Last updated Sept 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.

Library Spaces

Beginning September 8, 2020, UBC Library will provide bookable study space for students, faculty and staff in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre Monday through Saturday. This space will include access to desktop computers, printing and scanning and be organized to ensure safe physical distancing at all times. Non-medical masks are required.

The space will be open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m.- 6p.m. Saturday. Study space must be reserved online. Library users will be limited to 2 reservations per week.

Other UBC Library branches across the Vancouver campus will remain closed until further notice.

Book study space in IKBLC.

Find information about updates to library spaces at UBC Okanagan.

View the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre Study Space Safety Plan.

UBC.ca continues to be the most up-to-date and authoritative source of information about the University’s response to COVID-19.

Materials Pick-up Service

The Library has launched an on-campus pick-up service to enable UBC students, faculty and staff to access items in the collection that are not available in electronic formats.

Materials can be ordered by selecting the “Get it” option in the record of the item in the library catalogue.

Requests will be processed within 7 business days, held for up to 2 weeks at Koerner Library, and made available for pick-up on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.. Library users will be notified that their items are available for pick-up by email. Scanned items are subject to the same processing time and will be emailed to the requestor.

Access the materials pick-up service.

Access print materials at UBCO Library.

View the Materials Pick-Up Service Safety Plan.

Online Resources

Off-Campus Access

UBC Library is committed to supporting faculty, students and staff with online learning, teaching and research, and offers expert help and services that library users can access online.

Current students, faculty and staff should review off-campus access using EZproxy protocols before trying to connect to any of the library’s online resources from off-campus. Computers using a UBC wired or wireless network connection are automatically authenticated.

Electronic Resources

Library journals, books and databases can be found using the Search tool on the main page, or a more in depth search of Library Collections (including Research Guides, and Open Collections) from the library’s Search Collections page.

Access online Course Reserves. Print Course Reserves are not currently available.

Faculty can make requests at this time for materials to be made available online, either through the Course Reserves system or by email at syllabus.service@ubc.ca. Appropriate copyright considerations and licensing permissions will be applied to all requests.

Contact cIRcle to add content to UBC’s digital repository for research and teaching materials.

If you are experiencing difficulty accessing online resources please contact us.

Order Material

If you need library material that the library does not currently license in electronic format, or only has in Print, please send a request to the appropriate subject librarian. If the requested material is for a course, please include your name, faculty, course number and date by which the material is needed.

The library is working to source Electronic versions of Print materials. Because of these circumstances, it may take some time to follow up with your requests, but we will get back to you soon.

Print Collection

Course Reserves

While print material on course reserve is currently not available, we will try to source the electronic version for you. Please use the UBC Library Online Course Reserves (LOCR) system and we will respond as soon as we can.

Renew or Return Materials

Loan regulations are once again being implemented as of September 14th. UBC Library is eliminating most daily overdue fines for all library users. Overdue fees will continue for high-demand items, including recalled items. Charges for items deemed lost, which applies to items not returned after more than 28 days, will also remain in effect.

Please return your materials to either the Koerner Library or Irving K. Barber Learning Centre outdoor book drops. If you are unable to travel to campus, materials can be returned via Canada Post.

To return materials by mail, address to:

UBC Vancouver: Koerner Library, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2

UBC Okanagan: Okanagan Library, 3287 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7

Should you have trouble renewing your loans or have any questions, please contact us via the Assistance Form.

Due Dates and Fines

Beginning September 14, loan regulations will be implemented. Please contact us via the Assistance Form with any questions.

Recalled Items

If you have items that have been recalled, please return your materials to the Koerner Library or Irving K. Barber Learning Centre outdoor book drops. Please contact us via the Assistance Form with any questions.

InterLibrary Loans

Access to print InterLibrary Loans, including copying and scanning from print collections, is unavailable while the library is closed. Employees will make every effort to fill requests for digital materials, however, it may take some time to follow up with your requests.

More information on remote access to UBC Library resources for UBC students, faculty and staff can be found above in the Online Resources information or the Research Help information below.

Research Help

Research Guides – Search subject and course guides that compile useful databases, digital library collections, and research strategies.

Find useful information to help you get started with your research, including a library skills tutorial, assignment calculators, information on academic integrity, writing support, skills for class and life, and more.

You can use our chat service, AskAway. The chat service is staffed by UBC Library, but at peak service times or off-hours, you may be connected with a librarian from another academic library.

Subject librarians with expertise in specific areas are available to UBC students and instructors for consultations. Once you identify a librarian, you can schedule an appointment with them via email.

Not sure which subject librarian to contact? Contact your branch by email and we’ll point you in the right direction: