UA Libraries Begin Staggered Reopening

The University of Alabama Libraries  will begin to physically reopen in the coming days.

But a lot has changed.

“As a result of the work of the University Libraries subcommittee of the president’s advisory committee on the return to full operations, I’d like to share that we are returning to limited operations in Rodgers Library on June 30, and have also prepared a staggered schedule for reopening our other facilities in July,” said UA Libraries Dean Donald Gilstrap.

• The first floor only of Rodgers Library will be open and its hours will be 1 to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, until after the July 4 holiday. From July 6-31, Rodgers will be open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• The first floor of Gorgas Library will reopen on July 6, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., until July 10, Monday through Friday. From July 13-31, hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• The ground and first floors of Bruno Business and the first floor of McLure Education libraries will reopen on July 13 from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Starting on July 20, both will increase hours to 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through the remainder of July.
• Hoole Special Collections Library will remain closed through the summer, but appointments can be made to access to the library’s collections by contacting archives@ua.edu.
• Hours for UA Libraries beyond the summer will be decided at a later date.

Michael Pearce, director of strategic engagement for UA Libraries, said the Libraries will provide a reduced number of computer terminals for use to encourage patrons to stay at least six feet apart in compliance with coronavirus social distancing guidelines.

For the time being, the Libraries will be closed to the general public and can only be accessed by UA students, faculty and staff with an ACT Card.

Patrons must wear masks to gain entry and while in the Libraries at all times.

The process of checking out physical books has also changed.

“For book lending, people will have to locate what they want in our online catalog,”Pearce said. “They can request a book from any of our branch libraries by clicking ‘request this’ in the catalog, or through ILLIAD, our system for interlibrary loan.

“We will then pull books from the shelves, bag them and email folks when their books are ready for pick up at Gorgas Library. People can start making requests for print books starting June 30. It’s called our ‘Grab-N-Go Book Pick Up Service.’”

Direct questions to library staff at illstaff@ua.edu.