The R.P. Bell Library stacks have re-opened and members of the public are welcome in the building. Masks, social distancing, and check-in information for contact tracing are still required.
"We are delighted to welcome everyone back into the building and into our stacks," said University Librarian Dianne Keeping. "We know people have really missed browsing our collection, and we have missed seeing patrons in the building."
Dr. Keeping adds that the Library is re-opening carefully, and regular COVID precautions still apply, including hand sanitizing stations and the requirement for social distancing and mask wearing.
Patrons can visit the building any time during business hours (8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays). Staff will gather contact tracing information (name and phone number) before you proceed into the main sitting area.
"Over the past 15 months, we've all become pros at social distancing, hand sanitizing, and wearing masks. We ask that people still practise these precautionary measures," said Dr. Keeping.
COVID has also taught us some good things: "Our Library to Go service has been a huge success," said Dr. Keeping. "We've decided to keep that in place for people who prefer to have their books brought down from the stacks and ready for pick up. It's fast, easy, and efficient."
People can continue to place Library to Go requests through our online booking form. Staff will fetch the books, check them out to you, and leave them in our designated pick-up area just inside the main doors.
Similarly, many patrons said they liked the ability to book seats, especially in group study rooms. The Ground Floor, which has three study rooms, single and group seating, and four private study carrels, remains bookable through Book a Seat. In the Fall Term, a variety of bookable and open seating will be available.
"We're still monitoring the situation and working on procedures for the Fall Term," said Dr. Keeping. "Our goal is to keep everybody safe and ensure access to our services and collection."
Interlibrary loan, virtual research help from librarians, and access to printing also remain available. For a full list of library services, please visit our COVID pages or our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
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