Blog


Applications open for UBC Library’s EDI Scholars-in-Residence Program 2024/2025

Applications are now open to join the 2024/2025 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Scholars-in-Residence Program, an initiative by UBC Library and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.


The Meditation Walk: Mindfulness and Community Together at UBC

UBC Library will hold meditation walks for members of the community at UBC, the University Neighbourhoods and Musqueam to learn, meditate, and practice self-care together. Join us in February 2024 for these meditation walks.


BC History Digitization Program: 2024/2025 Call for submissions

The British Columbia History Digitization Program (BCHDP) is now accepting applications for project funding. The program, launched by the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, provides matching funds to support projects that make unique British Columbia content freely available. Applications are due by Friday, December 8, 2023 @ 5:00 pm PST.


UBC Library at Word Vancouver Reading and Writing Festival at UBC Robson Square

With support from UBC Connects at Robson Square, Word Vancouver hosted the festival at Robson Square marking it the 29th annual festival in the city of Vancouver. UBC Library sponsored two sessions which included the Rare Books & Special Collections and Asian Library.


IKBLC Level 2 Learning Concourse upgraded with new workstations

The renovated space features new and increased seating, larger tables and plenty of power outlets for individual and group study.


Carpet replacement in IKBLC Level 2 planned for August 17 to September 1

The south wing of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IKBLC) second floor will undergo carpet replacement from August 17 to September 1, 2023.


2023/2024 EDI Scholars-in-Residence program

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Scholars-in-Residence Program


BC History Digitization Program Early Notice Announcement

The British Columbia History Digitization Program (BCHDP) is seeking early notice from prospective 2024/2025 grant applicants. Early notice will be accepted until August 4, 2023.


Digitization of Tegami: Reaching Out Across Distance Complete

The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre has completed its digitization of Tegami: Reaching Out Across Distance.


Digitization of Images of Natural History Specimens Project Complete

The Beaty Biodiversity Museum has completed its digitization of Images of Natural History Specimens.


Digitization of City of Vancouver Heritage Inventory Photographs Digitization Project Complete

The City of Vancouver has completed its digitization of City of Vancouver Heritage Inventory Photographs Digitization Project.


BC History Digitization Program – 2023 Projects

The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre announces the successful applicants for the BC History Digitization Program 2023.


IKBLC to upgrade Level 2 Learning Concourse

The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IKBLC) is undergoing space improvements on the Level 2 Learning Concourse in the building’s south wing.


Digitization of Ray Culos Vancouver Society of Italians Collection: Sons of Italy Project Complete

The Italian Cultural Centre Museum has completed its digitization of Ray Culos Vancouver Society of Italians Collection: Sons of Italy.


Digitization of Newman Western Canadian Cookbook Collection, B.C. titles Project Complete

The University of the Fraser Valley has completed its digitization of Newman Western Canadian Cookbook Collection, B.C. titles.


Digitization of Summerland Review (1946-1967) Project Complete

The Summerland Museum and Archives Society has completed its digitization of Summerland Review (1946-1967) Digitization Project.


2023/2024 BC History Digitization Program Call for Applications

The British Columbia History Digitization Program (BCHDP) is now accepting applications for project funding. Applications are due by Friday, December 9, 2022 @ 5:00 pm PST.


UBC Library Mentorship Program

UBC Library has developed a mentorship program by matching UBC librarians and archivists with graduate MLIS and MAS students from the School of Information designed for MLIS and MAS students who are interested in a career in academic libraries. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2022.


Irving K. Barber Learning Centre overnight closure planned for August 30 – 31

The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre will close from 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30 and reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31.


Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Scholars-in-Residence Program

The residency takes place at UBC’s Irving K. Barber Learning Centre with the intention of public engagement to provide a positive impact on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) for the UBC campus.


