Photo by Martin Dee
The Education Library, located in the Neville Scarfe Building, will begin the relocation of stacks and services this summer as part of a broader UBC Library strategy to ensure sustainable library services across campus.
What’s changing?
From June 6, 2025 the section of the library that houses the stacks and collections will be closed to begin the process of relocating materials and services to Koerner Library, with the move expected to be complete in 2026. This decision was made by UBC Library in response to ongoing budget pressures and the need to ensure long-term access to collections, subject expertise, and academic support.
What’s staying the same?
The front area of the current Education Library space will remain open during the regular Neville Scarfe building hours and will continue to function as a Learning Commons—a welcoming, collaborative space for students, faculty, and staff. This space will remain accessible during the transition period and will continue to offer seating, study areas, and access to technology.
Accessing materials during the transition
Although the stacks will be closed after June 6, the Education Library collection will remain accessible. Students, faculty, and staff will be able to request items through UBC Library’s interlibrary delivery service, with pick-up available at other library locations across campus.
What’s next for the space?
Looking ahead, the Faculty of Education will be launching a community consultation process in Fall 2025 to explore how the space can best serve our students, faculty, and broader community in the long term. We look forward to hearing your ideas and working together to ensure this space continues to support learning, research, and connection.
We recognize that this change may be challenging for many in our community. The Education Library has long been a valued space in the Scarfe Building, and we are committed to honouring its legacy while shaping a new vision for its future.
For more information about the relocation and access to collections, please visit education.library.ubc.ca
