Who we are
As the university’s academic commons, the University of Victoria Libraries & Art Collections are a hub of transformation. We provide physical and digital spaces, expertise and access to knowledge. We have the convening power to accelerate learning and research and build intellectual community. We are a catalyst for innovation and creativity, critical for student success and for bridging research silos across the university. We weave together a connective fabric of relationships that encompasses the whole campus community in a way that no one else can.
Welcome to UVic Libraries!
Our people
University Librarian
Library executive
Our executive team provides leadership, facilitates communication and decision making, and acts as an advisory group to the University Librarian.
Director, Kula: Library Futures Academy Libraries
Office: 410 huculak@uvic.ca 250-472-4970
Associate University Librarian, Advanced Research Services Libraries
Office: A318a skhair@uvic.ca 250-721-8238
Associate University Librarian, Engagement & Learning Libraries
Office: A235 kemunro@uvic.ca 250-721-6161
Director, Collections & Digital Infrastructure Libraries
Office: 244 dseeman@uvic.ca 250-721-8284
Director, Special Collections & University Archivist Libraries
Office: A005b ljwilson@uvic.ca 250-472-4480
Librarians and staff
Approximately 125 librarians and library staff support student learning, faculty research and instruction, and community access.
University Art Collections
After years of consultation and planning, in late 2024 the Legacy Art Galleries merged with UVic Libraries. This exciting development unites our complementary collections to better support research, teaching and community access. The merger reflects a growing trend of partnerships between galleries, libraries, museums and archives. It offers rich opportunities for future collaboration.
The move of the University Art Collections into the Libraries is an ongoing effort. Look for more digital and physical integration in the months ahead. We’re excited for this new chapter in the dynamic history of UVic Libraries!
Facts & figures (2024–25)
1,215,865 in-person visits
677,177 website visits
86,650 desk transactions
74,117 items loaned
7,292 research help appointments
786 instruction sessions
2,765,848 books in our electronic collection
1,677,002 titles in our print collection
2,610 metres of archival material
19,000 works in the art collection
Our policies
These statements clarify both what we expect from library users and what you can expect from us. Topics include patron conduct, library staff conduct, resource access and use of library spaces.
Our commitments
Decolonization
We recognize that colonization and associated attitudes, policies and institutions have significantly changed Indigenous Peoples’ relationship with this land. For many years, those same things served to exclude Indigenous students from higher education.
As colonial organizations, libraries and other cultural heritage institutions have additionally caused harm through the marginalization of Indigenous knowledge and extractive collection practices. Together, we are working to decolonize our collections and our practices. Grounding ourselves in the future helps us to prioritize work that will persist and continue to transform over time.
Read about our decolonization projects.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
UVic Libraries actively promotes and supports equity, diversity and inclusion on campus. We work towards fostering an inclusive hub on campus that upholds the values of equity and diversity in all our interactions.
Read our Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Open access
UVic Libraries and our librarians, archivists and staff are committed to open access scholarship and ensuring barrier-free access to scholarly content to the broadest possible community to increase its visibility, usage and impact.
Read our Open Access Statement of Commitment.
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)
GenAI tools have wide-reaching implications for how our users create and discover knowledge, and how we collect, organize and preserve it.
UVic Libraries is actively engaged in learning about GenAI tools. We can help you use them safely and ethically in your learning, study and work at UVic.
Browse all our GenAI workshops.
Academic integrity
UVic Libraries aligns with UVic’s institutional policies for academic integrity. We support academic integrity practices and strive to model these practices. We can also provide information and advice to support your pursuit of academic integrity.