Libraries will move to remote consultations and services only beginning March 18

March 17, 2020

Dear members of the Carolina community:

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 emergency and the decision of the University to reduce operations, the University Libraries will transition entirely to remote consultations and services. All campus library buildings will be closed beginning Wednesday, March 18.

Here is how we will continue serving you as you transition to teaching, learning and researching away from campus.

Online help and assistance

Library specialists can help you find and access online information, prepare information resources for remote instruction and help you locate or acquire electronic publications. You can reach us via chat or email at https://library.unc.edu/ask/,  https://asklib.hsl.unc.edu/ and https://library.law.unc.edu/.

You can also schedule a remote consultation with a subject expert at a time that is convenient for you.

We are working to increase capacity and service hours beginning next week once remote instruction begins.

Teaching and instruction

Liaison librarians, archivists and other staff members can help you integrate electronic resources into your Sakai or other online course delivery and can help you identify or acquire alternative resources if needed.

They can also provide remote instruction to your class on the use of library and information resources via Zoom or other platforms.

Learn more about remote library services for instruction and learning by visiting Remote Services for Students and Remote Services for Instructors.

Library resources and collections

UNC-Chapel Hill affiliates have full access to all online library collections, e-books, streaming films and databases by authenticating with your ONYEN. Always start your search at https://library.unc.edu, https://hsl.lib.unc.edu or https://library.law.unc.edu to ensure that you have access to articles without encountering a paywall.

We will continue to provide Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services for journal articles and other items that can be received electronically.

Many publishers are unlocking textbook and other content that would normally be behind paywalls. Please contact us at https://library.unc.edu/ask/ for assistance locating and accessing information resources.

Borrowing and fines

We have automatically renewed all books that are currently on loan, with a new due date of May 5. No fines will accrue on these items and you should not receive overdue notices. You do not need to take any action if you have books checked out in your name.

Additional Information

We will continue to provide updates about library services at https://library.unc.edu/covid-19-updates/

During this challenging time, the University Libraries’ staff and I are committed to providing the best possible service in the online environment. Please take care.

Sincerely,

Elaine L. Westbrooks

Vice Provost for University Libraries and University Librarian

Tagged with: