How To Use the Library for Remote Research
Posted: June 09, 2020 | Author: Savannah Byers | Read Time: 3 minutes
With the temporary closure of the library building, you might be feeling anxious about completing upcoming assignments and projects this semester. Luckily, Southern Utah University’s Gerald R. Sherratt Library has made remote research a greater possibility with their easy-to-use website and their knowledgeable librarians. Here are several library resources that will help your research process while we are working remotely.
Virtual Questions Desk
The Virtual Questions Desk (Reference Desk) offers continuous support throughout the library building’s temporary closure. Email inquiries can be submitted to reference@suu.edu and a Reference Librarian will respond as quickly as possible. Real-time support will be available by using the “Chat with a Librarian” interface on the Library’s homepage within operating hours. You can also text your questions to 435-215-4788 for real-time help.
Current hours of operation for the Virtual Questions Desk are as follows:
- Monday-Thursday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
While the Check Out Desk will no longer provide walk-up service inside, item check out is still available. Patrons can still check out materials such as Chromebooks, cameras, iPads, print materials, media materials, etc. To search for print materials, use the Books & eBooks Catalog under “Using the Library” on the Library’s website.
In order to check out physical items, patrons are asked to submit a request to circulation@suu.edu and include the following information:
- Borrower’s Name
- Borrower’s T-Number
- Item or Description Item
- Call Number (if appropriate)
Library staff will review these requests, retrieve the items, and have them ready for front door pick-up at the Library’s main entrance. Hours of operation for the Check Out Desk and front door pick-up are as follows:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Renewals are allowed and encouraged, however, the library is currently waiving all late fees. Books can be dropped off in the book returns (there is one located on the exterior of the library entrance and another by visitor parking in the lot behind the library).
Library staff will also be available to scan pages of T-bird texts and email them to users. Make your request to circulation@suu.edu, or phone 435-865-8240 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Online Library Collections & Databases
The Library website will continue to provide access to ebooks and journal articles through the various databases. Some databases such as Kanopy, JSTOR, and OVID have temporarily expanded their content.
Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) will continue to receive and process requests and offer delivery of electronic materials via email. (There may be some delays and restrictions when it comes to fulfilling ILL requests). ILL staff can be reached at ill@suu.edu.
Special Collections
Special Collections will continue to be closed; however, inquiries and requests can be submitted to Special Collections at 435-586-7945 or specialcollections@suu.edu.
Virtual Librarian Research Consultations
In addition to using the Virtual Questions Desk, you can schedule research consultations with a librarian directly by visiting the Library’s Faculty & Staff Directory and contacting the librarian specialized in your subject area. Know that any librarian listed would love to help you!
For more information about the Gerald R. Sherratt Library’s resources call 435-586-7933, or email library@suu.edu.
Tags: Library
