To create a safe environment for students, staff and faculty on campus, UA Libraries has changed its rules to incorporate best practices for preventing the spread of coronavirus.
“We want students to be prepared for some new realities,” said Michael Pearce, director of strategic engagement for University Libraries. “We have been working hard all summer planning for our return to full operations, but we need students’ help in order to maintain health and safety for everyone who visits our libraries.”
Some of the changes that students will notice right away include the addition of health screens at all service points to reduce contact with patrons, and hand sanitizer stations placed throughout the libraries.
ACT Cards, either physical or mobile, are required for entry to the libraries and there will be queuing points with 6 feet of distance at all entrances. Additionally, in order to manage the flow of patrons, there will be only one entrance to each library for the foreseeable future. For example, the Quad entrance to Gorgas will remain closed until further notice.
In keeping with the UA System Health and Safety Task Force’s requirement that face coverings must be worn in all University buildings, University Libraries faculty and staff will be required to wear masks, and students are required to wear them properly as well while in the libraries.
The libraries have arranged furniture and moved computers to promote 6 feet of distance, and have added waypoints guiding traffic on the floors and showing 6 feet of distance at service points.
While the number of patrons in the buildings at any one time will be limited, resources for those patrons will still be readily available.
“We want students to be prepared for reduced occupancy in our facilities,” Pearce said. “While we have study spaces and computers available for students, and students are free to visit all floors in our libraries, reduced occupancy allows us to conform to University guidelines promoting social distancing.
“There may be times when we have to limit the number of patrons that enter, and we ask for patience as we all adjust to new expectations.”
The complete list of all the University Libraries new usage rules can be found on its website.
For students who need assistance with library materials online or off, UA Libraries Ask-A-Librarian chat service is available.