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We know that our study and learning spaces are important to students. We want our spaces to be welcoming and accessible to everyone. This includes people with a range of sensory and mobility needs. 

Here, we have gathered detailed information about our spaces. We hope this will help you plan your visit.

Navigating library buildings

Below, you can find some general information that applies to the buildings as a whole.

This section is still a work in progress. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Mearns - McPherson Library

Getting here

The nearest accessible parking spots are in parking lots B and C. See the accessibility parking map for more information.

There are 2 sets of doors at the building entrance. Each set of doors has a push-button door opener. The narrowest point is the people-counting gates after the second set of doors. The distance between them is approximately 96 cm (38 in.).

All floors are accessible by elevator.

Temperature

Temperature within the Mearns - McPherson Library is variable. We recommend being prepared for temperature fluctuations.

Noise

The ground floor of the library is often busy. The sounds of people talking and moving around are moderate to high in open spaces.

Accessibility features

Refer to the Mearns - McPherson floor maps for more detail about accessibility features.

Priestly Library

Getting here

The closest accessible parking is in parking lots 4 and 8. See the accessibility parking map for more information.

All floors are accessible by elevator.

Accessibility features

Refer to the Priestly floor maps for more detail about accessibility features.

Washrooms

Mearns - McPherson Library

• main floor: find accessible all-gender washrooms in the BiblioCafé
  • 2 individual stalls
  • left-hand stall equipped with a lift (request harness at Ask Us Desk)
• washrooms in the lower level and on the third floor are wheelchair accessible

Priestly Library

• washrooms on the first floor are wheelchair accessible
• the second floor has an accessible all-gender washroom

Respite rooms

Use our respite rooms if you need a private space to rest or lie down. We have respite rooms in both library buildings.

Please leave the rooms clean and tidy. We have provided cleaning supplies.

Mearns - McPherson Library

Room 132

• Lighting: overhead (adjustable), 3 desk lamps
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: quiet
• Furniture:
  • Single bed with pillows and sheets (equipped with lift)
  • Small dresser-desk
  • 1 rolling padded chair (no armrests)
  • 1 cushioned armchair with arm and back rests
  • 2 large dressers (can be used as work spaces)
• Access: on main floor, toward back of building
• How to use: visit the Ask Us Desk for a key

Priestly Library

Room A259

• Lighting: overhead and 3 lamps
• Ventilation: vent in wall
• Noise: quiet
• Furniture:
  • 1 bed
  • 1 armchair
• Access: on second floor, via stairs or elevator
• How to use: visit the Priestly front desk for a key

Assistive tech rooms

These rooms include multiple workstations equipped with assistive software and hardware. There are rooms in both library buildings.

Want to learn more? You can book an appointment for an .

Mearns - McPherson Library

Rooms 113e and 113f

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: low with door closed (high-traffic area)
• Furniture:
  • At least 1 adjustable-height table per room
  • Fixed tables
  • Rolling, adjustable padded chairs (with and without armrests)
• Access: on main floor, to left of entrance
• How to use: first-come, first-served

Priestly Library

Room A147

• Lighting: overhead (adjustable) and 1 lamp
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: quiet
• Furniture:
  • 4 adjustable desks
  • 4 rolling chairs
  • 2 standard chairs
  • 1 beanbag
• Access: on main floor, down hall from entrance
• How to use: first-come, first-served

Priority workspaces

Each building has priority workspaces for disabled patrons. They are marked with an accessibility symbol.

Mearns - McPherson Library

Main floor

• Guest computer workstation
  • Located near BiblioCafé
  • Hard chair with backrest
• Priority computer workstation
  • Close to main printers
  • Padded rolling chair (no armrests)

Second floor

• Individual study carrel
  • Near Interlibrary Loans office
  • Hard chair with backrest (no armrests)
  • Has an outlet

Third floor

• Individual study carrel 
  • Near Digital Scholarship Commons
  • Hard chair with backrest (no armrests)
• Priority desk
  • Close to main stairwell
  • Height-adjustable desk
• Three desks
  • In graduate study area
  • Height-adjustable

Third floor mezzanine

• Individual study carrel
  • Near elevator
  • Hard chair with backrest (no armrests)

Priestly Library

Main floor

• Priority desk
  • Near the computer workstations
  • Not height-adjustable
  • Wheelchair height

Second floor

• Three priority desks
  • Located at back of building, near stairs
  • Height-adjustable

Group study rooms & Tek Booths

Book online to reserve a study room or Tek Booth. Learn more about our bookable study spaces.

