What is this resource?
The Guide to the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre for Neurodivergent Students 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.
Find information on:
- How to use library services
- Accessibility resources at UBC Library
- Sensory environments at UBC Library
- Etiquette and behaviour expectations in library spaces
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.
Sensory Experiences in IKBLC
We have listed spaces in IKBLC according to categories related to sensory experiences of the space: noise levels, lighting, scents, and crowdedness.
- 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
- Need help figuring out which study space works best for you? Take our study spaces self-assessment quiz.
- Need directions? Ask us at the Chapman Learning Commons Help Desk on Level 3, IKBLC.
To view photos of these spaces and learn about key features, visit our study spaces page. Information about study spaces in other UBC Libraries can be found on our Group & Silent Study Spaces page.
Noise Expectations in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
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.
Collaborative/Group Work Areas 👯♀️
Here you can talk freely with friends, study partners, or on calls. Group work areas in IKBLC include:
- Seating throughout Level 1
- Seating throughout Level 2
- Qualicum Reading Room on Level 3 (across from the main stairwell)
- Hallway seating on Level 3
- Seating throughout Level 4, including the Golden Jubilee Room
- Cafeteria-style area on Level 2, near DaBao eatery (previously 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.
Typically Quiet Spaces 🤫
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, IKBLC
This area with stained glass windows is one of the most popular study spaces in IKBLC. 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.
This area features large tables with individual lamps and power outlets installed, as well as public workstations with PC and Mac computers.
Level 3, Music, Art & Architecture Library
Level 3, IKBLC
Conversation is allowed on Level 3 of the MAA Library, located inside IKBLC. There are individual study cubicles as well as window bar seating. 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.
Strictly Silent Spaces 🙊
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.
Information about silent study spaces in other UBC Libraries can be found on our Group & Silent Study Spaces page.
Musqueam Reading Room
Level 4, IKBLC
Signage at the entrances of the room indicates that this is a silent study space. The room does not permit talking, loud food wrappers, or loud typing. This room features large tables which seat multiple people, as well as tables facing the room walls.
Naas Reading Room
Level 4, IKBLC
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 IKBLC
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, and the individual carrels on Level 4 allow for privacy.
Level 4, Music, Art & Architecture Library
MAA Library, Level 4 IKBLC
Signage posted throughout Level 4 indicates that the entire floor is a quiet study area, with minimal quiet conversation allowed. This floor features multiple types of seating, including window seating and individual study carrels. No food is allowed in this area.
Private or Bookable Spaces 🗝️
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
- Study Rooms on Levels 3 and 4 of Music, Art & Architecture, inside IKBLC
Need to book a room? Search for spaces to book.
Lighting in IKBLC
Warm/Natural Light ☀️
These areas all feature large windows which allow natural light to enter the space.
Musqueam Reading Room
Level 4, IKBLC
Large windows allow plenty of natural light into this silent study space. Signage at the entrances of the room indicates that this is a silent study space. The room does not permit talking, loud food wrappers, or loud typing. This room features large tables which seat multiple people, as well as tables facing the room walls.
Naas Reading Room
Level 4, IKBLC
Large windows along one side of this room allow lots of natural light to enter. 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 IKBLC
Floor to ceiling windows in the Ridington Room allow lots of natural light to enter. 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, and the individual carrels on Level 4 allow for privacy.
Controllable Light 🕹️
These spaces feature desk lamps that can be turned on and off at the user’s discretion.
Heritage Core
Level 3, IKBLC
This area with stained glass windows is one of the most popular study spaces in IKBLC. 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.
This area features large tables with individual lamps and power outlets installed, as well as public workstations with PC and Mac computers.
Ridington Room
MAA Library, Level 3 & 4 IKBLC
The Level 3 group tables have lamps (which can be turned on and off) and power outlets. 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, and the individual carrels on Level 4 allow for privacy.
Dim Lighting 🌨️
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, IKBLC
This area with stained glass windows is one of the most popular study spaces in IKBLC. 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.
This area features large tables with individual lamps and power outlets installed, as well as public workstations with PC and Mac computers
Level 1, IKBLC
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.
Bright Artificial Light 💡
In these areas, overhead lighting is very bright or fluorescent.
DaBao Eatery (Previously Ike’s Cafe)
Level 2, IKBLC
The cafeteria-style area near DaBao, previously Ike’s Cafe. While there is lots of natural light from windows, the overhead lighting is bright and flourescent. The walls in this area are painted yellow, adding to the area’s brightness.
Level 3, Music, Art & Architecture Library
Level 3, IKBLC
Flourescent lighting is present throughout Level 3 of MAA. Conversation is allowed on Level 3 of the MAA Library, located inside IKBLC. There are individual study cubicles as well as window bar seating. 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.
