Coe Library will be open for the fall semester, with some changes to adhere to new regulations set by the University.
“It will not be business as usual,” says the Dean of Libraries, Ivan Gaetz. “Coe library tends to be a major gathering and hang-out space for students. While we welcome students back to the libraries, the opportunity to hang out with friends will be very limited.”
As per the University’s regulations for reopening, the Coe Library will implement self-monitoring, social distancing, the closure of conference rooms and small group spaces, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), providing masks for those who need them, and sanitation of surfaces and materials. Tables and workstations have been changed to only have one or two seats and group study spaces will only be available to one person at a time via online reservation.
“On the bright side, this past summer we installed 20 single-person, enclosed study pods throughout the 3rd and 4th-floor stacks area,” Gaetz assures.
The ITS Computer lab in the library will remain open with varying hours depending on use, staff scheduling, and how compliance with health measures on campus are upheld.
At this time, the number of people entering the Coe Library will not be counted. However, should numbers swell to sizes that make social distancing impossible, Gaetz says that restrictions may have to be implemented.
“During this health crisis, we hope students will use Coe more for study and research purposes than for social gathering.”
Online support for the library will remain unchanged and will be the encouraged method of library support this coming semester. The website allows students to access the library’s extensive collection for materials as well as contacts to librarians and others to offer student support.
“Our top priorities are 1) the health and safety of students coming to the libraries and the safety and sense of well-being of all our employees, and 2) using our libraries for study and research purposes,” Gaetz said.
“Since COVID and the health crisis is all new to us-and everyone else in the world-we are, in a way, ‘constructing the airplane as we are flying it!’ So, please be patient with us as we continue to figure it out and tweak what already is in place. If you have suggestions or specific questions as you return to campus, please contact me directly!”
