COVID-19 Library Updates: Home

Library Services

Update: Beginning Wednesday, September 1, 2021, Brandon University students, faculty and staff will no longer need to book an appointment to visit the Library. A current BU student ID or fob will be required to swipe into the Library.  

The John E. Robbins Library is still operating at limited capacity to allow for social distancing. The Library has implemented a "Clean In / Clean Out" model for study spots and workstations. We ask that you clean your own study space or workstation upon arrival and at departure from the Library. Wipes are available in the Library.  Most services are available in person and the Library stacks are once again open. Virtual Reference (Chat), is still online. Books and other items can be signed out in person, or can be borrowed by placing a Request in the Library catalogue.  (See 'Borrowing' further below for instructions)

For Faculty

Support for online teaching, in person teaching, and access to Library resources and services is available.

Please contact: 

Rainer Schira, Reference Librarian, for information literacy instruction online or in your classes: schirar@brandonu.ca

Donna Lowe for Course Reserves and digitized library content: lowed@brandonu.ca

Angela Revet or Kirsten Bambridge for streaming video licenses: periodicals@brandonu.ca

Carmen Kazakoff-Lane, Scholarly Communications Librarian, for inquiries related to course content / copyright / open textbooks: kazakoff@brandonu.ca

For further information on a wide range of issues relevant to faculty, please see:

For students

Here are key things for you to know about the Library this term:

The Library is a place for you to work. 

Due to COVID capacity and distancing restrictions, access to spaces inside the Library is limited. However, workspaces in the Convergys Lab and socially distanced study spots throughout the Library are available. There is also access to scanners/photocopiers and printers in the Library.

Hours starting September 1, 2021:

Main Library: 

8:30 am - 8:00 pm Monday to Thursday

8:30 am - 5:00 pm Fridays

1:00 pm - 5:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Music Library: 

9:00 am - 8:00 pm Monday to Thursday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm Fridays

Closed weekends.

The Library Team is here to help you work

As soon as you get your assignments, consider the resources the Library has in place to support you! Our print materials are once again available to browse, and we continue to have ebooks, electronic journal subscriptions, online videos, and open educational resources available virtually. The Virtual Reference Chat Service can help answer your questions and provide assistance in navigating these online resources. It is available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm, at the

Where you can also

If there’s a resource that our Library doesn’t have, our Interlibrary Loan service may be able to obtain resources from other libraries.  There is no charge for this service.
- see the 'Using Your Account' link at:

As you get familiar with your courses, consider reviewing the Library Guides available on different subjects and topics.

You can also email library@brandonu.ca to ask to connect with a librarian who will follow up with support in a research area, help you find resources that you won’t ever find on Google, understand copyright requirements, and learn how to effectively use library resources to support your academic journey.  

You can borrow items!

You can select and borrow items from the stacks - using your BU student ID as a library card.  You can still place a Request for items through the Library catalogue as well. Once Library staff have collected the book from the stacks you will receive an email to let you know that you can now come and sign out the book at the Library.

 Requesting a print book from the catalogue:

• Log into your Library account from the Library Catalogue page:

• Sign-in from the top right-hand corner with your BU username and password. 
• You will be returned to the Library Catalogue page, but now you will see your own name in the top right-hand corner.
• Proceed with searching the Library Catalogue for your desired item(s). Click on the title(s) of any item(s) you would like to request, to bring up the long record for that item.
• In the long record, under “Get It” you will see the “Request” button beside the word "Holdings". Click on “Request” and complete the required fields. (contact Chat on the Library home page or email library@brandonu.ca if you require assistance)
• Click “Request” again to submit.
• This will create a Pickup List for Library staff to pull the item(s) from the shelf.
• When the item(s) are available for pickup, you will be contacted and you can come and sign out the book at the Library.

 Returns 

• All current students, staff, and faculty have swipe access (2021-22 student card or staff fob) to the Richardson Center 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Monday to Sunday.

• Once inside the Richardson Center, library materials can be returned through the book drop located just outside the Main Library doors.

A portion of the McKee Archives’ holdings can be searched via the Archives’ website:

Questions about the Archives and its holdings can be directed to the University Archivist, Christy Henry at henryc@brandonu.ca

Technical Difficulties?

If you are experiencing technical difficulties, visit the IT Help Desk website:

or email helpdesk@brandonu.ca for assistance.

Library services are subject to change depending on the COVID-19 situation.

For any questions or concerns not addressed here, please email Melanie Sucha, Chief Information Officer, at SuchaM@BrandonU.CA