Taylor Family Digital Library access changes for Fall 2024

There’s nothing quite like September when you work and study on a university campus. A palpable excitement floods the campus as summer’s relaxed schedule and warm temperatures give way to fall’s routines, sweaters and pumpkin spiced things.

If visiting the Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL) – to study, use resources, or meet with students – is part of your academic routine, you will notice a significant change in September. Access turnstiles have been installed in five different locations throughout the building: three on the main floor, one at the top of the second-floor stairs and one in the elevated walkway between TFDL and MacKimmie Tower.

The turnstiles will help prioritize access, spaces and resources for members of the UCalgary community. They will also facilitate 24-hour study privileges and security within the spaces.

What does this mean?

All members of the campus community will scan their Unicards to access the TFDL. Visitors to the Good Earth Coffeehouse will not need to scan their cards to enter. It will continue to be accessible to all members of the public and campus community during business hours.

While the turnstiles are brand-new, the concept of scanning a Unicard to enter the space is not. Last year, the library introduced the campus community to the idea by placing a student worker with a barcode scanner at the main entry point. It was a slow introduction to familiarize visitors with the scanning process and the need to carry a Unicard to enter the space. 

What should you do?

• Carry your Unicard with you. 
• If you haven’t gotten a Unicard yet, upload a photo today and pick it up when you receive an email from the Unicard office.
• If the barcode on your Unicard is fading or difficult to read, please visit the Unicard Office to see about getting a replacement.

What about alumni and community members?

Alumni and community members can register for guest access at the kiosk located near the service desk on the first floor.

Need help?

How to get a Unicard:
https://www.ucalgary.ca/ancillary/unicard/use-card

Questions? Library staff have put together a list of FAQ’s (select TFDL Access under "Topics"):
https://library.ucalgary.ca/frequently-asked-questions

For updated building hours:
https://library.ucalgary.ca/hours/