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Curriculum Laboratory

The Curriculum Laboratory is situated at the northwest corner on the main (third) floor of the Library immediately beyond the audio-visual collection. Tables and chairs are arranged alongside a window with a view of the Education building. The Lab contains a myriad of resources that support the Teacher Education Program, such as: 

  • more than 14,000 books and audio-visual items including videos and compact discs, all interfiled on the shelves;
  • about 90 periodical titles comprised mainly of journals and newsletters from the British Columbia teachers' specialist associations;
  •  nearly 500 Fastback pamphlets on teaching topics from Phi Delta Kappa ;
  • about 180 special oversize items composed of kits, posters (art, science etc.), large storybooks, globes, musical instruments and maps;
  • over 400 reference titles;
  • almost 800 Lesson Aids from the British Columbia Teacher's Federation.  

The loan period for most items is 14 days, renewable once for another 14 days. The Reference materials and the periodicals do not circulate.

Special arrangements are made for students requiring extended loans while on practicum. It is imperative that students keep their email addresses updated with the Education Faculty office. The Education Librarian, Jennifer Brownlow, sends details by email to each group of students in advance of practicum.  Notices are posted in the Faculty office and other areas. Anyone without email should contact Jennifer by phone at 250.740.6335 to make arrangements.

To search for materials in the Curriculum Laboratory ONLY, click here for instructions.

The Library subscribes to many databases, several of which are specific to Education. These may be found under the Education subheading in the Articles & databases  link under "Search for Resources". Off-campus users will need a Library PIN to permit remote access to the databases. Anyone needing help with searching is advised to consult the "Guides & tutorials", also found under "Search for Resources".

Students are reminded that additional education materials are located in the regular book stacks, the periodical/microfilm area, the government publications area, the main audio-visual collection and the main reference area. Information about these materials is accessible via the online catalogue through the Library's online catalogue found at http://www.viu.ca/library/  Go to the column headed "Search for Resources", then click on "Books & other materials" or "Library catalogue".

Students who would like special assistance finding materials should check with the Reference Desk, or ask for Jennifer Brownlow. In some cases, it may be better to schedule an appointment with Jennifer in advance via email to Jennifer.Brownlow@viu.ca  or by phone at 250.740.6335.