Please note that some materials may be unavailable due to mechanical issues with the Library’s automated storage system (ASRS). Please contact us in advance of your visit to confirm that materials are accessible.
Most UBC Library branches on the UBC Vancouver campus, including the RBSC reading room, will reopen September 7, 2021. Reading Room hours for the fall 2021 term will be Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Scheduled class visits will be accommodated outside of public reading room hours.
When visiting, please be aware of UBC’s COVID-19 Campus Rules, including the mandatory wearing of non-medical masks in all indoor public areas.
For those who are unable to come to campus for a visit to the reading room, we will be continuing the RBSC Remote Reading Room service through September 2021, at which time we will reassess continuing the service.
The RBSC Remote Reading Room allows you to consult rare book and archival materials remotely via a document camera. Scheduled sessions take place via Zoom, and an RBSC team member will be on hand to page through materials for you.
Remote Reading Room sessions can be booked for one hour, and patrons may request one rare book or one box of archival materials per session. Patrons can book up to three appointments per month and may request up to 10 image captures (JPG format) during each session. Requests must be submitted 7 business days in advance and sessions are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (PT).
In order to schedule a session and for more details, please see the RBSC Remote Reading Room Request Form.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us through the RBSC contact form or by sending an email to rare.books@ubc.ca or to a specific librarian or archivist.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the reading room!