Level 4, Music, Art & Architecture Library
MAA Library, Level 4 IKBLC
Flourescent lighting is present throughout Level 4 of MAA. Signage posted throughout Level 4 indicates that the entire floor is a quiet study area, with minimal quiet conversation allowed. This floor features multiple types of seating, including window seating and individual study carrels. No food is allowed in this area.
Scent Expectations in IKBLC
Fragrance-Free Spaces 🛁
Musqueam Reading Room
Level 4, IKBLC
Signage at the entrances of the room indicates that this is a silent study space. The room does not permit personal fragrances or fragrant food, talking, loud food wrappers, or loud typing. This room features large tables which seat multiple people, as well as tables facing the room walls.
Smelly Spaces 👃
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.
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.
Busy Levels in IKBLC
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. There’s no guarantee that you’ll find a study spot, unless you book a group study room in advance.
The busiest areas of the building are the Level 2 seats, the Level 3 study areas (Qualicum Room, the Heritage Core, and hallway seating), and the Level 4 study area (Golden Jubilee room).
Accessible and Less-Trafficked Washrooms
These washrooms are either designated for people with disabilities, or they are located in low-traffic areas with less crowdedness, smell, and noise.
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. The designated disabled washroom on level 2, which is equipped with a specialized lift and harness, can be accessed by contacting Centre for Accessibility.
Less-trafficked:
- Washrooms 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 library user can open the door.
Helpful Services at UBC Library
UBC Library’s Disability Access Guide includes information about directions and access information for each branch.
Technology & Equipment
The Chapman Learning Commons, along with some other UBC Library branches such as Koerner Library, Education Library, and Woodward Library, offer technology for borrowing. This service is free of charge for UBC students, and your UBC Card functions as your library card.
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.
See more details and check for item availability on the Borrowing Equipment page of the Learning Commons website.
Below are some of the options available:
- Digital Voice Recorder: Discrete, small voice recorders.
- Zoom Recorder: High quality audio. Heavier and bulkier than a digital voice recorder.
Many of the UBC Library spaces are collaborative areas where noise is an expectation.
At the Chapman Learning Commons, you can borrow Audio Technica, Neewer, and Sony headphones. These all require a headphone jack, so you may need an adapter to use these with your phone. Check for item availability on our borrowing equipment page.
You can always ask for free earplugs at the Chapman Learning Commons help desk as well as at many of the other branches of UBC Library. These are single-use, disposable earplugs that are helpful at blocking noise, especially if there are events happening or construction.
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.
University Skills Help
The Chapman Learning Commons offers student-created online resources to help you navigate university. We also offer workshops & events on these topics and more.
Time Management ⏰
To learn more about yourself in terms of time management, take our time management self-assessment.
Time Management Techniques:
Below is the introductory video to our Time Management toolkit. Explore the full tutorial on the Chapman Learning Commons website.
Focusing 👁️
The below video on how to focus gives concrete tips on how to create a positive working environment, targeting distractions, brain fog, and stress. Explore the full tutorial on the CLC website.
Working in Groups 👬
Below is a video to get you started with working in groups. Visit the full tutorial created by Chapman Learning Commons peer advisors to learn more about setting group expectations and navigating group conflict.
Reframing Learning Challenges 📚
Watch the video below and explore the full tutorial on reframing learning challenges. This includes peer-to-peer advice on dealing with low grades and reframing negative thoughts.
Appointment Anxiety 😬
The video below gives student tips on how to manage and overcome anxiety related to appointments, from academic advising to mental health appointments.
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, 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.
The Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication offers workshops each term on citation practices, writing abstracts, elevating your academic writing, and more. Browse the full catalogue of events on the UBC Library events calendar.
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 borrow equipment?
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 for help. We are happy to assist and will be glad you asked.
How do I borrow a book or item?
Bring the book to the check-out desk at the library branch from which you retrieved the book. The desks are usually located at the entrance to the branch in a visible, central location.
Hand the item to the staff member at the desk for them to process and check out for you. You will need to have your UBC student ID card with you to authorize the borrowing. You can also borrow items using the digital version of your UBC card.
The library staff member will tell you when the item is due and provide a receipt that displays the date.
How do I return a book or item?
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 person 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.
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?
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.
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?
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 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?
For the full list of places to get help at UBC Library, see ask.library.ubc.ca
I need to stretch, stim, or move my body. Where is the best place to do that?
There are a few options available.
- If you prefer privacy, bookable rooms are a great place to study in where you can also move around freely. Bookable rooms usually have a small window on the door or glass windows, so folks 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.
- If you have 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.
Share your Feedback
If you have any additions or changes you would like to see made to this page, please fill out our Chapman Learning Commons Feedback Survey.
We also welcome feedback on the accessibility of our services and spaces, and how we can make adjustments to best suit our patrons’ needs.
