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Library Reopening Plan

Spring 2021 Reopening Plan

The Cowan-Blakley Memorial Library is committed to providing access to materials and services for all University of Dallas students, faculty, and staff.  The following reopening plan has been created to ensure the safety of library users while still allowing access to materials needed for research and study.

Facilities

  • Only current University of Dallas students, faculty, and staff will be permitted to use the library.  After 5:00 PM on weekdays and during all weekend hours, a valid University of Dallas ID will be required for entry.
  • Masks are required for entrance to the library.  Library users without a face covering will be asked to leave.  
  • No food is allowed in the library at this time.  
  • The library will be open at 50% capacity.  No more than 150 people will be allowed in at once.
  • Library users are expected to social distance.  Tables are clearly marked as one-person or two-person tables.
  • Group study rooms are closed until further notice.
  • Library users are asked to clean tables and chairs after use.  Disinfecting stations are located throughout the library.
  • The balcony on the first floor of the library is open with limited capacity. The other balconies remain closed.

Services

  • Reference services will be available in-person or virtually.  Students or faculty needing assistance can schedule an appointment here, or drop in for one-on-one assistance.  For in-person assistance, social distancing will be enforced.  Please email reference@udallas.edu or call 972-721-5315 for help.
  • Interlibrary loan services will continue as normal.  Because of delayed shipping times, library users should be prepared for items to arrive later than usual.
  • Library instruction will be available in the Blakley Research and Information Center (BRIC) with a capacity of 10 students.  Librarians can also teach in the classroom, can create video tutorials to share with students virtually, or can host live online instruction sessions. Please complete the Instruction Request Form or contact Lauren Younger for more information.

Materials

  • Contactless pickup will be available for all library users.  Users should place a hold on the item in the online catalog or email circulation@udallas.edu. Most materials will be ready within three hours and can be retrieved from the contactless pickup shelf on the main floor of the library.  More information can be found here.
  • Print reserves will not be available during the fall 2020 semester.  Course materials have been made available through the library's online reserve system or through Brightspace.  Students should contact their professor about course readings. Faculty who wish to utilize the online reserve system should complete the Reserve Request Form or email circulation@udallas.edu.  (Please note:  There is a 72-hour turnaround time for electronic reserves requests.)
  • Materials returned will be quarantined for 24 hours before being checked in and returned to the shelf.  
  • Newspapers and other popular magazines will not be available for use.  Many of these resources are available online through the library's electronic resources.  Please search for the title of the newspaper or magazine through the library's full-text finder.
  • Any materials used, including books and journals, should be returned to the reshelving carts located throughout the library.  These materials will also be quarantined for 24 hours before being returned to the shelves.
  • The library is not accepting donations at this time.  Questions regarding donations should be directed to Debbie Hathaway, Acquisitions and Collection Development Librarian, at dhathaw@udallas.edu. 

Questions regarding this reopening plan should be directed to Cherie Hohertz, Dean of University Libraries and Research, at chohertz@udallas.edu.