These guidelines serve as general information for use of Room 508, the Library Computer Lab at the Nanaimo campus.

About the space

The computer lab can be found on the 5th floor, includes 32 computer stations, 1 height adjustable desk, and 2 projectors. These computers can handle intensive applications like ArcGIS, Adobe Suite, etc, for projects, editing videos, or larger screen space. Computer specs: Intel Core i7-14700 2.10 GHz, 32 GB RAM, 27” monitors, Windows 11 suite, and GeForce RXT 4060 Graphics Cards.

Software on the Computers includes: Adobe Creative Suite (including photo/video/audio editing programs, InDesign, and more), ArcGIS, NVIDIA video rendering (to go with the fancy graphics cards), NVIVO statistical software, and more.

Got suggestions for software you would like to see installed? Please contact the Research Help Team, VIU Library.

Library instruction bookings take priority

• This lab is the only available dedicated space for library instruction, so librarians often require it to be available throughout the Fall–Spring academic year. Instructors requesting library instruction often have limited dates available.

Booking requests from other departments

• Booking requests from other departments are managed by librarians and consequently Room 508 does not appear on the general VIU Room Bookings page.
• Requests can be considered on a case-by-case basis outside of the Fall–Spring academic year.
• During the busy academic year, requests are often not accommodated due to the high demand for library instruction and student use. Room 508 is an essential overflow space for students needing computers and a quiet study area, as the downstairs computers are in a very noisy area, and it is one of the few spaces available to GIS students to complete their work.

General student use

• Outside of library instruction, Room 508 is available to all students.
• Schedules are posted outside the room and updated daily.
• Librarians monitor and adjust the booking process as necessary to ensure efficient use of Room 508.

For more information, please contact the Research Help Team, VIU Library.