As the University re-opens and people return to campus, we wanted to give everyone some information about what’s happening at the libraries and how things are a little different this Fall.

First, what hasn’t changed: we still have a robust set of resources (books, magazines, journals, datasets, films, and more) for you to use, and library staff are available to help you navigate, find, and use them.  We are still here for you!

There are some changes, though, to keep you and our community as safe as possible during this pandemic.  Our short video (3 min) goes through a lot of the changes, or read on for more details.

Libraries in the time of COVID

So what changes will you see in the libraries? (Note that these may change as the situation and pandemic and Department of Health dictate.  Make sure to check our website for the most up to date information).

Masks, hand sanitizing stations, and work space sanitizing stations:

Masks are required to be worn in the libraries (as they are everywhere on campus).

• If you are eating or drinking in the library, we ask that you have your mask covering your face whenever you are not actively eating.
• We have hand and work sanitizing stations throughout the library.  Please wipe down spaces before and after using them.

Research help is available online:

Our librarians love working with you to help you find and use our resources, but because our work is often in-depth, it isn’t safe to do it in person.

• What this means to you: We won’t be staffing an in-person research help desk, but we’re available via the chat widget on our website, or you can just text us: (651) 504-1324.  You can also make an appointment with your subject librarian and we can meet on Zoom or discuss your question over email.

Clear markers of where to line up and stand:

You’ll see the familiar Tommie pawprint stickers on the floor in front of our desks and the Stacks Café to help you line up at a safe distance.

 

Spaces and furniture:

We will notice that we have moved furniture to be in alignment with our Common Good Occupancy, please do not move furniture from where it is.  Rest assured that we still have many spaces available for study:

• Spaces for online class participation: You are welcome to participate in your online classes in the library on the Lower Level, Sub Level and 1st floor, or in a reserved study room.  You will need to use your own headphones/microphone, and keep your voice to a low level to avoid disturbing others.
• Spaces for quiet study: The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors are reserved for quiet study.  Please make sure you have headphones if you are listening to audio on your computer.
• Study Rooms:
  NOTE: Effective Monday, November 23, all study rooms in the OSF Library are closed until further notice due to continued noncompliance with the university’s face covering policy.
  Our study rooms in Keffer and Ireland libraries will be available to be reserved online.  We are building in a 30 minute cushion between reservations to allow the space to air out.  Most rooms are now single occupancy.
  

  The study space on 2nd floor of OSF has tables and chairs spaced out for safety.

Books, Journals, DVDs, and other materials:

You can check out our books and materials just like before.  You can request books from other libraries using CLIC request and Interlibrary Loan.

We are following recommendations that come from studies done by the REALM project on safe handling of library materials.  Most books and other materials are quarantined for 72 hours. Glossy materials such as magazines, coffee table books and children’s board books will be quarantined for 96 hours.

• What this means to you: You may notice delays in getting materials, especially if you request them from another library or if they were recently returned or received.

Technology in the library:

ITS has removed shared computers on campus including the lab computers in the library.  We do have printing available and two computers to use to print documents.

We are not circulating headphones, cords, or lockers.

• What this means to you: Bring your own device and headphones (if you’ll be listening to audio).  Consider setting up Follow Me printing so that you can print to any printer from your laptop.

Alumni and Guests:

Alumni and guests are welcome in the library and can use and check out materials if they have a card.  Because we do not have shared computers, we are unable to offer access to our electronic resources.