Along with the rest of Georgetown College, the Ensor Learning Resource Center is prepared for the moving of classes and other services online. While our plans are constantly evolving, we want to share what our patrons should be aware of at this point:
Library Hours: The library will keep its Spring Break hours until this Friday, March 13, which are 8 AM – 5 PM. We will be closed this coming Saturday (3/14) and Sunday (3/15). After that, we will have an adjusted schedule until April 6, when on campus classes are expected to resume. This adjusted schedule is:
Things to do ASAP: Make sure you can log into all library systems. Logging into the library databases and other electronic resources for off-campus access requires your GC credentials (i.e. the same username and password you use for logging in to the Portal and to computers on campus). Logging on to the ILL system also requires the same credentials. If you need to reset your password, you can do so in GC’s Portal. Know that electronic materials will not be affected in any way by our hours change. These items are available any time so long as you have internet access.
Increased Book Renewals & Fines: All fines and fees for overdue library materials will be waived until April 6 when on campus classes are expected to resume. Library staff will work to renew items that are currently on loan to our patrons, but we may miss some. If you receive an overdue notice from our system in the meantime, please contact Randall Myers ([email protected]) and he will ensure your records are updated.
Returned Items: Patrons returning items will be asked to place them through the slot at the Circulation Desk to allow for the library staff to process them in a safe manner. Any item returned, including ILLs, will be placed in quarantine for a period of time before they are processed back onto the shelf or returned to their home institution. We are currently looking at options to how to sanitize items that are returned. Laptops will be wiped down with cleaning wipes when they are returned before being placed into the charging station.
Course Reserves: Access to all print course reserves material will be discontinued until April 6 when on campus classes are expected to resume. In the meantime, we encourage faculty to take advantage of our electronic collections and our eReserves service through our Springshare vendor. The Director of Library Services is currently reviewing copyright issues surrounding fair use in extraordinary situations to see what accommodations could be made to allow for scanning and distributing of materials on reserve. Please look for updates in the coming days.
Interlibrary Loan: ILL is currently operating as usual. However, dependent on the availability of items from other institutions, this is subject to change with short notice.
Library Research Help & Appointments: Library chat service will be available during our open hours and we will still continue to provide responses to requests within 24 hours (48 hours if over the weekend) to online queries. Furthermore, we will still accept appointments and research consultations from students and faculty as needed, although these appointments may be moved online and conducted using Zoom capabilities and our screencast software available through our vendor.
Library Instruction: If you have scheduled a library instruction session with Andrew, he is still willing to do those sessions through Canvas and Zoom. Please contact him if you wish to do this.
Library Events: The remaining Library Lunch & Learns will be cancelled. We will return to the topics that were to be presented in the next academic year.
Library Cleaning: Just as the college has enhanced its cleaning protocols, so has the LRC. Library staff will be tasked with cleaning high-touch surfaces and other areas in addition to the cleaning done by the college housekeeping services. Additional signage will be posted to encourage proper handwashing techniques and there are hand sanitizing stations located in the lobby at both entrances.
The library will continue to post updates as we have them and should you have any questions about anything in this message or something that I may not have answered, please feel free to contact me directly. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we are all learning how to navigate this new normal for the next three weeks.
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