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International Students' Guide to the Dalhousie Libraries

Your Library Card and Library Account

**Your DalCard is also your Library Card** An image of a DalCard.

The 14-digit number at the bottom of your DalCard is your unique Library ID number. Your Banner number (your university ID number) is located in the top-right corner of your DalCard, and starts with a 'B'

If ever you want to 'sign-in' to your Library Account, the login is your Dalhousie Net ID and password -- the same as your email username and password.

Access to Library Electronic Resources from Off-Campus

You do not have to be in one of the Dal Libraries to use electronic resources like e-books, e-journals, and

databases.

You can access e-resources from your residence room, office, or anywhere on the Dal campus, just as if you were in one of the Libraries.

If you are at home -- off campus -- you need to add in 1 more step:

 
 
  • You must have a current Dalhousie University Net ID and Password
  • Click on the e-book, e-journal, or database that you want to use
  • In the pop-up box that will appear, enter your Dalhousie Net ID and Password
  • Access the resource 

This is what the pop-up box will look like -- it is there to ensure that only registered Dalhousie students, staff, and faculty can access Dalhousie Libraries' e-resources:

An image of the Off-Campus Login screen.

 

Alternative Off-Campus Access to E-Materials: Download the University's VPN Software

You can access electronic Library material (like ebooks and e-articles) from off-campus by logging into the Off-Campus Login, when prompted. Login requires:

Username: Your NET ID/Email username

Password: Your NET ID password/Email password:

An image of the Off-Campus Login Screen to electronic resources.

 

** Students in some countries may still have trouble accessing Library electronic materials, even after logging into the Off-Campus Login screen. If so, it is a good idea to download the University's VPN (virtual private network) software. Then, your home computer will act as if it is on the Dalhousie campus. **

 

Directions for downloading the University's VPN software:

1. Go go: https://libraries.dal.ca/help/software-downloads.html

2. Click on: Available Software

3. Login with your Net ID and Password (the same as your email username and password)

4. You will see a list of free software for Dalhousie students

5. The VPN for Windows is at the bottom of the column on the left. The VPN for Mac is at the bottom of the column on the right.

** If you have any trouble downloading the VPN software, do not hesitate to email the IT Help Desk: support@dal.ca or call toll free: 1-800-869-3931 **