Rutherford Library
The Rutherford Humanities & Social Sciences Library is the largest library on campus and the second largest research library in Canada. Our collections and services support study, teaching, and research in the Faculties of Arts and Native Studies, and related disciplines. The library is zoned for three levels of noise, silent, quiet and collaborative.
Rutherford North's five floors include Humanities & Social Sciences and Music collections, computing & study spaces, and the Inter-Library Loans Office. In Rutherford South, you will find a study hall, our large reading room and computer labs. The Bruce Peel Special Collections Library is located in the basement of Rutherford South. The two buildings are joined by a sky-lighted galleria.
Explore our online virtual video tours.
Do you have questions? Ask Us for help at the service desk on the main floor.
Looking for expert help on advanced questions about your research? Book a research consultation with one our librarians.
Rutherford Library Contact Information
University of Alberta Edmonton
Alberta, T6G 2J8
Accessibility information for Rutherford Library
Arts Subject Guides First Nations, Métis, Inuit Subject GuidesRutherford Library Hours all library hours
Access to Rutherford North and South
Rutherford North and South are accessible via the ground floor through the Galleria between the buildings. If you are able to descend stairs you can also enter via HUB International 2nd floor using the pedway located midway down the mall. If you cannot descend stairs, from HUB use the elevator located at the start of the pedway, where the floor tiles switch from light grey to dark brown. The elevator is to your right. Descend to level 1, go outside and cross the road under the pedway then immediately turn right to access the east doors of the Galleria.
Closest Parking/Transit Options
- LRT stop is University Station.
- Bus stop is University Transit Centre.
- Closest parking lot is located just east of HUB mall (Lots 700, N, and U)
- 2 dedicated accessible parking spaces available on the west side of Rutherford South via 89th avenue
Directions to/from above including details about wheelchair accessible entrances and pathways, availability of ramps and automatic door openers, etc
Both east and west Galleria entrances are flat and have automatic door openers so are easily accessible via wheelchair.
The main north Galleria entrance to Rutherford South has a wheelchair ramp on the east side of the stairs. Doors to the building are always open during business hours.
Building and Library Entrance(s)
The main Rutherford North library doors are on the south side of the building via the Galleria. The staff offices, Reading Rooms and computer labs in Rutherford South are on the north side of the building via the Galleria. See below for directions on entering the Galleria.
West Galleria Entrance: take 89th avenue from the Butterdome and turn left immediately after the Dentistry building. There are two dedicated wheelchair parking spaces.
East Galleria Entrance: take 90th avenue until you pass under HUB Mall and find a loading zone next to the Rutherford North loading dock. Parking is not permitted here.
Elevators
- Rutherford North main floor has an elevator on the south wall near the Service Desk and two additional elevators in the north-eastern corner.
- Rutherford South has an elevator accessible from a door in the south-west corner of the main floor.
Tables/Workstations
There are three wheelchair accessible and adjustable tables on the main floor of Rutherford North. All other workstations/tables are not height adjustable. Ask the Service Desk for directions.
Washrooms
Wheelchair accessible washrooms are located on the first floor of Rutherford North. All other washrooms do not have automatic door openers.
Alarms
None.
Service Desk
Tables at the service desk are height adjustable to facilitate consultations between staff and patrons with mobility issues.