Mearns - McPherson lower level

Rooms 050a, 050b, 050c

• Lighting: overhead (low and high levels)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: quiet
• Furniture:
  • 1 round table (not adjustable)
  • 5 hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • 1 whiteboard
• Access: on lower level, via stairs or elevator

Mearns - McPherson main floor

Rooms 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d

• Lighting: overhead (low and high levels)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: low with door closed (high traffic area)
• Furniture:
  • 1 large round table (not adjustable)
  • 7 hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • 1 whiteboard
• Access: main floor, immediate left from entrance

Room 131

• Lighting: overhead (low and high levels)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: low with door closed (high traffic area)
• Furniture:
  • 1 large round table (not adjustable)
  • 7 hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • 1 whiteboard
• Access: main floor, down the hall from entrance

Rooms A103, A105, A107, A109

• Lighting: natural (from windows) and overhead (low and high levels)
• Ventilation: 3 windows that open
• Noise: low with door closed (high traffic area)
• Furniture:
  • 1 round table (not adjustable)
  • 5 hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • 1 whiteboard
• Access: main floor, toward the back

Tek Booths (Mearns - McPherson main floor)

Booths 1, 2, 3, 4 (one-person)

• Lighting: task lighting (adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling
• Noise: quiet, some noise from ventilation
• Furniture:
  • 1 standing-height floating desktop with outlet
  • 1 tall chair (no padding or armrests)
  • 1 bag/coat hook
• Access:
  • Physically small space, intended for 1 person
  • May not be wheelchair accessible
  • Tabletop is at standing height
  • No eating or drinking allowed

Booths 5, 8 (one-person)

• Lighting: ceiling and task lighting (both adjustable)
• Ventilation: adjustable
• Noise: quiet, soundproof
• Furniture:
  • 1 floating desktop with outlets
  • 1 height-adjustable stool fixed to the floor (no padding or armrests)
• Access:
  • Physically small space, only suitable for 1 person
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No eating or drinking allowed

Booths 6, 7 (two- to four-person)

• Lighting: adjustable, includes spotlight and video call modes
• Ventilation: adjustable
• Noise: quiet, soundproof
• Furniture:
  • 2 padded bench seats with cushions for back rest (no armrests)
  • 1 table with outlets underneath
  • Fixed seating position
• Access:
  
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No eating or drinking allowed

Mearns - McPherson second floor

Room 223

• Lighting: overhead (low and high levels)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: low with door closed (collaborative study floor)
• Furniture:
  • 1 large rectangular table (not adjustable)
  • 6 hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • 1 whiteboard
• Access: second floor, via stairs or elevator

Rooms 270, 272, 274

• Lighting: overhead (low and high levels)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: low with door closed (collaborative study floor)
• Furniture:
  • 1 round table (not adjustable)
  • 5 hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • 1 whiteboard
• Access: second floor, via stairs or elevator

Priestly main floor

Rooms A132, A134, A136

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: quiet
• Furniture:
  • 1 rectangular table (not adjustable)
  • 8 chairs
  • 1 whiteboard
• Access: on main floor, directly to the left of entrance
  • Use sliding door to enter rooms

Room A151

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: quiet
• Furniture:
  • 1 large desk
  • 8 padded rolling chairs
• Access: on main floor, down the hall from entrance

Priestly second floor

Rooms A250, A251, A268, A270a, A270b

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: quiet
• Furniture:
  • 4 tables (not adjustable)
  • 10 chairs
  • 2 whiteboards (A270a & A270b have 1 whiteboard each)
• Access: on second floor, via stairs or elevator

Computer workstations

Visit the following pages to learn more about the computer workstations in our library buildings. These pages include details about our computer spaces. They also provide information about the software that's available to use.

Mearns - McPherson computers

• computer workstations
• computer lab 130

Priestly computers

• computer workstations

Media & making rooms

 Learn more about our media & making spaces. 

