Library Closes In-Person Services, Goes Online
Published: March 27, 2020 | Read Time: 5 minutes
On March 27 a campus wide email was sent to all faculty, staff and students updating the campus community on the closing of the library and services that will be transitioned to online.
Subject: Updates regarding closure of Library
Dear SUU Campus Community,
Beginning Friday, March 27 at 5 pm, the Sherratt Library building will be closed. This difficult decision was informed by the American Library Association’s Executive Board recommendation to close all public and academic libraries, stating:
Libraries are by design unable to practice social distancing to the degree recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health authorities. Keeping libraries open at this time has the potential to harm communities more than help. We underscore the importance and need to come together in this crisis and commit to ensuring our libraries, which provide so many important services to our communities, do not serve as vectors for a fast-moving pandemic.
The Library will continue to support faculty, staff, and students with a wide range of services, as follows:
1. Computer Lab & Study Rooms No study rooms or computers are currently available for use in the Library. Please check the computer lab usage dashboard ( labuse.suu.edu ) and select one of the many computer labs still open all across campus. Chromebooks are available for check-out from the Library’s Circulation Desk. Please follow the instructions (below) to check out a Chromebook.
2. Check Out Desk (Circulation Desk) will no longer provide inside walk-up service but will still check out materials by request (books, print journals, DVDs, etc, as well as Chromebooks, cameras, and iPads). To search for print materials, go to the Library’s website and use our Books & eBooks Catalog (under Using the Library).
In order to check-out such items, patrons are asked to submit a request by email ( circulation@suu.edu ) and include the following information:
Borrower’s Name
Borrower’s T#
Item or Description
Item Call# (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. Patrons will be provided with an estimated pick-up time for the requested item. When you arrive at the Library to pick-up your item, please call the Circulation Desk at 435-865-8240 and your item will be brought to the entry door for you. Hours of operation for Circulation Desk front door pick-up:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
3. Online Library Collections & Databases The Library website will continue to provide access to our ebooks (Using the Library / Books & eBooks Catalog / check the “Search only Electronic Books” box), and journal articles in our various databases (Using the Library / Articles & Journals). Some of the Library databases such as Kanopy, JSTOR, IEEE, EBSCO, and OVID have temporarily expanded their content.
4. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) will continue to receive and process ILL requests and offer delivery of electronic materials (via email). We anticipate some delays and restrictions when it comes to fulfilling ILL requests. For example, availability of print items will be extremely limited and will follow the “front door pick-up” described above. ILL staff can be reached at: ill@suu.edu.
5. Library Research Help There are three ways to get help with your library research. You can (i) use the Virtual Questions Desk, (ii) schedule a research consultation with an individual librarian, or (iii) use the Library’s Research Guides. All are listed separately below.
6. Virtual Questions Desk (Reference Desk) will offer two types of virtual support:
- Synchronous (real-time) virtual Questions Desk service will be available using the “Chat with a Librarian” interface on the Library’s homepage. Likewise, you can text your question to 435-215-4788 to get help. Hours of operation for the virtual Questions Desk (Reference Desk):
Monday-Thursday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm; 7:00-9:00 pm
Friday: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm; 7:00-9:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed - Asynchronous email inquiries ( reference@suu.edu ) can be submitted and a Reference Librarian will respond as quickly as we can, usually within 1 business day.
7. Virtual Librarian Research Consultations In addition to using the 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 in the directory can help you!
8. Library Research Guides A variety of Library research guides have been prepared on a range of topics. A good guide to start with is Library Services for Distance Learners.
9. Copy Shop The Copy Shop will no longer be available for walk-in service. However, online submissions can be e-mailed to copyshop@suu.edu and materials can be printed and available for “front door pick-up” at the Library’s main entrance. Patrons will be provided with an estimated pick-up time for the work order. Other services (such as laminating) may be available. Please call the Copy Shop at 435-865-8440 to learn what services are available. When you arrive at the Library to pick-up your work order, please call the Copy Shop at 435-865-8440 and your order will be brought to the entry door for you. Hours of operation for Copy Shop services:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
10. Special Collections will continue to be closed. Inquiries and requests can be submitted to Special Collections by phone (435-586-7945) or by email ( specialcollections@suu.edu ).
11. Library Instruction Librarians are available to support faculty in designing assignments that include the use of databases, research guides, and other information resources. Instead of in-class presentations and workshops, Librarians are willing and able to engage your class virtually. Please contact your discipline’s Library liaison to schedule a consultation or virtual class presentation. You can visit our Faculty & Staff Directory for a complete listing of people who can help. Check the subject areas listed for each librarian to find your best match.
The Sherratt Library will continue to monitor the situation regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, including federal, state, and local developments. We are working closely with SUU’s leadership to ensure the Library continues to support SUU’s academic mission while also ensuring the safety of our employees and visitors.
Thank you,
The Gerald R. Sherratt Library
Tags: Coronavirus