Introduction
This guide contains information on accessible spaces and resources relevant to neurodivergent students’ needs. Our goal is to provide clear information so your visits to the library can be accommodating, accessible, and enjoyable.
Click through the tabs to find information on sensory environments, behaviour expectations, accessibility services at IKB.
About IKBLC
- Need help with finding your way in IKBLC?
- Our wayfinding page allows users to locate rooms on a map of IKBLC.
- Click on “Study Spaces” to open a colour-coded map displaying group, quiet, and silent study areas.
- To view photos of these spaces and learn about key features, visit our Study Spaces page.
- Our wayfinding page allows users to locate rooms on a map of IKBLC.
- Need help figuring out which study space works best for you?
- Take our study spaces self-assessment quiz.
- Need more detailed directions?
- Ask us at the Chapman Learning Commons Help Desk on Level 3, IKBLC, or email us at clc.assistants@ubc.ca.
About This Guide
This guide was created by UBC iSchool student Celia Hagey in collaboration with Chapman Learning Commons staff. Much of the information is focused on the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. This guide is a work in progress.
If you have any additions or changes you would like to see made to this page, please send us an email at clc.assistants@ubc.ca. We also welcome feedback on the accessibility of our services and spaces, and how we can make adjustments to best suit our patrons’ needs.
Sensory Experiences
We have listed spaces in IKBLC according to categories related to sensory experiences of the space: noise levels, lighting, scents, and crowdedness.
To view photos of these spaces and learn about key features, visit our Study Spaces page.
| Noise | Lighting | Scent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Floor Learning Concourse | Loud & collaborative | Dim lighting | May have smells coming from washroom |
| DaBao (formerly Ike’s Cafe) | Loud & collaborative | Bright overhead lighting with some natural light | May have lots of smells from kitchen and dining area |
| 2nd Floor Learning Concourse | Loud & collaborative | Bright artificial light | May have smells coming from washroom |
| IKB Study Rooms (Level 1 & 2) | Private & bookable | Bright overhead lighting | Level 2 rooms are adjacent to DaBao and may have smells coming from kitchen and dining area |
| Qualicum Reading Room (Level 3) | Loud & collaborative | Bright overhead lighting with some natural light | |
| Heritage Core (Level 3) | Typically quiet | Dim lighting with controllable lamps | |
| Level 3 of Music, Art & Architecture Library | Typically quiet | Bright artificial light | Food is not permitted |
| Level 4 of Music, Art & Architecture Library | Strictly silent | Bright artificial light | Food is not permitted |
| Ridington Room (MAA Level 3+4) | Strictly silent | Warm & natural light with controllable lamps | Food is not permitted |
| MAA Study Rooms (Level 3 & 4) | Private & bookable | Warm & natural light | |
| Golden Jubilee Room (Level 4) | Loud & collaborative | Bright overhead lighting with some natural light | |
| Musqueam Reading Room (Level 4) | Strictly silent | Warm & natural light | Fragrance-free |
| Naas Reading Room (Level 4) | Strictly silent | Warm & natural light |
Click through the accordions below to learn more about each category.
Noise Expectations
Contrary to representations of libraries you may have grown up seeing, UBC libraries do not require you to be silent in all library spaces. Different spaces will have different rules and expectations for behaviour. In some spaces, signage clearly states the noise expectations of a space. In other cases, there are no clear signs about noise expectations. In those cases, we have tried to outline the general expectation created by students using the area.
Here you can talk freely with friends, study partners, or be in calls. Group work areas in IKBLC include:
- 1st Floor Learning Concourse
- 2nd Floor Learning Concourse
- Qualicum Reading Room on Level 3
- Golden Jubilee Room on Level 4
- DaBao (formerly Ike’s Cafe)
These areas work for folks who are comfortable in loud spaces, with environmental noise present, including from washrooms, others talking, and people passing through the space. We have also found students enjoy these spaces because they feel surrounded by others who are also studying or focusing, and can find it motivational.
These are spaces which do not necessarily have signage about noise level expectations, meaning silence is not enforced. However, students typically use these as quiet spaces and there is usually minimal noise.
- Heritage Core (Level 3)
- This area is one of the most popular study spaces in IKBLC, featuring beautiful stained glass windows, large tables with individual lamps and power outlets installed, as well as public PC & Mac workstations.
- While not a strictly silent space, the general atmosphere encourages a quiet environment, and most students use this space to work quietly, typically wearing headphones.
- Occasional conversation may be heard, and the adjacent event rooms, Dodson and Peña, may cause noise to bleed through into the space.
