July 17, 2020, by Emma

What to expect in our libraries (updated)

As you may expect, our libraries will look, and work, a little different to usual this year.

Read on for details of some of the changes you can expect to see including how to access study space and our services. 

Arriving at the library   |  Safety measures   |    Help and support

Re-opening libraries

Throughout the summer we have been re-opening our libraries in phases. Visit our website for the latest schedule and details of what services are available in each library. 

You can access a wide range of library resources, services and support online. Visit our website to see if the service or resource you need is available online. We offer a scanning service for print items available in the library. 

Arriving at the library

You’ll notice fewer people in our libraries this year as the overall capacity has been reduced to allow for social distancing. Library staff will manage the capacity of the building at the entrance and will ask you to wait if the library is full. Please bring your University Card with you.

We’re providing safe access to our spaces and resources through drop-in short stay visits (up to 30 minutes) and pre-booked study space. There will be separate queues for each of these services and staff will be available to direct you to the right queue. 

Our priority is the health and safety of our library staff and users, and we have introduced a range of safety measures to help keep our University community safe. 

Please stay home and self-isolate if you or anyone in your household has coronavirus symptoms. Find out what to do if you have symptoms. 

Short stay (drop-in)

During short stay visits (up to 30 minutes), you can drop in to browse and borrow books, use the printers and collect books requested in advance via Click and Collect. 

The number of short-stay visitors at any one time is limited – you will be asked to wait in a queue if the library is full. Please keep a safe distance from others in the queue. 

Please be considerate of others waiting to use the library and leave the building once you have finished. 

Access to books

Books are quarantined for 72 hours when returned from outside the library.

Books used inside the library will not be quarantined because we are relying on those using our libraries to maintain good hand hygiene when handling any of our books and journals.

You may browse but try not to touch books on the shelves unless you are sure you want to borrow them. You can browse our shelves virtually on NUsearch.

Please wipe down any surfaces you have touched including shelving, footstools and self-service machines.

Please return your books using the 24/7 book box outside the library. Self-service machines will only be used to borrow books from inside the library.

Study space

If you have pre-booked study space (including Assistive Technology Rooms), please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your booked time and have your booking confirmation on hand to show staff at the entrance. This can be on your phone or printed. Book study space

Study space is for individual, silent use only – group study space is currently unavailable. 

Spaces have been set out to allow for 1m+ social distancing following the University guidance. This includes the requirement to wear a suitable face-covering in these spaces.

Please do not move any furniture or join a friend at their desk.  

Due to capacity tracking, you will be unable to leave and re-enter the library during your booked time, except when toilets are located outside the library. 

Leave your study space and the library promptly at the end of your booked time as others will be waiting. Don’t forget to clean surfaces and equipment after use. 

Library cafes

George Green and Hallward Library cafes will re-open at a later date. Access to the cafes will be through a separate entrance. 

You will not be able to enter the library through the café and vice versa. 
 

Safety measures

For University guidance on staying safe on campus visit the Coronavirus hub.

Face coverings 

• Face coverings must be worn inside all University buildings, including libraries.
• You may wish to bring your own, but additional face coverings will be available at key points across our campuses.
• Exceptions may apply, such as to those with personal health requirements and hidden conditions such as anxiety.

Follow hygiene procedures

• Use hand sanitiser when you enter the library.
• Make sure you wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially before and after handling shelving or books.
• Clean work and study stations before and after use – this includes mice and keyboards, footstool, self-service machines etc. Cleaning equipment will be provided.
• Avoid sharing equipment and stationery – including pens and pencils – with other staff and students.

Follow campus signage

• Signs and instructions are in place around our campuses to keep you – and those around you – safe; make sure you follow them.
• This includes one-way systems, limited occupation areas, closed work stations and facilities, and designated passing places.
• Please go directly to the service or resource you need in our libraries e.g. study space, printers or the shelves.

Maintain social distancing

• Please maintain social distancing at all times.
• Study spaces must be booked in advance and are for individual study only. Group study space is unavailable.
• Study spaces will be set out at 1m+ following the University guidance. This includes the requirement to wear a suitable face-covering in these spaces in line with the University Face Coverings Policy.

Follow isolation and reporting advice

• If you feel unwell or are displaying COVID-19 symptoms, do not come on to campus.
• If you or anyone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms you must self-isolate.
• If you start to feel ill or develop symptoms please notify the University using our reporting mechanisms

Help and support

It may not be possible to provide in-person help and support in our libraries. If you have questions about any of our services, resources or your library account, you can get in touch in any of the following ways:

• Email library-helpline@nottingham.ac.uk
• Drop into our Ask Libraries sessions on Microsoft Teams
• Follow @uonlibraries on Twitter or Instagram

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