Mearns - McPherson Library

Editing Room A112

• Lighting: overhead (adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: quiet
• Furniture:
  • 1 empty desk (fits 2 people)
  • 1 computer workstation
  • 4 rolling padded chairs with backrests (no armrests)
  • Windows PC
• Access: back of main floor, through unplugged lounge
• How to use: visit the Ask Us Desk to book

Viewing Room A108

• Lighting: overhead lighting and dimmable potlights
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: soundproof
• Furniture:
  • 2 padded armchairs with table attachments and armrests
  • 1 padded rolling armch
  • 4 rolling padded chairs with backrests (no armrests)
  • TV
• Access: back of main floor, through unplugged lounge
• How to use: visit the Ask Us Desk to book

Viewing Room A110

• Lighting: overhead lighting and dimmable potlights
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: soundproof
• Furniture:
  • 4 padded armchairs with table attachments and armrests
  • TV
• Access: back of main floor, near music scores
• How to use: visit the Ask Us Desk to book

Viewing Room 208

• Lighting: overhead lighting (two options)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: quiet
• Furniture:
  • 1 narrow table (not height-adjustable)
  • 13 padded armchairs with wooden back support and armrests
  • TV
• Access: second floor via stairs or elevator, to the right of main stairwell
• How to use: visit the Ask Us Desk to book

Listening Room A114

• Lighting: overhead lighting (two options)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: soundproof
• Furniture:
  • 2 desks (not height-adjustable)
  • 4 padded rolling chairs (no armrests)
• Access: 
  • back of main floor, through unplugged lounge
  • 3-person capacity
• How to use: visit the Ask Us Desk to book

Podcast Room 051

• Lighting: overhead lighting (two options)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: soundproof
• Furniture:
  • 4 rectangular tables forming a square (not height-adjustable)
  • 13 padded chairs with back support (no armrests)
  • 3 padded rolling chairs with back support (no armrests)
  • 4 rectangular tables forming recording workstation
  • Windows PC
  • microphones
• Access: 
  • lower floor via stairs or elevator, through two sets of push doors
  • 12-person capacity
• How to use: (under "Lower Level" tab)

Book Arts Lab 086

• Lighting: overhead lighting (four options)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable), portable fan
• Noise: classroom-level noise when workshop in session
• Furniture:
  • 5 rectangular tables grouped together (not height-adjustable)
  • about 20 chairs: some padded, some rolling, some hard chairs
• Access: lower floor via stairs or elevator, near compact shelving
• How to use: register for a book arts workshop

Classrooms

Mearns - McPherson Library

Digital Scholarship Commons

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: quiet when workshop not in session
• Furniture:
  • long, narrow tables with outlets
    • hard chairs with back support
  • rectangular group study tables
    • rolling chairs with back support (no padding or armrests)
  • small circular study tables
    • cushioned lounge chairs (no armrests)
  • small standing-height circular tables
    • tall hard chairs with back support
  • computers
  • projector
• Access: third floor via stairs or elevator, at back of building
• How to use: 
  • register for a workshop
  • use as open study space

Special Collections & University Archives reading room

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: air conditioning
• Noise: quiet
• Furniture:
  • large round study tables
    • padded rolling chairs with armrests
  • large rectangular study tables with outlets
    • large padded rolling chairs with back support and armrests
  • 3 computer workstations
• Access: lower level via stairs or elevator, at back of building
• How to use: drop in during opening hours

Classroom A025

• Lighting: overhead (adjustable)
• Ventilation: air conditioning
• Noise: quiet
• Furniture:
  • 13 rolling rectangular tables
  • 26+ rolling chairs with back support (no padding or armrests)
  • 4 whiteboards
  • 2 projectors
  • 1 standing-height computer workstation
  • 1 tall, padded rolling chair (no armrests)
• Access: lower level via stairs or elevator
• How to use: class sessions

Classroom A003

• Lighting: overhead (adjustable)
• Ventilation: air conditioning
• Noise: quiet
• Furniture:
  • 10 rectangular tables (not height-adjustable)
  • around 20 rolling chairs with back support (no padding or armrests)
• Access: lower level via stairs or elevator, through Special Collections & University Archives reading room
• How to use: class sessions

Classroom 129

• Lighting: adjustable
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: classroom-level noise on high-traffic floor
• Furniture:
  • 20 movable rectangular tables
  • ample padded rolling chairs (no armrests)
  • several hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • 1 whiteboard
  • 2 chalkboards
• Access: main floor, down hall from entrance
• How to use: class sessions

Classroom 130

• Lighting: adjustable
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: classroom-level noise on high-traffic floor
• Furniture:
  • 28 computer workstations
  • 29 padded rolling chairs (no armrests)
  • 3 tables with outlets
  • 1 whiteboard
• Access: main floor, down hall from entrance
• How to use:
  • class sessions
  • use as drop-in study space when not booked for a class

Classroom 209

• Lighting: adjustable
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: classroom-level noise
• Furniture:
  • several large desks with computer workstations (not height-adjustable)
  • padded rolling chairs
  • projector
• Access: second floor via stairs or elevator, to the right of main stairwell
• How to use: class sessions

