UBCBulletin Updates for leadership

COVID–19 — Temporary closures of library facilities at UBC

This message was sent to executive, deans and other senior academic leaders, academic heads, directors and managers and senior professional leaders in Vancouver and the Okanagan.

20 March, 2020

As you are already aware, UBC continues to navigate its response to COVID-19 and support social distancing protocols across our campuses and other learning sites.

In light of this, we have made the decision to close all UBC Library branches and cease loaning physical books on both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses effective Friday, March 20 at 5:00pm. Closures will remain in effect until April 6, at which time the situation will be reassessed.

We recognize that this may raise concerns about the impact of these closures, however, UBC Library is committed to serving faculty, students and staff during this time. While physical locations are closed, the library will continue to assist the UBC community in their teaching, learning and research.

Librarian support will still be available through a variety of methods including email, telephone and video consultations. To view a list of Subject Librarians with expertise in specific areas and to schedule an appointment, go here.

We will also prioritize access to our online collections, search tools, databases, publisher resources, and will work to provide electronic versions of materials that users require.

Under these circumstances, we want you to know that you have our commitment to support and continue to provide Library services to students, faculty and staff, as best as we can.

To learn more about the latest updates to library services, visit:


Susan E. Parker
University Librarian

Heather Berringer
Chief Librarian and Associate Provost, Learning Services, UBC Okanagan


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