BC History Digitization Program

BC History Digitization Program Early Notice Announcement

The British Columbia History Digitization Program (BCHDP) is seeking early notice from prospective 2023/2024 grant applicants. Early notice will be accepted until August 5, 2022.


family posing for photograph

Digitization of Families on the Coast: The Madokoro Collections Project Complete

The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre has completed its digitization of Families on the Coast: The Madokoro Collections.


Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day

Join Xwi7xwa Library on Tuesday, June 21st from 10-3 on Level 2 of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre to celebrate Indigenous People's Day.


Digitization of Unarchiving The Margins: Digitization Literary Audio by Underrepresented Groups Project Complete

Simon Fraser University English Department has completed its digitization of Unarchiving The Margins: Digitizing Literary Audio by Represented Groups.


Digitization of Barkerville BC Historic Maps Digitization Project Complete

Barkerville Historic Town and Park has completed its digitization of the Barkerville BC Historic Maps.


Power shutdown in IKBLC and Law Library planned for May 29

UBC Building Operations has scheduled a power shutdown that will impact the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IKBLC) and Law Library on Sunday, May 29, 2022.


Digitization of Rainforest Elegance: Designer Lore Maria Wiener Archive Complete

The BC Society for the Museum of Original Costume (SMOC) has completed its digitization of Rainforest Elegance: Designer Lore Maria Wiener Archive.


BC History Digitization Program

BC History Digitization Program – 2022 Projects

The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre announces the successful applicants for the BC History Digitization Program 2022.


DTES Research Describe-a-Thon

Do you want to learn or practice writing about complex ideas in a clear way? Do you want to connect with others who care about making research accessible? Join us Friday, April 1, for a collaborative session designed to make research related to the Downtown Eastside easier to understand.


Digitization of the Steffens-Colmer Studios and Don Coltman Company Photographs Digitization Project (Phase Two) Complete

The City of Vancouver has completed its digitization of Steffens-Colmer Studios and Don Coltman Company Photographs Digitization Project (Phase Two).


Digitization of Offsite: BC Art in Storage Complete

The Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery has completed its digitization of Offsite: BC Art in Storage.


Digitization of Vancouver Recreation Collection Project Complete

The Museum of Vancouver has completed its digitization of Vancouver Recreation Collection Project.


Digitization of Art, Video & Culture through the Portable Video Lens Complete

VIVO Media Arts Centre has completed its digitization of Art, Video & Culture through the Portable Video Lens.


Digitization of Abbotsford, Sumas, Matsqui Newspaper Local Newspaper, 1946 Year Complete

The University of the Fraser Valley has completed its digitization of 1946 of the Abbotsford, Sumas and Matsqui News.


Celebrate Small Business Month!

Celebrate Small Business Month with the Small Business Accelerator! Discover resources highlighting inclusion and resiliency in Canadian business by visiting the SBA blog, and check out the book displays at UBC Library starting Oct. 21.


BC History Digitization Program: 2022/2023 Call for Applications

The British Columbia History Digitization Program (BCHDP) is now accepting applications for project funding. Applications are due by Friday, December 10, 2021 @ 5:00 pm PST.


Generations Lost: Healing the Legacy of Residential Schools

The Faculty of Education is honoured to host two groundbreaking exhibits on the residential school system. The exhibits are presented in partnership with UBC Library and will be on display in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre from September 30th to October 29th.


Digitization of “Coming about”: The films of Karl Spreitz Complete

The University of Victoria Libraries has completed its digitization of “Coming about”: The films of Karl Spreitz.


Digitization of Valley Voice Digitization Project Complete

The Arrow Lakes Historical Society (ALHS) has completed its digitization of the Valley Voice Digitization Project


Digitization of Okanagan Newspaper Digitization Complete

UBCO Library has completed its digitization of Okanagan Newspaper Digitization project.


BC History Digitization Program Early Notice Announcement

The British Columbia History Digitization Program (BCHDP) is seeking early notice from prospective 2022/2023 grant applicants.


