Libraries Reopening Plans for Faculty, Researchers, Instructors

By Kenya Johnson, University Libraries
July 27, 2020
To: Faculty, Researchers, and Instructors
From: University Libraries
Subject: Libraries Reopening Plans for Faculty, Researchers, Instructors
Date: Jul 27, 2020

Keeping everyone safe is our top priority. For several months, the University Libraries have been providing remote services while working hard to prepare for our on-campus reopening in phases.

Here is some important information that we want to share with you.

Buildings and spaces
We are looking at how and when we can safely reopen our buildings to provide study space. The Albert B. Weaver Science-Engineering Library is reopening for University of Arizona students, faculty, and staff for the beginning of fall semester with a target date of August 17. Designated sections of the Main Library will potentially reopen later in the semester. All library buildings will require face coverings, per campus policy. 

  • Check our on-campus reopening plan for the latest information.
  • The Health Sciences Library is open to University of Arizona Health Sciences affiliates. Learn about the pilot reopening.
  • Special Collections, the CATalyst Studios in the Main Library, and the Fine Arts Library will remain closed for the fall semester. If you need access to collections or assistance, Special Collections and CATalyst Studios are providing virtual assistance. Materials from the Fine Arts Library can be requested through express retrieval. 

Holds & pickups for items in our physical collection
Starting Monday, August 3, you can request books and other materials – including interlibrary loans – and pick them up when they're ready in the Main Library lobby, Sunday-Thursday, 10am-2pm. The rest of the Main Library building is closed.

  • You can request books and other materials from all University Libraries locations. All pickups will be in the Main Library lobby.
  • Service is limited to enrolled students and University employees with valid CatCards. 
  • Face coverings are required in the building's lobby per campus policy. 
  • Special Collections materials will be made available digitally first, if possible, when the fall semester begins August 24. Document delivery requests from Special Collections will resume then as well. 
  • Emergency online access to copyrighted material through HathiTrust will end Friday, July 31, since express retrieval of our print materials resumes August 3. Learn more about accessing materials in HathiTrust.

Online access to course materials
As you prepare to teach fall courses, the library can help with free-to-use course content, including library-licensed ebooks, streaming video, and online articles. See additional resources, including new tutorials, in our guide on library support for instructors. If you need help finding or accessing digital materials, contact us. 

Please anticipate longer turnaround times
Given our limited staff, our quarantine protocols for returned materials, and the decreased capacity of other libraries we work with, the turnaround time between placing and picking up your holds and interlibrary loans will be longer. We appreciate your patience.

Technology checkouts and returns 
Starting Monday, August 3, enrolled students can pick up equipment (including laptops, video cameras, projectors, and cords) in the Main Library lobby Sunday-Thursday, 10am-2pm on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can also schedule an appointment with us by contacting library@arizona.edu. The library will send notices to students about technology due dates. Students can check online for technology availability.

Faculty and staff should contact Gear-to-Go to borrow technology.

Returning materials
You can return all materials, including books and interlibrary loans, during our Main Library lobby hours that start August 3. We are following best practice guidelines on quarantining materials. 

If you're no longer affiliated with the University or are leaving town, return books to the book drop outside the Main Library. If you are not in Tucson, email us at library@arizona.edu to discuss options. Learn more about our checkout and renewal process.

Library staff are here to help
You can chat, text, email, or call our staff, or reach out to your librarian, to learn about the services, resources, and helpful tools available to you and your students.

Next steps
Right now, there are a lot of unknowns as we move forward with our plans to reopen. What we do know is that we are here for you. Get the latest information about our on-campus reopening plans and what we can do to help you.

Resources for the Media