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    Library Reopening - Frequently Asked Questions

    by Meghan Kowalski on 2020-08-26T09:00:00-04:00 | 0 Comments

    If you've got questions about the Library's reopening, we've got answers! If you have a question that does not appear on this list, please contact us at ask@udc.libanswers.com.

     

    When will the Library reopen?

    The Library will reopen to all UDC students, faculty, and staff on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. All users MUST have their UDC OneCard. All users are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to schedule an appointment on a computer workstation before they arrive. Appointments may be scheduled here: udc.libcal.com.

     

    What are the Library’s hours?

    The Library will be open on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

     

    What do I need to use the Library?

    All library users are REQUIRED to have their UDC OneCard. Anyone entering the Library will also be REQUIRED to wear a face mask for the duration of their stay. Masks must fully cover a person’s nose and mouth. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND you bring your own headphones if you need them.

     

    How is the Library keeping me safe?

    All persons in the Library are REQUIRED to wear a face mask. (Face masks will be given out to those who do not have them.) Anyone visiting the Library will undergo a temperature screening before they are allowed to enter the building. The Library will be cleaned throughout the day and each computer station will be cleaned after each appointment. Stations like printers and scanners will be cleaned routinely throughout the day. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the Library. All workstations will be spaced at least six-feet apart to maintain proper social distancing. Plexiglass shields have been installed at each service desk for additional protection. Signs promoting recommended social distancing and handwashing will be placed throughout the Library.

     

    Can I take my mask off once I’m inside?

    No. To provide safety to all users and follow established guidance, all those in the Library MUST wear a mask at all times. Users who take off their masks or whose masks don’t fully cover their mouth and nose will be reminded of the mask policy. Those who repeatedly take their mask off or wear it improperly will be asked to leave the Library. This policy will be posted on the door and throughout the Library.

     

    When can I return my books?

    You may drop-off any books you have (from UDC or any other WRLC library) whenever the Library is open. There will be a box for contactless return where users can place their items; after the items have been quarantined for 72 hours, circulation staff will check-in the books and waive any fines that may have accrued.

     

    Can I use a computer?

    Yes! A limited number of computer workstations will be available. Available stations will be at least six-feet apart to maintain proper social distancing. We highly encourage you to make an appointment to use a computer ahead of time online at udc.libcal.com. If you reserve a computer and DO NOT show up for your reservation, staff may cancel your reservation and give it to another user who is at the Library.

     

    Do I need an appointment to use a computer?

    No, but we HIGHLY ENCOURAGE you to make an appointment to use a computer ahead of time online at udc.libcal.com. If you do not make an appointment ahead of time, library staff can make one for you on-site if a computer is available. If no computers are available, you will be asked to leave the Library until a computer is available. If you reserve a computer or study carrel and DO NOT show up for your reservation, staff may cancel your reservation and give it to another user who is at the Library.

     

    How long may I use the computers?

    Currently, you may reserve a computer workstation for however long you’d like. If we find that limits are needed we will first adopt a 4-hour limit and then a 2-hour limit. Reservations will never be shorter than two hours. Any changes to the reservation system and limits will be shared on our website and social media. If you reserve a computer or study carrel and DO NOT show up for your reservation, staff may cancel your reservation and give it to another user who is at the Library.

     

    Can I check out books?

    Yes! However, only library staff will be able to pull books from the shelves. You may either request the books through UDC Search or bring the book’s information to the Circulation Desk and a staff member will grab the book for you.

     

    Can I check out books from other schools?

    Yes! Consortium Loan Service (CLS) is available. However, the courier service which delivers the books is only running once a week. Please leave ample time to request and receive books.

     

    Can I visit other WRLC school libraries?

    At this time, all WRLC schools are limiting access to ONLY their own University's students, faculty, and staff. We will provide updates if this changes.

     

    Can I check out headphones?

    No, we will not be checking out headphones. We will, however, have a limited number of FREE headphones to give to users who do not have their own. Users who do not have headphones will get one free pair of headphones and should bring them back to the Library for use each time they visit.

     

    Can I print, photocopy, or scan?

    Yes! Printing, scanning, and photocopying services will resume as normal. Printing and photocopying are 10 cents a page. Scanning is free but you must have funds on your UDC OneCard to activate the scanner. The machine to add money to your card ONLY accepts cash (bills only).

     

    Can I study at the Library?

    Yes! A limited number of study carrels will be available. We HIGHLY ENCOURAGE you to make an appointment to use a carrel ahead of time online at udc.libcal.com. If you do not make an appointment ahead of time, library staff can make one for you on-site if a carrel is available. If no carrels are available, you will be asked to leave the Library until a carrel is available. If you reserve a study carrel and DO NOT show up for your reservation, staff may cancel your reservation and give it to another user who is at the Library.

     

    I have my own laptop, can I use the Library’s Wi-Fi?

    Yes! A limited number of personal carrels will be available. We HIGHLY ENCOURAGE you to make an appointment to use a carrel ahead of time online at udc.libcal.com. If you do not make an appointment ahead of time, library staff can make one for you on-site if a carrel is available. If no carrels are available, you will be asked to leave the Library until a carrel is available.

