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University Libraries is pursuing a “digital first” approach to benefit on-campus and remote researchers, instructors, and learners. A book and library materials pickup program began this week, and limited library hours will resume at Davis Library and the Health Sciences Library August 3.


As the campus prepares for the fall semester, the University Libraries has released our re-entry plan. We will be focusing on a “digital first” approach that will benefit both on-campus and remote researchers, instructors and learners. A book and library materials pickup program will debut next week, and limited library hours will resume in Davis Library and the Health Sciences Library August 3. We continue to provide a wide range of online collections and services, as we have since the spring.
If you are sharing information with your units, here are some points that may be relevant:
  • The Library will begin a contactless pickup service beginning July 13 and continuing through the semester. Anyone with an ONYEN or current community borrower’s card may request circulating materials through the online catalog for pickup at Davis Library or the Health Sciences Library. Learn more at this FAQ.
  • Beginning August 3, designated spaces in Davis Library (floors 1 and 2) and the Health Sciences Library (floors 1, 2 and lower level) will open for use. Stack floors and other library locations will be closed to the public. Library staff will retrieve items through the pickup service,
  • Everyone in library buildings will need to wear a face mask and maintain six feet of physical distancing.
  • The Library will de-densify and spread out furniture in order to encourage physical distancing. The Library is seeking to implement a reservation system for tables.
  • Public computers, printers and other technology will not be available in library buildings.
  • Faculty and graduate students with offices and carrels will be able to make an appointment to retrieve books and belongings. However, offices and carrels will not be available for routine use.
  • Most reserve readings will be electronic. Remaining print reserves will be available in Davis Library, rather than the Undergraduate Library. We invite instructors anticipating reserves reading needs for fall to reach out to reserve_reading@unc.edu as soon as possible.
  • The Library will prioritize the purchase of electronic resources for research and teaching, and is expanding its capacity to scan, digitize and electronically deliver materials, especially from the Wilson Special Collections Library.
We encourage faculty, students and staff to contact the subject specialist for their area. Subject specialists can provide help or assistance with any of the above, including acquiring or facilitating the delivery of electronic research and teaching materials. General inquiries may be directed to libraryreopening@unc.edu.