We're here to help!

• Our service desks are open for in-person assistance
• Virtual research help appointments are available - email research.help@viu.ca
• Askaway, an online research help chat service, is available during posted service hours
• Liaison Librarians are available to support instructional faculty with alternate format delivery

Please contact us if you need assistance. Phone and email are monitored Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.

Current services

• Library hours: Our facilities are open 
• Print loans: Available by mail or in-person
• Student printing: Currently no charge
• Interlibrary loans: Limited to electronic articles or book chapters
• VIU ID cards: Online card production in place
• Book returns: Interior book drop in Commons and exterior book drop across from Starbucks are open
• Laptops and other equipment: Available for 3-day loans - a limited number of semester-length laptop loans are also available
• Electronic collections (ejournals, ebooks, databases and more): Available 24/7/365 through our catalogue
• Course reserves: Available with extended loan periods in place
• Community borrowers: Access is available but you will need to call the library service desk to be let into the building
• IT help and the Writing Centre: Services are being provided remotely 
• Special Collections access: Contact us for information.

Safety protocols

In  alignment with provincial health guidelines, we have implemented the following changes within our Nanaimo and Cowichan campus libraries to ensure a safe and clean environment for users:

• Mask use is required inside the library
• Occupancy limits and reduced seating capacity are in place
• Library Ambassadors stationed at entrance after hours
• VIU COVID ambassadors circulating throughout the building
• Physical distancing in progress - Please stay 2 meters away from others at all times
• Hand sanitizer stations and disinfecting wipes are provided 
• Twice daily cleaning of high touch points (including keyboards and table surfaces) and washrooms occurs
• Loaned equipment is sanitized after use
• Dedicated entrance and exit to building 305 is in place
• Video editing suites are disinfected after use
• Plexiglass barriers are in place at the service desks
• Directional arrows are on the floor to ensure physical distancing
• Group study rooms are available for individual use only