Library staff share what they love most about this space
As a university student, one of the most important areas you’ll want to get familiar with is the library. University libraries play a key role in enhancing your learning experience, ensuring you have the materials, resources and services you need to succeed.
Did you know the Nanaimo campus library is visited more than 500,000 times by members of the VIU community each year? The space includes:
- 199 computer workstations
- 585 seats
- Six group study rooms
- Three media workstations
- Two video/audio editing rooms
- Two silent study spaces with 22 seats each.
The building is also home to other key support services such as the VIU Writing Centre, IT Technology Support and the Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Learning. Want to learn more about this incredible space? Library staff share 12 things you may or may not know about the Nanaimo campus library:
It’s open 24-7
You can access the Nanaimo campus library any day at any time with your VIU ID card, which includes access to computer stations, printers, library collections and more. You can also get your VIU ID card at the library. Follow these step-by-step directions to order your card.
You can bring your family
For students with children, a new 2SLGBTQ+ and feeding-friendly Family Space on the third floor includes a children’s book collection from the Vancouver Island Regional Library.
Want to talk to someone or pet a dog?
Inside the library you can hang out, take a study break and chat with other students at the Wellness Lounge. VIU’s Wellness Peers run the lounge and are there to answer questions or chat. There’s also free tea and hot chocolate, colouring pages, fidgets, therapy dogs during select times and much more.
Get help with your research
Have questions about your assignments and want some research help? Reach out to the library’s Research Help service, available through online live chat, one-on-one Zoom appointments and email.
Borrow laptops, cameras and much more
The library has a large equipment collection, including DSLR cameras, GoPros, audio recorders, microphones, laptops, projectors, SAD lamps and more! Take a look at our equipment booking tool to find all that you might need for your next project or assignment.
Find that perfect study space – with a view
It is one of the top study spots at VIU’s Nanaimo campus and it’s always ready to welcome you. The library’s fourth floor features comfortable and varied seating with unmatched views of the surrounding ocean and mountains to help inspire your study session – or give you a nice visual break. You can also relax in the third-floor entrance lounge by the fireplace and soak in that “home away from home” feeling.
Access study rooms and audio recording booths
Need a quiet space to join your next Zoom class? Recording a podcast for your next assignment? We’ve got you covered with individual use study rooms and audio video recording labs that can be booked at our Nanaimo and Cowichan campus libraries.
Learn Hul’q’umi’num’
At the library’s Language in the Library sessions, VIU community members can come and join in Hul’q’umi’num’ learning and story sharing. Everyone welcome! Snacks are provided. Visit the Language in the Library page for more information.
Use the best computer lab on campus
Everyone has that one favourite spot on campus they consider to be the perfect secret study spot. For staff in the Nanaimo campus library, it’s the computer lab on the fifth floor! Open from 9 am to 8 pm, here you can find an optimal study space with many available computer stations and breathtaking views of the Nanaimo campus.
Bust stress with games
The VIU Library has a board game collection for those moments when you need a study break. Come borrow a board game to play with your friends! Check out games like Catan, Code Names, Scrabble or Taboo! Find out more.
Check out the library murals
Two beautiful murals were installed by Snuneymuxw First Nation artist Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun at the fireplace and in the family space. Drawing upon traditional Coast Salish style and imagery, the installation is “an expression of the traditional flow of knowledge and teachings from generation to generation.” Read more about the artist’s works.
Get your caffeine fix
One of our favourite things about the library is its proximity to Starbucks, which means you can grab a much-needed caffeine break at any point to get you through those long study sessions. You can find the Starbucks right beside the main library entrance.
Have any library-related questions? Contact us!
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