Guidelines for Outside Group Visits to the
Vancouver Island University Libraries

The Library�s primary mandate is to serve VIU�s students and staff. However, we are pleased to provide Library instruction, as we are able, for groups not registered as students at Vancouver Island University. Please call 740-6151 to make arrangements.

We do ask that you be aware of the following guidelines:

1. Please prepare an assignment for your group that will require the use of Vancouver Island University Library resources. We have found that this greatly enhances the learning value of the Library visit. A librarian may wish to meet with you before you finalize the assignment, to ensure that it works well in our Library (e.g. good examples chosen, appropriate terminology).

2. We regret that we must restrict the booking of library tours or instruction during especially busy periods, most specifically September, October, January, and study and exam periods. Also, we ask that you schedule your visit outside the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, due to the busyness of the Library, equipment, and staff during those hours. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer evening or weekend instruction.

3. Please book your instruction at least 7 days in advance. Should you be unable to keep your booking, please inform your contact librarian immediately.

4. School groups are limited to grades 11 and 12. It is essential that visits be arranged through your teacher-librarians, and that assignments be discussed in advance with the scheduled librarian.

5. Should any of your group require a Library Card, please make arrangements with Loan staff prior to your visit (740-6330).

While we do our best to accommodate your visit, we may be obliged to cancel your instruction due to unexpected staff shortages. Please accept our apologies.