University Libraries announces in-person and online services for students

In an effort to ensure safe study spaces on all OHIO campuses, University Libraries announces in-person and online services for all of our students for fall semester. 

“We can help students be successful—no matter where they are doing their course work,” said Dr. Kelly Broughton, University Libraries’ assistant dean for research and education services.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 24, Alden Library’s second floor is opening to all registered OHIO students, faculty, and staff, but with limited hours and in-person services. The second floor will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  

An OHIO ID will be needed for card-swipe access into Alden Library’s second-floor Park Place entrance, and users will be provided with the following:

• Public computing, including specialized software and printing with Bobcat Cash.
• Reservable rooms for individual study.
• Socially distanced study spaces.
• An area for “contactless” pickup of requested items, including OhioLINK and Interlibrary Loan materials.

Alden Library will be cleaned regularly in accordance with the University’s  cleaning protocols , and for safety, all users will adhere to social distancing and the  U niversity's mask policy .

While in-person assistance will be available in Alden, users are encouraged to use the Libraries’ robust online help services during all hours.

University Libraries issued the following additional guidance for students in Athens, on the regional campuses, and other locations.

For students everywhere:

• You can get help with all your information needs remotely via phone and live chat
  • Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Extensive research assistance is available from your subject librarian and/or your regional campus librarian .
• You can watch a quick video about how to find ebooks in the ALICE Catalog .
• If you need a book chapter or article that we only have in print or microform, our Document Express service will scan and deliver an electronic copy to you.
• Ask us for help locating all types electronic information, including articles, movies, data and more.

For students in Athens:

• The book stacks are closed, but you can request items from the ALICE Catalog . We will check them out for you, and you can pick them up on the second floor of Alden.
• Use the “Request” button in the OhioLINK Catalog to borrow materials we don’t have or that are checked out. It will require more time than usual (up to two weeks) for materials to be available for pick up.
• In-person staffing is reduced at help desks, but you can get help remotely via phone and live chat, and by making an appointment with your subject librarian .
• Printing using BobCat Cash is available.
• Alden computing offers NVivo, SPSS, SAS, Adobe Creative Suite and more.
• Appointments to access special technologies in the Music & Dance Library can be requested via email to Dr. Carla Williams ( williac3@ohio.edu ).
• Cleaning supplies will be available for you to wipe keyboards and other surfaces.
• Carrels and lockers are not available.
• Second-floor study rooms are available for reservation for no more than one person at a time.
• Additional safety precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic include:
  • Limit your length of stay in Alden. Don’t stay inside with lots of people for extensive periods of time.
  • Don’t eat indoors or in public spaces. Take your refreshment breaks and meals outside or at home.

For students who use a regional campus library:

• During phase one of the fall semester, regional campus library spaces will be open Monday through Thursday:
  • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for study
  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for limited library services
• Masks are required at all times.
• Furniture is arranged to maintain social distancing protocols.
• The book stacks are closed, but you can request items from the ALICE Catalog . We will check them out for you, and you can pick them up at the library.
• Use the “Request” button in the OhioLINK Catalog to borrow materials we don’t have or that are checked out. It will require more time than usual (up to two weeks) for materials to be available for pickup.
• Cleaning supplies will be available for you to wipe keyboards and other surfaces.
• Additional safety precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic include:
  • Limit your length of stay in the library. Don’t stay inside with lots of people for extensive periods of time.
  • Don’t eat indoors or in public spaces. Take your refreshment breaks and meals outside or at home.
• Find more information on the regional campus libraries’ web sites .

For students elsewhere in Ohio:

• OhioLINK borrowing services are available, although they will require more time than usual. Use the “pickup anywhere feature” to have items sent to the OhioLINK member library closest to you.
  • Use the “Request” buttons in the ALICE or OhioLINK catalogs. 
  • Some OhioLINK libraries are not providing pickup service at this time, so contact your local OhioLINK library first.

For students outside of Ohio:

• For access to print books, your subject librarian can help you establish a relationship with a local library near you. Ask for assistance from the Libraries’ help desk first so that we can check to see if there is an electronic version of what you need.

If you are a student who lives with disabilities that impact your access to the Libraries under these new conditions, please reach out to Dr. Chris Guder ( guder@ohio.edu ) for assistance. 

For more information about the Libraries’ phased reopening, check out the FAQ page or use the live chat links on our web pages.