COVID-19 Library Updates: Home

Library Services

The John E. Robbins Library is operating in a more limited capacity since the province moved to Code Red on November 12th. All access to the Library for use of a computer workstation in the Convergys Lab, or a Main Floor study spot requires an appointment.  This is necessary so that we can monitor the number of patrons in the Library and sanitize equipment between users. Capacity is in line with provincial health requirements. Most services, including Virtual Reference (Chat), will continue to be delivered online. Library stacks are closed, but items can be borrowed by placing a Request in the Library catalogue.  (See the section on 'Borrowing' further below)

For Faculty

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

Please contact: 

Rainer Schira, Reference Librarian, for virtual information literacy instruction in your classes as well as pre-recorded instructional library videos: 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 very limited. However, workspaces in the Convergys Lab and single-user study desks on the Main Floor will be available for booking. This is also where you will have access to a photocopier and a printer.

To ensure social distancing, you must make an appointment to book a computer workstation, or a study spot, or to use the photocopier, or printer. You will need to use your BU email address for the appointment. You will then be able to swipe into the Library building (Richardson Centre) with your fob or 2020-21 student card and swipe into the Library itself at the time of your appointment.

Hours: Appointments are available 8:30 am - 8:00 pm Monday to Thursday; 8:30 am - 4:45 pm Fridays; 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm on weekends.

The Library Team is here to help you work

As soon as you get that first assignment, consider the resources the Library has in place to support you! 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, on our

Where you can also

If there’s a resource that our Library doesn’t have, our Interlibrary Loan service may be able help to obtain electronic resources (we are unable to borrow print materials at this time) from other libraries.
- see the 'Using Your Account' link

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 still borrow items

If you find that you need a physical item from the Library because online sources do not provide what you need, you can place a Request for that item through the Library catalogue. Once Library staff have collected the book from the stacks and signed it out to you, they will contact you to let you know that you can now make an appointment to pick up the item using the Book an Appointment widget on the Library home page.

 Borrowing

• 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 book an appointment to pick them up.

 Returns 

• All current students, staff, and faculty have swipe access (2020-21 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