Digitization of Vancouver Trades and Businesses Digitization Project Complete

The Musuem of Vancouver has completed its Vancouver Trades and Businesses Digitization Project.


Black sharp fin shaped hat with gold along the centre

Digitization of the Vancouver Performance Art Objects Collection Complete

Western Front Society and the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery has completed its digitization of the Vancouver Performance Art Objects collection.


Digitization of 20 in 2020 Complete

The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre has completed its digitization of 20 in 2020.


Digitization of the Cirkut Panoramas Digitization Program Complete

The Vancouver Public Library (VPL) has completed its digitization of the Cirkut Panoramas Digitization Project.


BC History Digitization Program – 2021 Projects

The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre announces the successful applicants for the BC History Digitization Program 2021.


Upcoming workshop: Finding free and open scholarly resources

Learn how to find free and open access research. Community Scholars’ Librarians will guide you to a variety of sources that can help you stay up-to-date in your field and make evidence-based decisions, cite credible sources in upcoming grants, and continue to develop your program innovations.


Climate Research Made Real: Practical Applications of Research for Better Futures

Join UBC Library on March 25th for a special event featuring four panelists from diverse disciplinary backgrounds as they engage in a conversation about the climate crisis and work to be done in the here and now. In the December 5, 2019 Declaration on the Climate Emergency, the UBC Board of Governors stated that the University has a mandate “to effect change beyond our institutional boundaries” and to “advance a sustainable and just society across British Columbia, Canada and the world.” In response to this mandate, the L#CAT (Library Climate Act Team) invites you to an afternoon panel event, “Climate Research Made Real: Practical Applications of Research for Better Futures”. Registration is required.


Digitization of LIVE Biennale of Performance Art: The Early Years Complete

grunt gallery (Visible Art Society) has completed its digitization of LIVE Biennale of Performance Art: The Early Years.


Digitization of the Photographs of British Columbia by George Hunter, RCA Complete

The Canadian Heritage Foundation Photography Foundation has completed digitizing 2000 photographs of BC taken by Canadian photographer George Hunter, RCA.


Digitization of Pender Guy Audio Complete

The Vancouver City Archives has completed the digitization of the Pender Guy Audio and it is now available in the archives.


Photo credit: Paul Joseph, UBC Brand and Marketing.

New Downtown Eastside Research Access Portal takes collaborative approach to Open Access

The DTES RAP provides access to research and research-related materials relevant to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside through an easy-to-use public interface.


Book Study Space at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre

Beginning September 8, 2020, UBC Library will provide bookable study space for students, faculty and staff in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre Monday through Saturday. This space will include access to desktop computers, printing and scanning and be organized to ensure safe physical distancing at all times. Study space must be reserved online. Masks are encouraged.


The Community Scholars Program

UBC Library, through the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, is partnering on the the Community Scholars Program to provide qualifying non-profit and charitable organizations with access to academic journals.


Announcing the 2020/2021 BC History Digitization Program Projects

Nineteen projects have been selected as the successful recipients of the 2020 -2021 B.C. History Digitization Program (BCHDP) funding awards. The digitization program, an initiative of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, was launched in 2006. It provides matching funds that help libraries, archives, museums and other organizations digitize unique historical items, including images, print […]


Library service updates

Due to the quickly evolving situation with COVID-19, all UBC Library branches will remain closed until April 30, 2020 at which time the situation will be reassessed. This includes libraries at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.


Small Business Accelerator Feedback Survey

Did you know that UBC Library's Irving K. Barber Learning Center launched the Small Business Accelerator ten years ago in 2010? A lot has changed since then so we are inviting your feedback in a survey running most of March 2020. Do you live in Canada and use or refer people to sba.ubc.ca? If so, please share your opinions with us! Survey is open until March 25, 2020.


