New Digital Library Coming to Downtown Kelowna

UBC Okanagan’s new library is moving in downtown.

The UBC Innovation Library will be located in the Kelowna Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library on Ellis Street, and it’s expected to take on a whole new look. In this new library, there will be no shelves or stacks of books. Rather, it will offer a place for public online research and provide access to the many digital volumes of UBC’s electronic collections.

“The purpose for this innovative branch is two-fold,” said UBC Okanagan Chief Librarian Heather Berringer. “First, it gives UBC a physical space in the downtown library. Second, the partnership engages directly with community members by supplementing traditional public library offerings with academic research support and resources.”

Rendering of the new, digital library. (Photo Credit: UBC handout.)

The UBC Innovation Library will house more than two million academic journals and e-books, many of which were not readily available at the public library. Now with space in the Kelowna library, the public will have greater access to UBC’s digital archives.

“This will provide the public with improved access to millions of dollars’ worth of databases that the ORL could never afford,” said Okanagan Regional Library CEO Stephanie Hall. “It’s a great partnership that leverages the resources at both institutions for the benefit of our community.”

The Innovation Library will have a UBC librarian on hand to provide academic consultations to support students, faculty, and community members engaged in joint research projects.

“The Innovation Library will benefit UBC Okanagan students engaged in community-based learning and co-operative education placements,” said Berringer. “It is also equipped to support faculty members working on off-campus initiatives including regional socio-economic development projects in and with communities. And it is open for public use.”

The Innovation Library will be located on the second floor of the Okanagan Regional Library and is expected to be open by September. The project is a two-year pilot program, funded partially by the Irving K. Barber Learning Fund.