- Level 3 of Music, Art & Architecture Library
- This space contains individual study cubicles as well as window bar seating.
- Although conversation is allowed, students typically use these areas for individual study, making it a generally quiet space.
- The Ridington Room, a strictly silent study space, is also located on Level 3 of the MAA Library.
These are spaces where signage makes it clear that this is a silent area. Students are generally respectful of the silent atmosphere, and library staff can be informed if patrons are not following noise expectations in these areas.
- Musqueam Reading Room (Level 4)
- This room does not permit talking, loud food wrappers, or loud typing.
- It features large tables which seat multiple people, as well as tables facing the room walls.
- Naas Reading Room (Level 4)
- Signage at the entrance of the room indicates that this is a silent study space, however adjacent classrooms may cause some noise to enter the area.
- This room features individual study carrels as well as window seating in high chairs.
- Ridington Room (MAA Library, Level 3 & 4)
- Signage at the entrance of this room indicates that this is a silent study space.
- No food is allowed in the Music, Art & Architecture Library.
- Shared tables allow you to study near others on Level 3, and the individual carrels on Level 4 allow for privacy.
- Level 4 of Music, Art & Architecture Library
- Signage posted throughout Level 4 indicates that the entire floor is a quiet study area, with minimal quiet conversation allowed.
- No food is allowed in the Music, Art & Architecture Library.
- This floor features multiple types of seating, including window seating and individual study carrels.
Bookable study rooms always have a door that can be closed. This means that you are free to have group meetings, talk, and otherwise make noise. You can also choose to use these rooms for silent work.
These rooms are not sound-buffered, so noise may escape the room and enter the room even with the door shut.
- Study rooms on Levels 1 and 2 of IKBLC
- These rooms are available when the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre is open and must be vacated 15 minutes prior to closing.
- Book a study room located in the lower floors of IKB.
- Study rooms on Levels 3 and 4 of MAA
- These rooms are available when the Music, Art & Architecture Library is open and must be vacated 30 minutes prior to closing.
- Book a study room located in MAA..
Watch the video below to learn how to book a study room.
Lighting
Different spaces in IKBLC will have different levels and modes of lighting depending on which light fixtures and windows are available in the space.
These areas all feature large windows which allow natural light to enter the space.
- Golden Jubilee Room (Level 4)
- This collaborative study space features floor-to-ceiling windows that allow lots of natural light to enter.
- Musqueam Reading Room (Level 4)
- Large windows allow plenty of natural light into this silent study space.
- Naas Reading Room (Level 4)
- Large windows along one side of this room allow ample natural light to enter.
- Ridington Room (MAA Library, Level 3 & 4)
- Floor to ceiling windows in the Ridington Room allow lots of natural light to enter.
These spaces feature desk lamps that can be turned on and off at the user’s discretion.
- Heritage Core (Level 3)
- This area features large shared tables with individual lamps.
- Ridington Room (MAA Library, Level 3 & 4)
- The Level 3 group tables have lamps (which can be turned on and off) and power outlets.
In these areas, lighting is typically dim with some artificial light. This includes darker areas in IKBLC and spaces without natural lighting.
- Heritage Core (Level 3)
- Although the Heritage Core features beautiful large stained glass windows, not much natural lighting enters the room.
- This area also features large shared tables with individual lamps.
- 1st Floor Learning Concourse
- The first floor (basement level) of IKBLC has minimal natural light, and overhead lighting is designed to be minimal.
- Dark grey walls add to the dim lighting in this area.
In these areas, overhead lighting is very bright or fluorescent.
- DaBao (formerly Ike’s Cafe)
- While there is lots of natural light from the windows, the overhead lighting is bright and fluorescent.
- The walls in this area are painted yellow, adding to the area’s brightness.
- Level 3 and 4 of Music, Art & Architecture Library
- Fluorescent lighting is present throughout Level 4 of MAA, with minimal natural light.
Scent Expectations
Most spaces in IKBLC are not scent-free. Some areas where smells may be more prominent include:
- Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 in hallways near washrooms.
- Level 2 near Da Bao, the eatery in IKBLC (previously Ike’s Cafe).
- This cafeteria-style area will have lots of smells coming from the kitchen and eating area.
Musqueam Reading Room
The Musqueam Reading Room is the only fragrance-free space within IKBLC. The room does not permit personal fragrances or fragrant food, talking, loud food wrappers, or loud typing.
Signage at the entrances of the room indicates that this is a silent study space. This room features large tables which seat multiple people, as well as tables facing the room walls.
