The Emory Libraries have implemented several changes for the fall semester to create a safer research environment for Emory students, faculty and staff.
During the summer, departments throughout the Libraries have been collaborating on the best way to offer services and materials to Emory students, faculty, and staff while following COVID-19 protocols. The library staff has coordinated a range of services available to users this fall, all accessible from the Libraries’ fall semester 2020 webpage.
“We’re dedicated to providing Emory students and faculty the best possible service and access to materials that we can, while at the same time keeping both patrons and library staff safe,” Dean and University Librarian Yolanda Cooper said.
Researchers in the Rose Library wear masks as they peruse archival materials from socially distanced tables. Credit: Emory Photo/ Video
Access to the Woodruff, Rose, Woodruff Health Sciences, and Oxford libraries is by appointment. Emory faculty and students can schedule time to use space for study or research or can reserve computer workstations, production studios, printers, or book scanners. Students can also reserve an individual course viewing room for participating in online classes.
Prior to making any appointment, patrons will need to be cleared to be on campus by completing the campus onboarding process. Those with an appointment will be verified when they arrive at the library.
Woodruff Library is now offering curbside service for Emory students, faculty, and staff to pick up materials they have reserved. These patrons can make an appointment and park in a space near the loading dock, where a library staff member will bring out their materials.
Woodruff Library also offers grab-and-go service, in which Emory patrons already approved to be on campus can make a walk-in appointment to pick up reserved materials at the front entrance desk.
Once materials are returned, the Libraries staff are taking special care with handling items. Materials are quarantined before they are loaned again to other patrons.
The library website continues to be updated, and patrons are encouraged to return to the Emory Libraries’ fall semester 2020 webpage often to stay aware of new options for accessing materials and the libraries’ physical spaces. An “at a glance” document will be posted on that page to provide quick answers to users’ commonly asked questions, from which spaces are accessible to where to go for research assistance. Information on adjusted fall semester hours can be found on the homepage.
Related links:
Emory Forward fall 2020 semester guidelines
Library blog: Fall 2020 undergraduate library services guide