1. What is the John B. McNair Learning Commons?
Our Learning Commons is a vibrant, student-centered learning space encompassing the first floor of Harriet Irving Library. There are many components to the Commons including print and electronic resources, group study rooms (with Wireless Presentation Systems - AirMedia), the Commons Café, comfy leather armchairs, the Service Desk, expert research help, UNB IT Service Desk, teaching rooms, wireless access, desktop computers offering access to email, UNB standard software and file storage space, and printing and scanning. Collaborating with the Library to offer service in the Learning Commons is UNB's IT Services.
2. When is the Learning Commons open?
The Learning Commons is open the same hours as Harriet Irving Library. See our hours of operation.
For hours of operations for specific service points, follow the links below:
3. What kind of help is available?
Research Consultations: Expert guidance and instruction in the best use of digital and print resources is available at the Research Help Desk and by appointment with subject specialist librarians.
UNB IT Service Desk: Student Consultants provide assistance with computer and network related questions. For more information visit the ITS website.
Instruction Sessions (including Zotero): Library instruction sessions, workshops, and presentations are offered to class groups and by individual registration.
Virtual Help: Ask for help by email (askus@unb.ca), phone (453-3546), or Instant Messaging (IM).
4. How do I print?
As a student you can print using the money on your UCard (UNB photo ID).
UCard: You need to have money on your UCard (UNB photo ID) to print or photocopy on campus. You do not need to swipe your UCard to print. When you click print, it will automatically deduct from your UCard account. When photocopying, you will need to swipe your UCard at the photocopier.
Printing using the money on your UCard is available from library-owned laptops, registered personal laptops, student network computers in the main Learning Commons area adjacent to the Research Help and UNB IT Service Desks and the Learning Lab.
Choose PRINT as you normally would from the file menu. The proper local monochrome printer should already be set as the default, but it is a good idea to check.
STU: What do I need to know about printing?
Printing: The Learning Commons is normally two-sided.
Colour Printing is available only if you are logged in to a computer with your UNB login ID and password. You will need to choose to print to the colour printer.
Print jobs in the Learning Commons all print to the Printing Station Hub.
5. Can I eat in the Learning Commons?
You are welcome to eat in the Commons Café seating area. In some areas of the Library, no food or drink is permitted. We ask that you follow the guidelines indicated on our signs.
6. What services are available for students with disabilities?
Visit UNB Libraries' Services for Persons with Disabilities.
7. What kind of study space is available?
- Group Study Rooms are available for booking online. Four rooms are equipped with wireless presentation systems.
- Quiet study is available in the Learning Lab and the Milham Room when these rooms are not booked for Instruction. An instruction schedule is posted at each door.
- Individual study carrels can be found at the end of our book stacks, on most floors of HIL.
- Soft seating is available at either end of the Commons.
Study space of different types is also available throughout Harriet Irving Library.
8. How do I book a Group Study Room?
Students can book a Group Study Room online for a three hour period. All four rooms available in the Commons equipped with wireless presentation systems. Instructions for connecting to Air Media are available in the rooms and at the Commons Service Desk.
Commons Service Desk: 453-4756, circhi@unb.ca
9. What software is available on the computers?
Standard software includes:
- Internet Explorer
- Windows 10
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- SPSS Statistics
- ArcGIS
- Beyond 20/20 Professional Browser
- MatLab
- Minitab
- QGIS
Access to available research resources is available through the Library's web site.
Limited access to such databases as LexisNexis is available in the Learning Commons. Ask at the Research Help Desk.
10. Where can I find films?
The Harriet Irving Library film collection consists of more than 1500 documentary and feature film titles in DVD and VHS formats. The collection is located in open stacks on the first floor. Browse the collection in person or search for films using UNB WorldCat, the online catalogue in "Advanced Search" mode, including "Visual material" among search criteria, or go to the Guide to Sound, Film, and Image Collections.