Dear Newshound,

You can go to the UTSC Library website. If you're looking to read an issue of a particular newspaper type the name of it in the search bar. Or if you want to look for articles by title or subject, enter your keywords in the search bar and hit enter, then use the format filter to select "articles". You can also search for newspaper articles directly in the newspaper article search bar. 

For more tips or to look for newspapers geographically, see the newspapers research guide. Have fun "sniffing out" the latest news!

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Aspiring,

That's a great question! There are a bunch of ways you can get research experience, and get some publications or presentations, by reaching out to your professors or peers to get in on an existing project or by designing your own research question with the help of a librarian. You can even apply for some cash prizes to help out with expenses. Check out the UTSC Undergraduate Research and Creative Forum and the UTSC Undergraduate Research and Creative Prize, which are open to undergrads enrolled at UTSC who have completed 3.5 credits. There's also the Patricia and Peter Shannon Wilson Undergraduate Research Prize, for first-entry U of T undergraduate students. Good luck!

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Time Crunched,

I know, 3 hours isn't much when there's a whole book to wrap your head around for an exam or assignment. I'm assuming you've run into this when you've used course reserves? The idea behind course reserves is to make course texts available to be shared by as many students as possible. Here's a tip: if I just need one chapter, I scan it for free at the photocopier. You can also check if there's an e-book version in LibrarySearch. Ask the library staff for help or more suggestions.

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Philosopher,

The age-old questions. Why am I here? What is my purpose? What is life really about? Well it depends on who you ask. If you were to ask scientists they might tell you our purpose is to pass our genes on to future generations in order to perpetuate life on earth. Someone with a religious background might say that we are here to connect with a higher power. If you asked your Mom she would probably tell you that you'd be able to figure it out if you weren't on your phone all the time! If you asked your dog he would just look at you with his puppy dog eyes. Since you're asking a library hedgehog, I would say that it might take a while to realize what it is for you, but I promise if you keep looking you will come to your own answer eventually.

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Reader,

Sure! Whether you're into mysteries, humour, chick-lit, or self-help books, there are plenty of choices in the popular collection. You can find the popular collection in the Reading Room bookshelves just inside the entrance of the library. The shelves are overflowing with great reads!

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Munchies,

I checked with the librarians and they're not opposed to the idea of vending machines but they do take up a lot of room and create garbage. Another concern is that they can be noisy, especially when they're being refilled. Luckily there are some vending machines pretty close to the library. Turn right as you exit the library and you'll find vending machines with plenty of healthy options and some treats too. You can bring a snack back into the library as long as it's nothing aromatic or messy.

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Burnt Out,

Oh, the thought of a new semester and all those books to read, assignments to do and exams to prepare for, gets to me too sometimes. When I start feel like that I go hang out for a bit in the Mindfulness Space  and chill in the beanbag chairs or do some yoga or meditation. If I feel really overwhelmed I go to UTSC Health and Wellness. Take care!

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Bookshelf, 

I hear you. I have a ton of books out that I took out at a bunch of different times. It's easy to get a list--go to the library website and click on My Account. That'll give you all the titles you have checked out and when they're due. 

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Underpowered,

The library added 40 more outlets in the past year, for a total of over 300 outlets in the computer areas, study carrels, lounge seating, and group study rooms. If you need to charge your phone, you can get a cable and battery pack in the course reserves section. The best news is that the library is under renovation and is planning to add many, many more outlets by 2023.

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Hi Backpack,

You're in luck! There are actually two drop boxes. One, that you can use when the library is open, is located just inside the library doors; and one that you can use anytime--even when the library is closed--in the hall just outside the library doors. You can return books or other materials from any library in the U of T system.

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog