Access Guide: Asian Library

Location

in the Asian Centre, 1871 West Mall

Collection

Materials are in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, and South Asian languages. Law materials are in the Law Library. Materials about Asia are in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and other branches.

Telephone

822-2427 (information); 822-2023 (reference)

Home page

http://asian.library.ubc.ca/

Maps

Detailed key plans of the Asian Library are available in print format from Campus Planning (tel: 822-8228).

Maps are directly linked to this page in electronic formats:

• *.pdf (uses Adobe Acrobat Reader)
• *.gif (uses current browser):

1. books stacks and periodicals
2. accessible entry and reference
3. stacks

Access Information

Summary

The Asian library is quite accessible to wheelchair-users.

Anticipate obstruction and narrowing of pathways from support beams, booktrucks, and study carrels.

Parking

There is no designated handicapped parking. Use the visitor parking lot off West Mall or Fraser River Parkade. Assigned parking is available through UBC Parking and Transportation, at user request.

Building and library entrance

The Asian Centre is a sunken building surrounded by gravel paths and gardens. To get there in a wheelchair, take the concrete path from the West Mall (behind the Institute of Asian Research). Enter the Asian Centre through the heavy double doors. Once inside, you will see the library on the right, through a push-swing gate.

Elevator

Located behind the Reference Desk and labelled "for staff only", the elevator is small but functional.

Library catalogue and computers

Computers are on elevated desks, designed for standing access.

Book stacks

The main floor is crowded: stacks are arranged diagonally across the room and widely spaced, but heavy furniture obstructs the aisles. Other levels are more spacious: aisles are standard in width, though some are very long.

Washrooms

Public washrooms have been adapted for access are in the basement (lower level), but they are not roomy. Other accessible washrooms are located in the main building.

Photocopiers

There is a regular photocopier in a room on the lower level.

Public telephones

There are standard public telephones in the main building area.