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Earth Sciences

A guide to information sources in the Earth Sciences

Need writing or citation help?

Refworks - RefWorks is a web-based citation manager that allows you to compile, edit and format bibliographies by importing references directly from online databases, from text files, or by entering them manually.

Avoiding Plagiarism - At Dalhousie University, adherence to the values of academic integrity and related policies is a requirement of being part of the academic community.

Writing Centre

Room G40M

Learning Commons

Killam Library

Tel: (902) 494-1963 or (902) 494-3379

Email: WritingCentre@Dal.Ca

But it's not at Dal!

The book/journal you need isn't at Dalhousie - what to do?

1 - Is it in Novanet?

Materials listed in Novanet may be requested clicking the "More Options" tab and then choosing "Document Delivery" from the list of services".

Clicking on the "Locations & Availability" tab will provide a list of locations from which you can request delivery of a either a loan of an entire book or a photocopy of chapter or section of the item. You will be asked to login using the barcode on the front of your Dalhousie/King's ID card and the last 4 digits of your phone number registered at Circulation. You then follow the steps provided.

Choosing the "Document Delivery" option from the list by clicking the "Go" button will take you to the CAUL Document Delivery request form. The same login is required. The form will be automatically filled in with the information of the item you want but please check that the information is complete, add a "need by date" and any notes, click on the box next to the copyright statement and submit the request.

Novanet Express requested items (Holds and Photocopy Requests) are guaranteed delivery within 3 business days.
You will be notified by email when your requested material arrives. All requested items are to be picked up at the Circulation desk.

Document Delivery requests filled by any Atlantic Canadian university library will also normally arrive within 3 business days. If the material is not
locally available delivery times will vary. You will be notified by email when books arrive, pick up is available from the Dalhousie library of your choice.
King's students must pick up books at the King's library. Articles will be delivered by e-mail link to your registered Dalhousie/King's email address.

2 - It's not in Novanet, now what?

Use the following link to the CAUL Document Delivery Request form. The same Document Delivery login and services as described above apply. Select the appropriate "Loan/Book" or "Copy/Article" option. Fill in the form and submit the request.

Document Delivery Services and request form

1. Request a book or a copy of an article to be delivered to you:

Use this form  Distance Document Delivery Request forms.

To Login to the Request Form:
User Login = your library barcode number (2126...) on yourDalhousie ID card 
Password = the last 4 digits of your phone number registered with the Dalhousie Libraries

Delivery of material

  • Items are delivered directly to you: articles electronically, loans via courier.
  • Restrictions outside Canada: Due to location, available delivery options or excessive cost, delivery of Dalhousie books may not be possible.
  • Delivery of non-Dalhousie books is not possible outside Canada.

Returning material

Dalhousie Libraries deliver material at no charge to our distance users. A pre-paid Canada Post shipping label is included for returns. 

  • You are responsible for returning materials by the due date.
  • Use the return address label provided for you.
  • Do not remove the blue document delivery wrapper around an item.

2. Borrowing from a nearby Canadian university library:

You can borrow directly from most Canadian university libraries using your Dalhousie ID card and your CAUL card (apply for a CAUL card when you set up your library card). If you live near a participating library, borrowing directly from that library may be the quickest way to get your materials.

3. A video tutorial is available! Check out our video on Document Delivery for Distance Students.