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