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Rudisill Library Reopening Guide

Changes for the Fall, 2020, semester

Frank Quinn, Dean of University Library Services

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Frank Quinn
Contact:
Rudisill Library 116
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-7235
Subjects: Art

Library Reopening, 2020-2021 Academic Year

Welcome back to Rudisill Library-- we're glad you're here! We re-opened for the fall semester on Monday, August 24, with reduced hours of operation.

The tabs above will explain many of the changes you'll see in Rudisill Library--along with some things that aren't changing. We hope to create as stable and predictable an environment as possible, but please understand, we may need to make additional changes as the semester progresses, depending on circumstances and opportunities.

Please also be mindful of our Student Library Assistants, who will be monitoring the library for safe use. We ask all our patrons to be respectful and courteous if you are asked to comply with library and campus rules for safe and healthy behavior.

We look forward to helping LR students, faculty, and staff learn and discover and grow this year.

For the librarians and staff of Rudisill Library,

Frank Quinn, PhD
Dean of University Library Services
Rudisill Library, 625 7th Avenue NE
Hickory, NC  28601
(828) 328-7235

 

Posted Aug. 17, 2020; updated Oct. 6, Nov. 9, 2020, and Jan. 6, 2021.

NEW HOURS: Starting Feb. 8, Rudisill Library will be open until 11:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday.

Our Spring, 2021, semester hours through Thursday, April 29

Monday - Thursday 8 am - 11 pm
Friday 8 am - 5 pm
Saturday 11 am - 5 pm
Sunday 2 pm - 11 pm

Exception: Rudisill Library will be closed Good Friday, April 2, through Easter Sunday, April 4, which are University holidays.

Finals Week

Thursday, April 29 8 am to 12 midnight (Reading Day)
Friday, April 30 8 am to 12 midnight (Finals)
Saturday, May 1 8 am to 10 pm (Finals)
Sunday, May 2 11 am to 12 midnight
Monday, May 3 8 am to 12 midnight (Finals)
Tuesday, May 4 8 am to 6:30 pm (Finals)

Posted Jan. 6, 2021, updated Jan. 11, Feb. 16, Mar. 23

Space Changes
  • To accommodate safe distancing, seating has been reduced by about 60 percent. A few tables on the main floor (the "Reference" area) can safely seat two people, but most study tables have only a single chair. Computer tables and study carrels have been re-arranged to create safer spaces.
  • Plexiglas barriers and new library signage will encourage safe distancing, wearing face coverings at all times, frequent hand washing, and other health practices.
  • In accordance with campus policy, face coverings (masks) and safe distancing will be required at all times while in Rudisill Library.

Meetings and Events

 

  • Although some in-person classes will be held in library spaces, there will be no in-person meetings, receptions, or similar gatherings.
  • So long as they respect and encourage safe distancing, art displays will be allowed.
Access
  • Rudisill Library will only be open to current LR students, faculty, and staff this Fall, so please carry your LR ID with you. We look forward to serving members of the greater Hickory community as soon as public health concerns will allow us to do so.
Food and Drink
  • Eating and drinking will not be allowed in Rudisill Library for the Fall semester. At some point this semester, we expect our water fountains to be replaced with water bottle dispensers--so you can take your water with you as you leave the library.
Stairways
  • The stairs to and from the Learning Commons on our upper floor will be one-way only. Please watch for the signage.
Study Rooms
  • Group study is not encouraged. Although some rooms will accommodate more than one person, please maintain safe distancing-- a minimum of 6 feet apart--at all times.

 

Book Collections
  • Our stacks will remain open. Please leave any book you touch on a nearby re-shelving book cart. We're happy to re-shelve them for you.
Circulation
  • Loan periods will remain unchanged for the fall, but we will conduct a safe, low-contact book checkout process. Please follow all signage and instructions from our Student Library Assistants.
  • All returned books and other items will undergo a 1- to 3-day quarantine, in accordance with REALM Project guidelines.
  • Starting September 1, overdue fines and recalls will be in effect. Please return all materials promptly.
Reserves
  • Physical reserve materials will not be available.
  • Instructors needing help finding appropriate replacement materials should please contact your liaison librarian for assistance.
Book Pick-Up Service
  • If you prefer to minimize contact, please take advantage of our new book pick-up service. Just email us (refdesk@lr.edu) the author, title, and complete call number of any books you need, and we'll have them ready for you to pick up at our Circulation Desk within two hours of your receipt of our confirming email.
Ebooks, Online Articles, and Streaming
  • Rudisill Library will continue to provide access, 24/7, to our 690 million-item virtual collections--ebooks, articles, streaming video and audio, transcripts, and more--accessible through the Summon Discovery tool. 
  • We will continue to provide access to all 182 library databases and e-collections - https://libguides.lr.edu/az.php - as well as access to virtual content by subject or discipline.

 

  • Our Interlibrary Loan service will continue--for books, articles, and other materials not available at Rudisill Library.
  • One change for the fall - books and other physical ILL materials will be available for pick up at the Circulation Desk.
  • Please note, there may be delays due to changes in other libraries' services nationwide.
Practicing Safe Reference
  • The standard and preferred medium for all Reference will be virtual, i.e., via Chat, Email, Phone, or Zoom.
  • Occasionally, librarian staff will need to work with patrons "in person," which should only be conducted with face masks and safe distancing.
Research Help
  • Chat - Real-time chat help (look for the "Chat now!" button on our web site) is available 24/7 but with access to LR librarians between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday, as well as Sunday afternoons between 2 pm and 9 pm.
  • Email - As always, we're happy to respond to email, sent to refdesk@lr.edu or by...
  • Phone - Please call us at (828) 328-7677or contact your liaison librarian directly.
Librarian Liaisons
  • Librarian liaisons are also available for individual consultation, as needed, for more specialized assistance.

 

Information Literacy
  • Librarians will continue to teach information literacy skills on the request of LRU faculty and other instructors.
Safe library instruction
  • Fall semester library instruction will primarily be asynchronous (i.e., by recording), but we can also teach synchronously (via Zoom) if necessary.
  • We will not be conducting in-person instruction in the fall semester.
Canvas connection
  • Looking for other ways to connect your students with librarians? Consider adding your librarian liaison to your Canvas course. We'd love to be a "guide on the side" for your class.