Library News Blog

The SOM Library Reopens

The SOM Library Reopens

Monday, July 27, 2020 marks the official reopening date for the SOM Library. The Library has been accessible to selected SOM student groups since June 8 but is now available to all SOM students, staff and faculty on a 24/7 basis. Please note the following key changes:

• The Library will only be available via SOM ID BADGE CARD ACCESS to SOM faculty, students, and staff. People unaffiliated with the SOM will not be allowed entrance except on an appointment basis.
• The Library will have limited staff available during the following hours:
  • Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm
• In compliance with UofSC guidelines, the following will apply:
  • All persons entering the Library must wear a face covering
  • Physical distancing of 6 feet or more must be maintained if possible. In cases where persons are within 6 feet of each other, face coverings must be worn.
• Instructions for wiping down study tables, computer workstations, print stations, and other equipment are posted throughout the Library and must be followed. Cleaning supplies are placed strategically throughout the relevant spaces.
• Elevators and stairwells are limited to one person at a time, if possible.
• Study carrels will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and will no longer be assigned to individuals. Chairs from alternating carrels have been removed to maintain physical distancing.
• Study tables are limited to two persons, one per side. Sneeze guards are in place as barriers on the tables.
• Study rooms are limited to two persons.
• Bathrooms are limited to one person at a time. Signage is available to indicate when the bathrooms are in use.

LIBRARY SERVICES:  The Library continues to offer Circulation, Reference, Education, and Interlibrary Loan services and all related services, with a few limitations.

• The Library’s e-journals, e-books, databases, subject guides, catalog continue to be available from off campus via the SOM Library website.  Consult the Remote Access FAQ.
• Circulation Services: Books and other materials may still be checked out, but there is now an online Self-Checkout form that must be used. There is also a system in place for the quarantine of returned materials. Printing services are still available with added procedures for distancing and cleaning. Reserve materials will not be available for the time being.  These materials are largely available online.
• Reference Services: The Library offers two online reference services through its website: Ask-A-Librarian (for general reference questions) and Literature Search Requests. In-person reference transactions are still available but will be conducted with proper physical distancing. Reference services via phone call is still available. Faculty may contact their departmental Library Liaison for assistance.
• Interlibrary Loan Services: Requests for articles may still be made through our Interlibrary Loan service via the Library’s website.  Currently, it is not possible to request book loans from other institutions.
• Education and Outreach: See the Library website for a summary of education services. There are a number of self-paced tutorials in place for many of our databases and resources as well as Subject Guides.