The Wild Ride: In and Out of Years and Over a Century of Picturebooks

The Wild Ride: In and Out of Years and Over a Century of Picturebooks is a chronological look at the evolution of the picturebook, one of the important literary art forms to emerge from the 20th Century. This exhibit is on display in IKBLC on the Level 2 foyer from March 4 through May 30, 2020.


Climate Emergency Engagement

Gather with students, faculty, staff and the broader UBC community on March 11 to learn, engage and discuss bold actions about how UBC can combat the climate emergency.


Experiencing the Holocaust, Sharing Memories: The UBC Community Reading and Witnessing Auschwitz

The UBC Library exhibition explores the stories of the men and women who collected, recorded and brought forth evidence of the atrocities of Auschwitz, giving testimony of the events that took place there. The exhibit runs until February 28 on Level 2 of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.


Past Purrrrfect: Cats in the Collection

Visit feline and canine themed exhibits at multiple branches of the library throughout January and February.


Irving K. Barber Learning Centre closed on January 9

UBC Library’s Irving K. Barber Learning Centre will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2020.


Meet Canadian shoe designer John Fluevog

Visit the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre on Wednesday, January 8th to meet John Fluevog.


24/7 hours at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre

As we head into final exams, the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre will stay open longer to accommodate students and their study schedules. The Learning Centre will be open 24 hours a day from Monday, December 2 (opening at 6 a.m.) to Friday, December 13 (closing at 1 a.m.).


Unique Soles for Unique Souls

UBC Library hosts exhibit honouring Vancouver icon John Fluevog. The exhibit, located in the David Lam Management Research Library and Level 2 of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre runs until the end of the year.


BC History Digitization Program 2020/2021 Call for Applications

The B.C. History Digitization Program (BCHDP) is now accepting submissions for project funding. The program, launched by the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre in 2006, provides matching funds to support projects that make unique British Columbia content freely available. Applications are due by Monday, December 16, 2019.


Online Communities as Vehicles to Share Health Information and Support – Challenges and Critical Questions

In this talk, Professor Annie Chen will present an overview of health-related online communities and social networks, and the ways in which they can assist patients in health management.


UBC Library hosts exhibit that captures the continual impact of iconic Asian Canadian Jim Wong-Chu

The exhibit, that runs October 10 to November 15 on the Level 2 foyer of IKBLC, celebrates Jim Wong-Chu, a well-known Asian-Canadian historian, editor, author, and poet.


Join us for the 10th annual UBC Library United Way Spelling Bee

We’re getting ready to kick off the 10th annual UBC Library United Way Spelling Bee on Thursday, October 17. UBC faculty, staff and students are invited to create a team of 4-10 people and compete for the win in this annual cross-campus event to raise awareness for the United Way.


UBC Library’s Chung Collection is added to the Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Canada Memory of the World Register

The Canada Memory of the World Register highlights exceptional works and documents that reflect the wealth and diversity of Canada’s documentary heritage.


Gift to UBC Library to Transform Lillooet Room

A beloved room in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre will be transformed and upgraded thanks to a generous gift from Tony and Marissa Peña.


At the border: An exhibition of artists’ work in response to the Partition of Punjab

From September 1st to 30th, explore the meaning and practice of "heritage" in the Punjab, a linguistic and cultural region divided in 1947 between the two successor states to British colonial rule, Pakistan and India, and connects this heritage to Canada.


UBC Library users now able to access the digital archives of Maclean’s Magazine and the Toronto Star

Digital archives like these are changing the parameters of what’s possible in research while improving accessibility.


A Queer Century, 1869-1969: A Rare Books Exhibition

The exhibit, hosted in Rare Books & Special Collections located on Level 1 of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, will run until July 31, 2019.


The Public Knowledge project at 21: Activism, Scholarship, Security Patches

Join us in conversation on July 11 with the creator of the Public Knowledge Project, Professor John Willinsky. Co-hosted by UBC Library and UBC iSchool.


