Quick guide to UVic Libraries
This information is for Springshare Academic Cooperative providers. All resources linked in this guide can be shared directly with chat users.
Library homepage
Library branches
There are 2 libraries at UVic:
- McPherson Library (referred to as "the library" or “Main”)
- Diana M. Priestly Law Library (referred to “Priestly” or “Law”)
(Note: The Fraser Building, which houses the Priestly Library, is under construction. There may be detours posted on-site.)
Accessibility services at UVic Libraries
Service hours
- Hours & locations, maps, directions
- Parking
- Safewalk program (Campus Security)
Library policies
- Library policies
- Borrowing
- My Library Account
- Renewals
- Holds/Recalls
- Interlibrary loan
- ReQuest (for faculty/instructors only)
- Loan periods
- Loan policy
- Library fines (Note: UVic Libraries is fine-free for regular loans. Course reserves, media equipment, interlibrary loans, and recalled items are still subject to overdue fines.)
- Library cards
- Suggest a title for purchase
Alumni/External borrowers
Bookdrop/After hours book return
McPherson Library: Bookdrop is located on the outside wall to the right of the main entrance.
Priestly Library: No after hours book return available.
Library floor plans
Washrooms
McPherson:
- Lower level
- Main floor (in BiblioCafe; gender-inclusive)
- 2nd floor
- 3rd floor
Priestly:
- Washrooms located in the Fraser Building (some are gender-inclusive)
Gender-inclusive washrooms across campus
Phone numbers
- McPherson Library: 250-721-8230
- Priestly Library: 250-721-8565
Study spaces
- askus@uvic.ca (General email inquiries. All emails to this address get triaged)
(Note: Research help appointments can be made online. Choose a specific librarian or talk to the next available librarian.)
SMS/Text support
- Text us @ 778-718-5745
(Monitored Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm)
Technical help
- UVic
- eduroam (Campus visitors from other post-secondary institutions)
- Network status updates
- Printing and copying
- Wireless printing
- File storage
Technical Help LibGuide (Libraries)
- Duo/Multi-factor authentication
- Netlink ID setup
- Netlink ID Support
Course reserves
Integrated into BrightSpace (UVic’s learning management system for students).
Instructors can email reserves@uvic.ca for support or refer to the instructors’ instructors' guide to course reserves.
Physical reserve items are shelved on the main floor of the McPherson Library behind the Ask Us Desk. Print materials for law courses can be found at the Priestly Library.
Library Search
Indexes & databases
Database authentication
Research help
- Ask Us page (contains all access points for library help and research help)
- Find a subject librarian. Patrons can also book an appointment with the next available librarian or a specific librarian.
- Citation help (students who need more support can book an appointment with a librarian)
- LibGuides at UVic
E-journals
Learning Commons
The Learning Commons is located on the main floor of the McPherson Library. Partner websites are listed below. They contain information about hours, drop-in services, and workshops.
- CAC homepage (The Centre for Academic Communication or CAC. Students may refer to this unit as the CAC.)
- Book an appointment with a CAC tutor
- Writing tips from the CAC (Text- and video-based resources to improve your writing)
- Academic Advising
- Co-op and career
- Math & Statistics Assistance Centre
- Physics Help
- UVic Innovation Centre (also called Coast Capital Innovation Centre or Coast Capital)
- UVic Learn (A hub for student learning resources, including writing, studying, and more)
Generative AI guidelines
At UVic, the instructor decides what is permissible and how AI tools may be used in the classroom. The advice is always to "ask your instructor/check your syllabus." Any usage must be "with permission of instructor." Any usage must also be cited and in keeping with UVic’s overall Academic Integrity Policy.
- UVic Position Statement on Generative AI
- UVic Academic Integrity page for students
- UVic Libraries LibGuide on Scholarly Use of AI Tools