Will the Library be open for use this fall?
Yes! Our hours have changes and are currently as follows:
August 17 - September 7
Monday - Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Our hours for the rest of the fall semester are subject to change. You can always find accurate information about our hours on our hours page.
Are there any changes to the spaces in the library?
Also, yes! We have implemented a number of changes based on guidance from the MN Department of Health that requires us to reduce our occupancy to 25%. We have removed some seating throughout the library to ensure that our users can maintain physical distancing of 6 feet at our tables and other spaces.
We have installed clear acrylic barriers above the circulation desk, and have added floor stickers in front of the circulation desk to remind our users to honor the 6-foot rule of physical distancing.
The Library Annex will also be closed for the fall semester. If you need to connect with our Archives & Special Collections staff you can do so by contacting them via email at [email protected] or by phone at 218-726-8526.
However, we’re also really excited to announce that while everyone was away from campus we made some shifts in our spaces with our partners from ITSS. The MediaHub will now be located on the first floor of the library, which means the 2nd Floor Rotunda will now be open to users as study space! So, while we’ve removed some seating throughout the library, we’ve added some additional study space!
You can keep up with services available from the Tutoring Center and Writers’ Workshop by visiting their webpage.
Study rooms will still be available but the number of users per study room will be limited. This allows for continued physical distancing practices.
How will the library keep spaces sanitized?
There will be disinfectant spray and paper towels on each floor, as well as in each classroom for students to wipe down tables before and after use.
We have provided hand disinfectant stations on each floor, and disposable cloth masks will be available to those who need them.
We also remind our users to practice good hygiene by thoroughly washing their hands (at least 20 seconds) and by wearing a mask (masks are required on campus). Remember: if you are feeling ill, please stay home. If you have concerns about your health, you can also reach out to UMD Health Services.
In addition to the cleaning that our library staff and student workers do each day, it is also worth noting that Facilities Management staff are practicing thorough regular cleaning across campus. Our cleaning practices are informed by the MN Department of Health guidelines.
Are there any changes to general policies in the library for the semester?
Yes! The only change is in our food and beverage policy. For the fall semester, we are asking our users to refrain from eating and drinking in our spaces.
We will also be unable to make change for visitors. People looking for change can visit the TCF Bank location.
What changes can I expect in library materials and resources?
Users will likely notice the following changes in our available materials:
Print newspapers and periodicals will not be available for the remainder of 2020.
Books and other physical items will be quarantined for 5 days once they have been returned. Please note that these quarantine procedures will cause a delay in receiving requested materials via Get-it or Interlibrary Loan.
Check out the following links as they may help you find what you need
Home Delivery for Get It: UMD students, faculty, and staff now have the option to select Home Delivery when placing a Get It request.
What about course reserves for the fall?
For the safety of our students, faculty, and staff the library will not provide physical course reserves during Fall 2020. For further reading: Check out our Course Reserves FAQ Page
Will I be able to get research help?
Yes. Research Help will continue to be available in an online format. You can chat with a librarian, and you can also email a librarian to schedule a Zoom or Hangouts session. Connect with your subject librarian by visiting our subject librarian page.
Will the library have events?
At this time the library does not have any plans to host events for the fall semester, however, staff are working on some alternatives to events! Library spaces will also not be available for other units or organizations to host events.
For Faculty
Will the library still provide information literacy instruction and research help for the fall semester?
Yes! For faculty, during the fall semester, librarians will deliver information literacy instruction virtually. By offering online instruction, we can provide equitable access for all students in a course, including those who need to learn remotely. We prefer to deliver asynchronous instruction in order to offer flexibility and accommodate students across all levels of technology access and skill.
Librarians can offer support for your course in several ways:
- Online research guides for specific courses or assignments
- Online instruction for specific courses or assignments
- Online consultations with students
- Librarian consultation on research assignment design
If you would like to include information literacy instruction in your course, please contact your liaison librarian to discuss possibilities. Reach out to your librarian a minimum of three weeks in advance to make arrangements.
What about course reserves for the fall?
For the safety of our students, faculty, and staff the library will not provide physical course reserves during Fall 2020. The library encourages faculty to use digital course materials such as ebooks, streaming films, or open educational resources in lieu of placing items on traditional physical course reserves. PDFs of material not licensed by the library will be added to the Library Course Page link located on your canvas course site. We can make scans for you provided the physical material is owned by the Martin Library or the instructor. For help identifying or acquiring e-resource alternatives please contact your Subject Liaison Librarian.
For further reading: Check out our Course Reserves FAQ Page
Community Users
Guest computers are not available this semester.
Community users are welcome to continue borrowing materials and should call 218-726-6120 to request an item and arrange pickup.
Paper copies of newspapers have been suspended through the end of the year.
Additional Resources
Essential Services and Resources from the Kathryn A. Martin Library