August 7, 2020
Dear colleagues:
I am writing to let you know of the library’s operating plan for fall semester. The library staff are working very hard to support the curricular and information needs of the Reed community as safely as possible. Below are highlights of some of the changes you will see this fall. The full version of the plan is available and will be updated at the library web site as our plans evolve with changing conditions.
Fewer open hours and less, but socially-distanced, seating. Shorter hours enable staff to offer safer, contactless materials delivery options and allow more time for thorough cleaning of frequently-touched surfaces overnight. The library stacks will be open for browsing. Due to the very limited number of seats in the library overall, we will not be able to provide senior thesis desks this fall.
More options for contactless book delivery. Reed books, Summit (yes, it’s back!), and interlibrary loan books will be available for pickup in the library lobby. Delivery to campus mailboxes and mail delivery outside of Portland continue to be available. Please take advantage of these contactless delivery options when you can, as they are the safest way to obtain library materials.
Limited print reserves for courses. The library continues to offer robust electronic course reserves available through course Moodle sites, and e-book versions of course texts when available, as well as streaming video for courses. However, due to the danger of virus transmission through frequently-circulated books, we will not be able to offer 3-hour lending of printed course reserves this fall. While course texts will be available for longer loan periods, students should obtain their own copies of printed texts when possible.
Online-only reference and instruction. Recognizing that students need different kinds of resources and research help throughout the semester, subject librarians have developed creative ways to offer remote support for research and courses. Librarians will work with you to embed support into points along the path throughout the semester, including traditional Zoom instruction sessions, integration into Moodle courses, and group Q & A drop-in sessions for students. Your subject librarian will follow up soon with details and will also be discussing them at an upcoming CTL panel “ Subject Librarian Support Throughout the Semester” on Monday August 17 at 11am.
Please don’t hesitate to let me know of questions and concerns. I look forward to seeing many of you on campus soon.
Sincerely,
Dena
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Dena Hutto
Norman F. Carrigg College Librarian