Food Expectations
Food is allowed on all levels of IKBLC except in the Musqueam Reading Room, and inside the Music, Art & Architecture Library (Levels 3 and 4 of IKBLC). This means many folks will bring snacks or lunch to IKBLC, which may impact smells in the space.
Business Levels
The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre is an in-demand space, with classrooms, event rooms, meeting rooms, and group study rooms, as well as collaborative study areas. Depending on the time of year, the building may be close to full with few seats available throughout the day, especially around midterm and finals season. There’s no guarantee that you’ll find a study spot, unless you book a group study room in advance.
The busiest areas in IKBLC are:
- 2nd Floor Learning Concourse
- Level 3 study areas (Qualicum Room, Heritage Core, and hallway seating)
- Golden Jubilee room on Level 4
Accessible and Less-Trafficked Washrooms
- Washrooms are located on all levels near the elevators.
- Each washroom has a modified stall, although they are not labelled.
- The accessible and gender-inclusive single stall washrooms are located on levels 1, 3, and 4, near the washrooms, and can be accessed by contacting the Centre for Accessibility.
- The designated disabled washroom on level 2, which is equipped with a specialized lift and harness, can be accessed by contacting the Centre for Accessibility.
- The less-trafficked washroom is located on the second floor through the glass doors to the CTLT (Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Technology)
- This facility is quieter with fewer people using it due to it being behind the door. During hours when CTLT is open, any IKBLC patron can open the door.
Movement & Stimming
If you need to recharge, stim, or move your body, there are a few options available.
- If you prefer privacy, bookable rooms are a great place to study where you can also move around freely.
- Please note that bookable rooms usually have a small window on the door or glass windows, so people walking past may be able to see inside.
- If privacy is not a concern, feel free to use areas with a higher noise level, such as collaborative areas.
- The CLC Help Desk (located on Level 3 of IKBLC) has a NeuroTool Kit available to borrow with a wide variety of fidget toys and other study tools.
- If you are using stim toys that make noise, it’s best to use these in areas where noise and collaboration are an expectation.
- The treadmill desk station on Level 3 of IKBLC (in the Qualicum Reading Room) is a great way to study while moving your body.
Using Library Services: What to Expect
Are you neurodivergent? Do you love having detailed information about the layout and procedures you will encounter in a public space? Does it help you to have “steps” or a “script” for how to do certain things? If so, these guides may help the library building and its services feel more approachable to you.
You can also view the full list of UBC Library services and user guides on our services page.
How do I find a book on the shelves?
If you search for a book on the UBC Library website, you will see a series of letters and numbers attached to the title. This is the Library of Congress call number.
The call number tells you where to locate the book within the stacks at the library. It will look this on your screen:
To understand how to interpret the call number, you can review this guide: Reading Call Numbers Handout
If you are having trouble finding your book, you can always ask a library staff member at the Help Desk. We are happy to assist and will be glad you asked.
How do I return a book or item?
Returning a book:
Look for labeled return slots near the entrance to the library where you can place the book. Alternatively, you can give the book to the staff member at the Help Desk and they will check it in for you by scanning the barcode on the book.
Most books can be returned at any of the UBC Library branches and will be transferred to the correct branch after you’ve returned it. If a book must be returned to the same library from where it was borrowed, there will be a sticker/label indicating this on the book.
Returning an item:
All equipment and technology must be returned to the same branch from where it was borrowed. Bring back the item to the Help Desk where you borrowed it before the due date and time. The staff member helping you will check that the item is in good condition, scan the barcode, and let you know if there are any late fees on equipment.
I need help finding sources for an assignment. Where do I access help?
For the full list of places to get help at UBC Library, see ask.library.ubc.ca.
Librarians
Librarians are here to help you with your research. Each library branch has a subject speciality, but you can ask for help at any of the Help desks (sometimes called a Circulation Desk or Reference Desk). If it’s not the best place to get help, you’ll be referred to the appropriate library or subject librarian.
For all subjects and for general library-related questions, you can also utilize AskAway, an online chat service staffed by human librarians across BC. Simply start a chat and ask the librarian for help finding information sources, citing sources, and more. Librarians will walk you through how to use databases, create searches, and find relevant sources.
Here are some examples of the questions librarians can answer via AskAway:
- Can I access this article for free through the Library?
- What is a peer-reviewed article?
- Is this website a good university-level source?
- Where do I search for peer-reviewed articles?
