Reference Services
Contact Reference Staff
- by phone:
250-740-6151 
Library Instruction:
Nanaimo Campus
Assistance in using the Library is available from a team of trained librarians and staff. Librarians are on the Reference Desk during the following hours:
September - April
- Monday through Thursday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
May - August*
- Monday - Tuesday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Wednesday - Friday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Outside these hours, staff at the Service Desk provide a more limited Reference service.
In addition to in-person assistance, questions may be asked by:
- telephone - 740-6151 or if on campus, use local 6151
- e-mail to the individual specialist librarians or
- e-mail to the Ask-a-Librarian service
The types of help available include using the Catalogue and Article Indexes, using microforms and the microform reader-printers, finding brief factual materials, online searching of the Internet, and referral to other agencies that may be able to supply the required information.
The Reference Librarians are always pleased to welcome your suggestions for improving the Library collection or its services. Please do not hesitate to contact us personally, or additionally if you are faculty, you may make your wishes known through your departmental library committees which meet with the Library Liaisons.
Cowichan Campus
A Reference librarian is available in the Cowichan Library one or two days a week. The Librarian's hours may vary: call 250-746-3517 for hours for the current week. The Library is closed in July and August. At all times Cowichan library staff members are pleased to assist patrons with their reference needs in person or by telephone (746-3517).
Powell River Campus
At all times, Powell River Library staff are pleased to assist patrons with their reference needs in person or by telephone (604-485-8044). Alternatively, Powell River Library users may contact directly via email (edmundse@viu.ca) or telephone (250-740-6330, local 2272), Eileen Edmunds, the librarian in Nanaimo responsible for liaising with the Powell River Campus.
Parksville Campus
All library services are available electronically to patrons at the Parksville Campus. For reference assistance, please contact Eileen Edmunds directly, the librarian in Nanaimo responsible for liaising with the Parksville Campus (edmundse@viu.ca, or telephone 250-740-6330, local 2272).