UConn Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
The worldwide pandemic involving COVID-19 (coronavirus) has produced unprecedented challenges in the UConn community and around the world. These unusual circumstances create significant uncertainty and unease in the professional and personal lives of our students, employees, alumni, and others throughout UConn Nation.
The latest official guidance and updates on UConn’s response to COVID-19 and its impact on the university community is being provided in real time at https://uconn.edu/public-notification/coronavirus/.
UConn Library support during COVID-19 closure
Our guiding principle is to support students and faculty while protecting the health of our community and our staff are providing online services while our physical locations are closed. We will continue to be flexible and in constant review of what is possible.
Hours
All of our libraries (including Law and Health Sciences) are physically closed until further notice. Staff and services are available online.
Materials
Fines/Fees/Registration Holds
We are waiving all fines and fees until further notice. If you have questions about current Library fines, fees, or registration holds, please email barbara.mitchell@uconn.edu and claudia.lopes@uconn.edu. Please include NetID. If you are a student, it would be helpful to also add your PeopleSoft number, although not required.
Electronic Materials
All of our electronic materials continue to be available online. We have created a guide to help navigate the resources and will keep it updated as publishers change access restrictions. If there are issues with access, please contact ermsupport@uconn.edu.
Course Reserves
Faculty should request online alternatives for print and DVD materials currently held on reserve that are needed for teaching. We are not able convert DVDs to streaming videos at this time. The Library intends to purchase electronic versions if available; this may take up to 3-5 business days. There is no guarantee of purchase however the Library will make a good faith effort to locate requested materials. Send requests for purchase to ermsupport@uconn.edu. If electronic versions are not available, the Library will consult with faculty to potentially locate an acceptable alternative. For all other questions regarding Course Reserves, please contact the appropriate reserve staff via email.
Streaming Videos
We offer many streaming videos on demand which can be found here – UConn Library’s Streaming Videos Collection. You can also check out our guide for tips on searching the catalog and other streaming services available.
Borrowing Materials through Interlibrary Loan
Use ILLiad to request needed e-resources that are not available through UConn. This service is fast and free. Physical items (DVDs, VHS, print books, etc.) are not available to request at this time.
- PDF articles, chapters, and papers
Follow the directions for requesting articles, chapters, and papers. - E-Books
While it is still difficult and rare to obtain e-books through Interlibrary Services, a few libraries (like ours) are beginning to provide them. Follow the directions for print books but look for the e-book record if there is one. Not every print book has an e-book version.
More information can be found on the Interlibrary Services FAQ page. If you have a question regarding your requests please contact udoc@uconn.edu.
Physical Materials
- Library books that have been checked out, including Interlibrary Loan materials, should be kept until further notice. We will be extending all due dates and waiving fines and fees. For students coming to the Storrs campus to empty dorm rooms over the next few weeks, there will be bins on the loading dock of Babbidge Library where you can drop your books. For students at the regional campuses, please hold onto your books until further notice and check back here for updated information as it becomes available.
- Requested items that were placed on hold are no longer available. You may place requests for these materials again when the library reopens.
- Requesting or recalling items is not available.
- Circulating items are not available at this time.
- If you have returned a book, it will be in quarantine and not be checked back in for some time. As a result, you will still see it in your account. No fines and fees will be charged.
Archives & Special Collections
Services including research, instruction, and reproduction services will be limited. Researchers with existing travel plans should reschedule their visit. ASC’s digital archival collections and other resources can be accessed through the Connecticut Digital Archive. Questions can be sent to archives@uconn.edu
Connecticut Digital Archive (CTDA)
Business as usual. Collections are still available and the ability to add materials remains the same. https://ctdigitalarchive.org/uconn-update
Services/Classroom Support
Online Help – Chat or Email
Our Ask a Librarian service is available to answer your library questions via chat or email. You can also embed the chat service into your HuskyCT to facilitate student access to research help. See https://guides.lib.uconn.edu/huskyct/referencehelp for information on how to do that.
Integrating Library Materials in HuskyCT
We have a guide to help you easily integrate library resources into HuskyCT
Temporary eResource Access to Support Distance Learning
With the move to distance learning for all UConn classes, this list of resources is a useful tool. Changes will happen regularly and we will update the guide as new information arises.
Research Assistance
Our subject specialists are available for consultation and can help you find digital materials, create course guides, and facilitate access to library resources within HuskyCT. Email your subject specialist and together we’ll figure out a plan to connect you and your students to the best tools and materials. If you do not have an identified subject specialist, please contact sara.harrington@uconn.edu
Laptop Loaners
The Library has provided all available laptops for distribution as part of the university’s centralized process. We do not have any to loan out.
Library Account Access
If you are having trouble accessing your Library account remotely, can’t make an Interlibrary Loan request for a PDF, have a question about a specific item you have checked out, or a question about fines and fees (all of which are currently being waived) please email askcirc@uconn.edu
Maker Studio
The Maker Studio will be closed until further notice.
Lockers & Research Carrels
If you have items that you did not retrieve from a locker or research carrel before Homer Babbidge closed, please contact David.Avery@uconn.edu to schedule a pickup time. This will be by appointment only.
Health & Safety
UConn Facilities has indicated Babbidge Library is a priority for deep cleaning during the campus closure and throughly being cleaned.
Events
All of our events have been cancelled until further notice.
Gifts of Books
With the exception of limited opportunities in Archives & Special Collections, we are not accepting donations of books and other physical materials until further notice.
Contact
Not sure who to contact? You can always use the Ask A Librarian chat, email us at homer@uconn.edu, or contact us through our webpage. We are here to help!
Page last updated at 5.28.20, 1:00pm