Access IKBLC

The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre is available to all.  The space is organized to ensure a safe and respectful environment. UBC students, faculty, and staff may access desktop computers, printing, and scanning. Bookable study rooms are also available.

Safety & Space Use Guidelines:

  • Masks are recommended in IKBLC for your safety and the safety of others.

Book a study room in IKBLC

Learn how to book a study room.

There are rooms available in the Irving K Barber Learning Centre on the 1st and 2nd floors. There are also rooms available on the 3rd and 4th floors in the Music, Art & Architecture Library.  These rooms must be reserved ahead of time in order to use.

  • Bookings are made online through the Library Room Booking System.
  • These rooms are available to book for students, faculty, or staff members for: 2 hours per day, 2 times a week, and up to 7 days in advance.
  • All bookable rooms have at least one charging outlet.

Use Policies

To ensure fair access to all users, please observe the following

  • Rooms 192-194 and Rooms 263-266 are available when the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre is open and must be vacated 15 minutes prior to closing. Music, Art and Architecture rooms are available when the Library is open and must be vacated 30 minutes prior to closing
  • Individuals can book up to 2 hours per day, 2 times a week, up to 7 days in advance.
  • Last room booking of the day is 2 hours prior to closing.
  • Rooms are to be used in compliance with the UBC Library Food and Drink Policy.
  • If you have unique academic circumstances that require you to book this room for more than 2 hours or require invigilation (i.e. a UBC exam that is more than 4 hours) with an additional individual in the room, please email ikblc.bookings@ubc.ca to consider your request.

If you have any questions, reach out to ikblc.bookings@ubc.ca

Computers and printers/scanners are available on the 2nd and 3rd floors of IKBLC.

  • Students, faculty, and staff can access our computers with a CWL login.
  • Alumni with a CWL should be able to sign-in to our public computers. Alumni without a CWL will need to follow the prompts on the computer log-in screen in order to sign-up for an Open Athens Account. Photo ID required.
  • Community Users will need to follow the prompts on the computer log-in screen in order to sign-up for an Open Athens Account. Photo ID required.

Materials to sanitize the computers and scanners before and after use are available throughout the Learning Centre. 

We have staff available to assist you with general and tech questions, (including computers, printing, and scanning) during the current business hours of the Chapman Learning Commons Help Desk- located on the 3rd floor of IKBLC. You can find out more information about the Chapman Learning Commons by visiting its website here 

Who can visit IKBLC?  IKBLC is open to everyone- students, faculty, staff, and the general public.

Do I need to book to visit the space? No. Everyone is welcome and booking is no longer required. If you would like to book a private study room please see the directions above.

What safety protocols are in place? The building is monitored by security to ensure the safety of our patrons.

It is very quiet! Do I have to go to a certain place to talk? The only designated quiet study areas are the Musequeam Reading Room on Level 4 and the Ridington Room in the Music, Art and Architecture Library. You may talk in person or via video chat anywhere else in the building, but we encourage our patrons to be respectful of others in the space. We recommend booking a study room in advance for an extended video chat. In addition, Level 1 has a lot of large open space and a large classroom; these spots are also recommended for in-person or video chats.

I need assistance, where can I go? We will have staff available to assist you with general and tech questions, (including computers, printing, and scanning) at the Chapman Learning Commons Help Desk. Our hours are available here.  

How can I get research help? You can visit a Library research help desk during library open hours. Our chat service, AskAway is staffed by UBC Library, but at peak service times or off-hours, you may be connected with a librarian from another academic library.
Subject librarians with expertise in specific subject areas are available to UBC students and instructors for consultations. Once you identify a librarian, you can schedule an appointment with them via email.

Can I borrow a laptop charger or other equipment? Yes! We have laptops, computer chargers, cameras and more. Please visit the Chapman Learning Commons Help Desk to learn more.