Bennett Library (Burnaby) 5th floor updates while repairs are underway

The 5th floor is currently closed

Renovation work begins on June 1 2023. Noisy work will be done outside of Library hours.

The 5th floor of the WAC Bennett Library will remain closed until hazardous material remediation and repairs have been completed.

  Accessing 5th floor books and other collections during the closure

Access to the collections on the 5th floor is a top priority for the Library. We recognize the importance of access to collections for research, scholarship, course planning, student assignments, and other purposes.

Here's what we are doing to provide access to researchers:

  • We have moved high-demand items to open shelves on the 6th floor (May 2023)
  • Also underway: We are:
    • Adding online access to as many 5th floor books as possible
    • Providing copies of books via interlibrary loan 
    • Purchasing additional copies of titles (whether ebook or print) 

Learn more about steps we are taking to provide access to our 5th floor collections. 

 Study rooms

While the 5th floor is closed, students registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) may book three study rooms, on the 2nd and 3rd floor.  (For more information, see Library study room bookings for students registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL).)

Graduate Student study rooms on the 5th floor are not available.

 Equipment

5th floor computers and printers are not available. Computers and printers are available on the 3rd, 4th and 6th floors.

Adaptive technology is available on the 3rd floor.

 Background

In November 2022, the Bennett Library on SFU’s  Burnaby campus was closed due to the potential discovery of asbestos-containing debris in the Library. While the majority of the Library has since been safely re-opened, the fifth floor of the building, where the largest concentration of debris was found, remains closed.

SFU has been exploring options for addressing this issue, and experts have informed the University that the best option is to undergo a remediation process that involves abatement, or total removal of the asbestos-containing texture coat.

See the Campus Notice for more background information on the closure.

 Questions and answers

When will the 5th floor reopen?

The work will begin June 1 2023, and it will take approximately one year to complete. We do not have a specific timeline for when the floor will reopen, but expect mid-2024. 

We understand that this will be very inconvenient for members of the SFU community. Our priority has been, and always will be, the safety of everyone on campus.

Please check back for updates.

How can I get a copy of a 5th-floor book via interlibrary loan? 

Ask at the Main floor service desk and staff will help you to request an interlibrary loan of the item from another Library.

Returning books, renewing books, and overdue fines

 The Library has fined me for not returning books from the 5th floor.  What do I do about the fine?

If you were charged fines as a result of the 5th floor becoming unavailable, or the Library closure beginning November 14th, 2022, contact loans-mgmt@sfu.ca so that we can correct the error.

 Can I renew the items I checked out before the closure?

Yes. From 12 December 2022 onwards, books borrowed for a full semester or for more than one week will be auto-renewed unless they are recalled by someone else.

Requesting and borrowing books that would usually be on the 5th floor (including new books)

 May I recall or put on hold books from the 5th floor that were out when the floor was closed?

Yes. For items that are requestable, use the Request function in the Library Catalogue to place a hold.

 What is happening to new books that would usually go to the 5th floor? Can I borrow them? 

Books that have arrived since the 5th floor closure are shelved on the 6th floor and are available for borrowing.

You can also browse the most recent new books in the New Books area on the 3rd floor. 

 Contact and further questions

You can reach us at library@sfu.ca (monitored weekdays 9 - 5).

Date(s)
Ongoing
Location
W.A.C. Bennett Library (SFU Burnaby)