Puban Collection Drop-in Tour at Rare Books and Special Collections

In honour of the 60th anniversary of the Library's acquisition of the Puban Collection, Rare Books and Special Collections will be hosting bi-weekly tours highlighting items from the Puban Collection throughout the summer, starting July 9.


Indigenous (Un)History Month Exhibition: RavenSpace – Digital Publishing in Indigenous Studies

June is recognized as Aboriginal History Month but at UBC Library we hold a tradition of (Un)History Month — a celebration and acknowledgement of the importance of Indigenous Peoples – not only in history – but in the present and future. This collaborative exhibit showcases the first digital books to come from RavenSpace, a new […]


Across Enchanted Lands

Across Enchanted Lands: Universal Motifs in Illustrated Fairy Tales is on display from March 1 through May 30, 2019. The exhibition is free and open to the public, and people of all ages are encouraged to attend.


Food for Fines 2019 runs from March 18 until April 1

Reduce your UBC Library fines by donating non-perishable food items until April 1st.


Rural Routes Podcasts

For those of you in rural or northern communities, or wherever you are for that matter, please note this ongoing series of podcasts. http://ruralroutespodcasts.com/?cat=206 * Many of these could be the starting point for community conversations held at or facilitated by local libraries. Here are summaries of three recent episodes: Rural Media: “Media industry is […]


2018 New Acquisitions

To kick off 2019, UBC’s Music Art and Architecture Library and Rare Books and Special Collections are celebrating the year that was with a selection of 2018 new acquisitions. This exhibit is currently on display in the foyer of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre until February 27, 2019. The exhibition is free and open to the public.


Chapman Learning Commons closed for renovations

The Chapman Learning Commons (CLC) on Level 3 of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre will be closed for renovations starting Wednesday, December 19, 2018.


IKBLC closed from December 28 through December 29

The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre will be closed from Friday, December 28 through Saturday, December 29, 2018 due to a health and safety requirement while the fire alarm control panels are replaced, as part of scheduled maintenance.


24/7 hours at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre

As we head into final exams, the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre will stay open longer to accommodate students and their study schedules. The Learning Centre will be open 24 hours a day from Sunday, December 2 (opening at 6 a.m.) to Tuesday, December 18 (closing at 1 a.m.). Please note that this opening DOES NOT include: Level 1 (the lower level), the Chapman Learning Commons, Music, Art and Architecture Library or Ike’s Cafe.


Indigitization Grant Applications Open

The Indigitization Grant provides financial support to British Columbia Aboriginal communities and organizations for the conversion of audio materials on cassette to uncompressed digital file formats, such as broadcast wave. Application deadline is noon on December 10, 2018


A Millennium Of Mayan Textiles In Chiapas

View Mayan Textiles from Chiapas in the Irving K. Barber Foyer from November 9th to December 18th, 2018.


Irving K. Barber Learning Centre 10th Anniversary Exhibitions

Join us in looking back at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre's past 10 years from August 27 through October 30, 2018 in the IKBLC Level 2 foyer and in Rare Books and Special Collections.


Help the Library understand your needs: join the Library Student Advisory Committee

Applications are being accepted until October 14.


Culture at the Centre

Date: June 15 to August 15, 2018. Location: UBC Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, Level 2 Foyer (1961 East Mall) (map) Hours: Same as the IKBLC building hours (see hours)


Once Upon a Pop-up

Once Upon a Pop-up is on display on level 1 (RBSC reading room) and level 2 (main foyer) of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre from April 11 through May 31, 2018.


24/7 hours at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre

The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre will be open 24 hours a day from Monday, April 9 to Wednesday, April 25.


Nuxalk Radio: One Nation, Many Voices

Date: March 1 to April 3, 2018 Location: UBC Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, Level 2 Foyer (1961 East Mall) (map) Hours: same as the IKBLC building hours (see hours)   Indigenous community radio is a powerful tool. In this exhibition, UBC museum anthropology students worked with Nuxalk Radio in their mission to “Broadcasting the Laws […]


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