     

    Can I attend my online classes at the Library?

    Yes! We only ask that you respect others in the Library and use headphones. If you need to speak, please keep a quiet voice and be mindful of those around you.

     

    How can I get reference help?

    Due to the nature of reference services, librarians will not be able to safely provide in-person reference. You may schedule appointments online or access “drop-in” reference appointments through the Library’s chat service on our website. 

    The Library’s Reference Desk will be set up to serve as a virtual reference portal. The workstation will provide information on how to schedule and access virtual reference. Virtual reference appointments will be conducted via the Library’s existing online infrastructure, LibApps, which provides video conferencing through Zoom. You will be able to see and speak with librarians. They will also have access to screen sharing preserving the essential functions of in-person reference while maintaining health and safety. 

    Virtual appointments may be scheduled through the Library’s website: https://udc.libcal.com/appointments/online

    In addition to virtual reference, librarians will be available to provide reference support through:

     

    Can I request library instruction for my course?

    Yes! Library instruction services for courses will be available by faculty request. You may request library instruction online via this webform or by emailing ask@udc.libanswers.com. Please submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance.

    Options available to faculty are: 

    • Synchronous online instruction at a regularly scheduled class time
    • Synchronous online instruction at a different class time
    • Asynchronous online instruction via recorded lecture with slides
    • Asynchronous online instruction via a self-paced tutorial (which can include quizzes and questions)
    • Electronic handouts/worksheets (such as PowerPoints, worksheets, etc.)

    Library faculty continue to add online material to support all faculty and research. Online research support is available through:

    Additional material will be added to these resources as we remain online and through any requests received from faculty and students.

     

    Can I check out my textbook on reserves?

    Due to safety concerns, we are not able to check out reserves items like textbooks, but we can digitize a limited number of pages for you by request. To submit a digitization request, you can submit a request through UDC Search on the item’s page or email the book’s information, the pages you need, and your name and contact information to ask@udc.libanswers.com. The digitized pages will be uploaded to your library account and you will receive an email when they are available. Digitization requests will be fulfilled within 2-3 business days.

     

    When I pick up library materials, should I clean or disinfect them?

    No. Please don’t clean or disinfect any library materials. This may damage the item. Library staff who handle materials are instructed on proper handwashing and will wear masks and gloves while they work. The risk of virus transfer when items are handled properly is extremely small.

     

    I can’t get to campus to pick up books. Can you send books to me?

    We are offering in-person pickup only at this time.

     

    When will I be able to request books and articles from Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

    Article lending never stopped! You can request articles right now but there may be delays as every library we receive material from is operating under different procedures. Requesting books through ILL is still not available but we will post updates to this service when it becomes available.

     

    I have overdue library materials. Where should I return them?

    You may drop-off any books you have (from UDC or any other WRLC library) whenever the Library is open. There will be a contactless returns box where users can place their items; after the items have been quarantined for 72 hours, circulation staff will check-in the books and waive any fines that may have accrued.

     

    Why does an item I returned still appear on my library account?

    We quarantine all returned materials for 72 hours before checking them in. If the item remains on your account after 72 business hours have passed, please contact the Circulation Desk by calling 202-274-6009 or emailing us at ask@udc.libanswer.com

     

    Is the library accepting purchase requests for print and e-books from faculty? 

    We welcome your suggestions for materials to purchase for the library's collections. Before making your request, please consider if the material supports your curricular and/or research needs. At this time, priority will be given to materials available online.

    Requests may be made in two ways:

    • For Items Held at other WRLC Members: Search for the item in UDC Search. On the item's page, under the "Where to Get It" menu click "Request UDC Purchase This Item." Complete the form and click "Send Request."
    • For Items Not Held at UDC or WRLC: Fill out the form available in "Search by Citation" with as much information as possible. Make sure you select the book option. Then, click "Submit." Under the "Where to Get It" menu, click "Request UDC Purchase This Item." Complete the form and click "Send Request."

    Note: You MUST be signed in to make a purchase request.

    Once you submit a request, you will receive emails throughout the process if we are able to purchase the item. We are not able to purchase all requested material, but will do our best to fulfill your needs within the parameters of our Collection Development Policy and availability from vendors. If you have any questions about purchase requests, please email ask@udc.libanswers.com.

     

    Do I need to come to the Library to use online resources?

    No! You can use all of our online resources from the comfort of home. Just visit our website at http://udc.libguides.com to use UDC Search or any of the database or online guides. You will be asked to log in using your UDC email credentials.

     

    I can’t make it to the Library during the open hours, can someone else pick-up or return my books?

    Since item return is contactless, anyone can return books you have checked out. If you can’t make it to the Library to pick-up requested material, please contact us at 202-274-6009 or ask@udc.libanswers.com. We’ll try our best to find a way for you to get your material. Delivery or shipping of material WILL NOT be available. 

     

    Can I donate books to the library?

    At this time, the Library will not be accepting any individual book donations. If you are an alum, professor, or another donor with a large scale donation which is of value to the institution or University archives please contact us at ask@udc.libanswers.edu to discuss possible future donations.


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