Priestly Library

Classroom A145

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: N/A
• Noise: classroom-level noise
• Furniture:
  • rectangular tables
  • rolling chairs
  • 2 whiteboards
  • 2 projectors
• Access: 
  • main floor, down hall from entrance
  • use sliding door to enter
• How to use:
  • class sessions
  • use as drop-in study space when not booked for a class

Classroom A265

• Lighting: overhead (adjustable)
• Ventilation: N/A
• Noise: classroom-level noise
• Furniture:
  • rectangular tables
  • rolling chairs
  • 2 whiteboards
  • 2 projectors
• Access: 
  • second floor via stairs or elevator
  • use sliding door to enter
• How to use:
  • class sessions
  • use as drop-in study space when not booked for a class

Open study areas

Both library buildings have many open areas where you can study. Some areas allow conversation, and others are meant for quiet study only.

Mearns - McPherson Library

Lower level (quiet study)

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable) and windows
• Noise: quiet floor
• Furniture:
  • hallway carrels
    
    • hard chairs (no armrests and limited padding)
  • graduate carrels with outlets
    • padded rolling chairs with back support (no armrests)
  • computer workstations
    • mix of hard and padded chairs
  • large cushioned lounge chairs with armrests
  • large cushioned lounge chairs with personal side tables (no armrests)
  • small, low-to-the-ground circular tables
  • padded floor chairs with back support (no armrests)
  • group tables
    • hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
• Access: lower floor via stairs or elevator

Main floor (student lounge)

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable) and windows
• Noise: expect noise (talking floor, high traffic area)
• Furniture:
  • sectional sofas with back cushions
  • couches with back cushions and armrests
  • personal-sized round ottomans
  • small low-height tables
  • cushioned armchairs with armrests and back support
  • standing-height tables
    • tall, hard chairs with backrests (no armrests)
• Access: main floor near entrance

Second floor (group study)

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable) and windows
• Noise: expect noise (talking and collaboration floor)
• Furniture:
  • 20+ rectangular group study tables
    • 4-6 hard chairs each (no padding or armrests)
  • individual study carrels
    
    • hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • single spaces with dividers and outlets
    • hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • bar seating spaces
    • tall, hard chairs with backrests (no padding or armrests)
  • long rectangular tables with outlets
    • some with padded rolling chairs
    • some with hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • guest computer workstations on standing-height tables
    • tall, hard chairs with backrests (no padding or armrests)
  • cushioned lounge chairs with armrests
    • with small round tables
    • located near back stairs
• Access: second floor via stairs or elevator

Third floor (quiet study)

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable) and windows
• Noise: quiet floor
• Furniture:
  • individual study carrels, with and without outlets
    • hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • padded armchairs with armrests
  • guest computer workstations on standing-height tables
    • tall, hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • semi-private rooms without doors
    • large desk and outlets
    • some with padded chairs and some with hard chairs
  • several rectangular study tables with outlets (not height-adjustable)
    • located against walls and stairwell
    • hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • cushioned lounge chairs with armrests
    • with small round tables
    • located near back stairs
  • leather cushioned loungechairs with armrests
    • with small square tables
• Access: third floor via stairs or elevator

Third floor (grad study space)

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable) and windows
• Noise: quiet floor
• Furniture:
  • rows of rectangular work tables (not height-adjustable) with outlets and dividers
    • hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • 3 priority height-adjustable desks with outlets
  • large study carrels that have 2 two-person desks with outlets
    • hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
• Access: third floor via stairs or elevator

Third floor mezzanine (quiet study)

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable) and fans
• Noise: quiet floor
• Furniture:
  • individual study carrels, with and without outlets
    • hard chairs (no padding or armrests)
  • cushioned armchairs with armrests
  • 1 priority study carrel
    • padded chair with armrests
  • bar-height rectangular table
    • tall, hard chairs with backrests (no padding or armrests)
  • two-person rectangular study tables
    • hard chairs with backrests (no padding or armrests)
• Access: third floor mezzanine via stairs (small staircases located on third floor) or elevator

Priestly Library

Student lounge (A270)

• Lighting: overhead (two levels)
• Ventilation: N/A
• Noise: conversational
• Furniture:
  • coffee table
  • 3 armchairs
  • 1 padded couch
• Access: second floor via stairs or elevator

Second floor (quiet study)

• Lighting: overhead (not adjustable)
• Ventilation: ceiling (not adjustable)
• Noise: quiet floor
• Furniture:
  • study carrels
  • beanbag chairs
  • padded floor chairs (no armrests)
  • long tables
  • small tables
• Access: second floor via stairs or elevator