- Where can I find articles for my nursing, or engineering, or chemistry, or sociology assignment?
- Does the UBC Library have this ebook available?
- How do I cite this article?
- In APA or MLA, how do I cite a webpage with no publication date?
Subject Librarians
Subject librarians are assigned to specific faculties and have expertise in researching for specific disciplines. They also are familiar with the common assignments in your subject area, purchase books in specific subject areas, and develop research guides to help get you started. You can search for specific subjects and contact a librarian through the employee directory. You can email, phone, or book an appointment with a librarian.
Here are some examples of the types of questions subject librarians can answer:
- Where can I find articles and books for my [insert course name] assignments?
- When and how do I cite properly to make sure that I avoid plagiarism?
- I am looking for statistics to support an argument in my paper. Where can I find those?
- I need to find primary sources and I haven’t looked for those before. Can you help? Or, I’m looking for a source that my instructor mentioned, but I can’t find it.
- I have a really specific assignment in which I have to find a peer-viewed paper of a longitudinal study related to a topic covered in my course. Where do I search for something like that?
- I need to write a literature review and I am not sure where to start my research and how to keep track of it all. Can you help?
- How do I find the kind of sources my Professor is expecting me to use? Should I start my research on Google, or use the Library website? What counts as a good university-level source?
- I am writing a comparative paper and am struggling to find opposing viewpoints, can you suggest different keywords?
Library Tutorials
For more information about library resources, please check out the Library Skill Tutorials to learn how to find sources, evaluate sources, and do citations.
Accessibility Services
UBC Library’s Disability Access Guide includes information about directions and access information for each branch.
Technology & Equipment
The Chapman Learning Commons offer a variety of technology for borrowing. This service is free of charge for UBC students.
See more details and check for item availability on the Borrowing Equipment page of the Learning Commons website.
Recording Lectures
The Chapman Learning Commons offers various recording devices which can be used for personal or class projects, as well as for recording lectures. Remember that not all instructors permit recording of their lectures, so it is best to ask for permission first.
These include:
- Digital voice recorder: Discrete, small voice recorders
- Zoom recorder: High quality audio; heavier and bulkier than a digital voice recorder
Headphones & Noise Blockers
Many of the UBC Library spaces are collaborative areas where noise is an expectation.
At the Chapman Learning Commons, you can borrow Audio Technica over the ear headphones. These all require a headphone jack, so you may need an adapter to use these with your phone.
Additionally, you can also always ask for earplugs at the Chapman Learning Commons Help Desk. These are single-use, disposable earplugs that are helpful at blocking noise, especially if there are events happening or construction.
Other Equipment
The Chapman Learning Commons has lots of equipment to help meet your needs while at UBC. Loan times and late fees vary by item.
Some highlights are below:
- Laptops & iPads
- Laptop chargers
- Wireless keyboards and mice
- Assorted Cameras: DSLRs, Point and Shoot, Camcorders, and Film
- Tripods and camera/phone stabilizers
- Lighting kits for photography
- Adapters, Projectors, and Projector Screens
- Microphones and Podcasting Equipment
- External CD/DVD Drives
- Scissors, calculators, whiteboard markets, and rulers
Browse the full list of equipment by category on our Borrow Equipment page.
Writing Help
The Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication offers writing consultations and workshops to help you excel in academic writing.
Through one-on-one writing consultations (either in-person or virtually with written feedback), you can receive peer feedback on your academic writing. Learn more about what types of feedback you can receive and how to book on the CWSC website.
University Skills Help
Student Toolkits
The Chapman Learning Commons offers student-created online resources to help you navigate university. These toolkits allow you to explore essential learning skills and resources for academic success inside and outside of the classroom, such as:
- Wellness & Personal Development
- Learn how to balance your student life and personal growth in terms of time management, personal wellbeing, motivation, goal setting, growing grit, and more.
- Academic Integrity & Citations
- Review resources for effectively crediting work and mastering copyright for any school or personal work.
- Research, Assignments & Group Work
- Improve the quality of your learning assignments with our toolkits focused on projects, textbooks, writing, presentations, note-taking, and cheat sheets.
- University Essential Skills
- Check out the skills endorsed by your fellow peers to thrive at UBC and beyond.
Each toolkit contains a short video, interactive activities and worksheets to reflect and apply your learning, and external resources for further exploration.
Workshops & Events
The Chapman Learning Commons also offers workshops & events on the topics covered by our toolkits, as well as collaborative events with other UBC Library departments.
Browse through our different workshop options with the carousel below, or review our Workshop Guide.
