The Library and Learning Commons is at the heart of a vibrant, engaging, and exciting experience at Langara. Students continue to visit the physical space and interact with staff in record numbers. The Library strives to keep improving its physical and virtual spaces to best meet the academic needs and habits of library users.
Just the Numbers
| 2016/2017 | 2017/2018 | 2018/2019 | ||||
| Gate Count | 722,645 | 773,262 | 788,209 | |||
| Days Open | 304 | 300 | 305 | |||
| Average Visitors / Day | 2,377 | 2,578 | 2,584 | |||
| Average Open Hours/ Week (Sep - Apr) | 76 | 76 | 76 | |||
| Seating Capacity | 914 | 914 | 941 | |||
| Average Open Hours / Week (Sep - Apr) | 141 | 141 | 141 | |||
The Library once again broke records for the number of visitors using the Library space. While visits in the fall semester increased modestly, the number of visits in the spring semester actually decreased. These numbers were offset by a spike in visitors in the summer semester. 185,722 people visited the Library in the summer semester, an increase of 18% from 2017/18.
As the number of visitors to the Library increases, so too does the demand on the Library's bookable spaces. This year, the Library's group study rooms (8), smart tables (4), and theatre / presentation rooms (2) were reserved for over 1,000 more hours than 2017/18. The largest spike in space bookings occurred in the summer semester, which is also when the Library experienced an increase in visitors compared to previous years.
Staff members took the library outside on July 31 and August 1, 2018, to encourage students to soak up the summer sun, indulge in some cool treats, and select a fun summer read.
Library staff member Louise Reid introduces new international students to the Library's resources and services in August 2018.
Staff members welcomed students back to campus on September 4-5, 2018, with an open house that featured contests, candy, free books, and tips and tricks for using the Library and Writing Centre!
The Library and the Langara Makerspace partnered to celebrate Science Literacy Week (September 17 - 23, 2018) with a mini-makerspace in the Library lobby. The two-day event featured 3D printing demos, a "maker" book display, and much more.
On September 26th, the College unveiled a new house post on campus, located in front of the library entrance. Carved by Musqueam artist Brent Sparrow Jr., the post welcomes all visitors to the College, which is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Musqueam people.
On September 30th, Orange Shirt Day, members of the library team wore orange to raise awareness of the legacy of the residential school system and promote the reconciliation process.
October 31 is always a fun time at the Library. Every year, Langarans can pop by the Library to check out spooky decorations and creative costumes modeled by Library staff members.
Exam period can be stressful for students, staff, and faculty. The Library hosts several calming activities throughout exams as part of De-Stress Fest. During the fall De-Stress Fest, running from November 24 – December 7, the Library offered: a colouring lounge; massages from Langara's Registered Massage Therapy students; a Library Living Room with video games, board games, and snacks; and several Re-Fuel Stations stocked with coffee and treats.
The Library team donned pink on February 27, 2019 as part of Pink Shirt Day to take a stand against bullying.
Two large pond tables were purchased in the spring semester for the group work area on the 1st floor of the Library. They have proven to be popular with students especially for group poster projects. Another larger pond table has been ordered to add four more computer stations to north end of the 1st floor.
The Library received project funding to transition its assignment, research, and citation guides to the LibGuides platform. Throughout 2018/19, the Library transferred content from its content management system to LibGuides with the help of UBC iSchool co-op student, Mitchell Wynkoop. User testing and staff training continued through the spring semester with an eye towards a launch of the new platform in May 2019.
The Library added two light therapy lamps to its collection just in time for the spring De-Stress Fest. The lamps mimic spring and summer light levels as a mode of treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), adjusting to a nighttime work schedule, jet lag, and the general feeling of the winter blues – low energy, irregular sleep patterns, and irritability. The lamps can be signed out from the Library’s Check Out Desk for one-hour loans.