Pardon the dust, said Emily McElroy, dean of the McGoogan Health Sciences Library, but the library is open again for business Tuesday, Aug. 11.
It’s a soft opening, with furniture still missing and construction crews still finishing up the year-plus renovation (the physical library closed to the public last May). Though library staff and resources remained available to the UNMC community throughout, it now returns as a physical space.
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Library visitors will notice much more natural light, access to electrical outlets and strong Wi-Fi. Plus, these things! |
“If students, faculty, and staff are already on campus, they are welcome to make the library their study and recharging spot,” McElroy said.
A UNMC ID badge is required for building and library access, and masks will be required. Non-compliance will result in non-entrance, McElroy said. Masks are required in all open areas but may be removed in individual study rooms and faculty hoteling offices, with the door closed.
Visitors will notice much more natural light, access to electrical outlets and strong Wi-Fi. Study rooms can be reserved through EMS, the centralized campus reservation system.
Books and models may be requested for checkout via the library catalog, but library staff will reduce the number of touchpoints for all materials and will isolate circulating items between uses. There may be a short delay in the availability of items. Most library services will still be provided remotely for now, including the Writing Center.
Social distancing is expected, and physical and environmental cues will help. Library users are expected to demonstrate common-sense hygiene and handwashing, and chip in with cleaning of spaces and equipment before and after use.
McElroy is happy to welcome the campus back, but cautions that work is not yet complete. “There will be touch-ups and occasional construction traffic through the fall,” she said.
So while the library is generally library-quiet, “You may hear some construction noises during your visit.”
Congratulations to Dean McElroy and the entire library staff. I have heard that the space is amazing and can't wait to see it in person!
This is great news!
Congratulations Emily and McGoogan team!
Dedication, commitment, and hard work from all of the library staff. We had them here in the ESH for a good while. Excellent people to work with and always showed their commitment. It was nice having them! congratulations on the opening!
Congratulations Dean McElroy and to the library faculty and staff! The renovation is a welcoming campus resource for students and faculty.
WooHoo! Can’t wait to see it! 👏🏻😷😎