COVID-19 Library Updates: Home

Library Services

Update: 

Fall term, 2022: The Library is open regular operating hours as indicated on our web page. 

Library stacks are once again open. Users can browse and select books and other physical items to sign out, however, items can still be requested through the Library catalogue as well.  (See 'Borrowing Physical Items' further below for instructions) 

Most Library services are available both in person and online.  

The Main Library and Music Library are operating at full capacity however masks are recommended indoors and social distancing is encouraged.  

Any inquires may be directed to the Virtual Chat service available 10-4 on the Library homepage, or by phoning the main desk at 204-727-9645, or by emailing library@brandonu.ca.

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. 

There are a variety of study spots and work stations to choose from in the Library, including Group Study Rooms that can be booked from the Library homepage.  There is also access to scanners/photocopiers and printers in the Library.

The Library Team is here to help you work

When you begin to work on your assignments, consider the resources the Library has in place to support you!

Our print materials are once again fully accessible in-person. If you need assistance finding materials, please ask at the Reference Desk (staffed in-person, 11am - 3pm, Monday to Friday) or at the Circulation Desk.

E-books, electronic journal subscriptions, online videos, and open educational resources are all available online. 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.  

Borrowing physical items

You can come to the Library and select books and other physical items to sign out.

Or, you can still place requests for physical items through the Library catalogue. Once Library staff have collected the books from the stacks you will receive an email to let you know that you can now come and sign out the items 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 email 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 by email and you can come and sign them out at the Library.

 Returns 

• Library materials can be returned at the Circulation Desks in both the Main and Music Library

• Alternately, there is also a book drop located just outside the Main Library doors in the Richardson Center.

  • All current students, staff, and faculty have swipe access (2022-23 student card or staff fob) to the Richardson Center 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Monday to Sunday.

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