Distance Education Students

The following brief video introduces the main features of the UBC Library homepage.

To access many of the Library's services you will need to obtain your UBCcard. This is also your Library card. Apply at the beginning of term, before you actually need it. The carding office processes requests at the start of each business day.

To Apply:

• If you live locally, apply for your card in person at the Carding Office in the UBC Bookstore or online. Your UBCcard must be picked up in person at the Carding Office. 

• If you are not local and cannot pick up your UBCcard in person due to your geographic location, your barcode and pin will be emailed to you. Make sure to click the Distance Education option when filling out the online request form.

Keep in Mind

• Requests received afternoons, evenings and weekends cannot be processed until the next business day.

• If your UBCcard information, including barcode, is not emailed within two business days, check your spam folder to ensure that your message has not been sent there in error.

• If not in your spam folder, contact the UBC Carding office for further assistance:  ubc.card@ubc.ca

As a UBC student, you have full access to a wide range of print and electronic collections through the Library from home, as well as in person. To get instant access to online journals, indexes & databases, and other library licensed resources from off-campus locations you can use Library Browser Extension and Open Athens.

Help with Open Athens

This resource allows you to connect to UBC Library Matierials. It is how the Library authenticates access.  

You will need: Your Campus-Wide Login (CWL) 

1. Once your CWL is activated you can login and gain access to UBC resources here.

Help with Library Access Browser Extension

This allows you to search using the general web and will connect you to library resources. Using this extension you do not need to search the library website to pull up UBC resources.

You will need: Your Campus-Wide Login (CWL) 

1) Add the Browser Extension for Access.  

2) Select University of British Columbia. 

3) Start searching! When off-campus, Library Access will let you know when you are on a website that the library has access to. 

4) Login with your UBC CWL (campus wide login)

Troubleshooting Checklist:

• Check your connectivity: Make sure that your internet service provider is working.

• If you can't log in with your Campus Wide Login(CWL): Contact UBC IT Service Centre Help Desk, by phone (604-822-2008 weekdays, 8:00-4:30) or via the form at Contact UBC Information Technology.

• If your access problems are intermittent (you can access some online journals or databases from home but not others): There could be an issue with the journal/database itself. Report access problems relating to specific journals and databases here: Library Electronic Resources: Problems, Questions and Comments.

If you live at a distance from a UBC campus you can register for delivery services.  You will need to do this before requesting home delivery of print materials or interlibrary loans services.  To learn more about home delivery and interlibrary loans, click the Your Library at Home tab on the top left side of this guide.