 100 books at one time. See our loan periods to find out how long books are available to you

Where do I return books?

Books borrowed from E.J. Pratt Library should be returned to this library. During opening hours, books can be left in the book drop located just inside the library at the circulation desk. After hours, books should be left in the book drop at the outside entrance to Pratt Library. Books borrowed from other libraries should be returned to the library from which they were borrowed.

My professor says these books are on reserve. Where (what) is that?

Reserve or short-term loan books are available for a shorter loan period than other circulating books -- generally 2 hours, 1 day or 3 days. All reserve, or short-term loan books are located behind the circulation desk at the Pratt Library. Look up the title of the book in the library catalogue and give the call number to staff working at the desk.

Course readings on reserve are also available at the circulation desk.

Research and Computing Assistance

I need help finding information for my assignment. Who can I ask for help?

During the hours the library is open, come to the Inquiry Desk for help. The desk is staffed from 9:30 am until 4:45 pm each day, and full-time staff are available to help you until 8 pm from Monday to Thursday and until 6 pm on Fridays during regular term hours. On the weekends, staff is on hand from opening hours until 6 pm. If you require extensive help in using the catalogue, or locating journal articles in your subject area, think about booking a session with a librarian.

Is computer systems support available?

When the library is open, come to the Robert Farquarhson Information Commons help desk located just beyond the Inquiry Desk in the E.J. Pratt Library. Or contact the Information Commons located at the Robarts Library in person or by calling 416-978-"help" (416-978-4357)

What software is available in the South Information Commons?

All of the South Information Commons computers will be equipped with the most recent edition of Microsoft Office, a package which includes word processing (Word), spreadsheet (Excel) and presentation (Powerpoint) software. An enhanced package of software including Paint Shop, Dreamweaver and Corel Wordperfect will also be available on the PCs equipped with scanners. Several computers on the second floor also have MS Office.

E-Mail Access

How do I set up an e-mail account and what computers can I use to access it?

To set up a Utormail account, you must first activate your UTORid. See additional information about UTORmail. All computers in the north and south Information Commons of the E.J. Pratt Library can be used to access e-mail.