Libraries open with new plans and procedures

As Tulane’s libraries reopen for a new school year, librarians and staff are looking forward to welcoming the campus community back to our facilities.  In line with the University’s phased restart of on-ground operations, the Libraries have been rolling out a multi-phase reopening plan that incorporates different hours, modes of service delivery, and policies adapted for our current public health conditions. 

Users returning to Howard-Tilton, Matas Library, and other campus libraries will quickly note some obvious differences.  Seating has been reduced, most public computers have been removed (an accessibility workstation, which features adaptive hardware and software for users requiring them, will is remain available).  Plexiglass protective barriers are now found in many study areas, along with hand sanitizers and sterilizing wipes.  While the H-TML and Latin American Library general collections book stacks will be open CDs and DVDs in the media collections will be retrieved for users upon request.  Special Collections access in Jones Hall will be by appointment only; Matas users will have materials brought to them by staff upon request. 

Other services—research assistance, course instruction, and reproduction requests—will be handled remotely.  Librarians and staff have been active throughout the summer creating more instructional videos and online tutorials to help users navigate our extensive online resources.  The Libraries’ YouTube channel has many of these resources, with more to come.  “We've used these circumstances as an opportunity to develop stronger online skills and new ways of outreach, while still maintaining as many of our in-person services as possible,” notes David Banush, Dean of Libraries. 

The pre-order/pickup option initiated in April will remain available for both books and media. Howard-Tilton will also have a new self-checkout station to reduce in-person contact.  Although all libraries will be accessible only to current Tulane University affiliates, librarians and staff are happy to work with all patrons on research needs via email, chat, phone, and Zoom conferencing.   

Visit library.tulane.edu for the latest and most complete information and subscribe to Howard-Tilton’s FacebookTwitter, and Instagram pages for updates.

Dorothy Mackendrick prepares the library for social distancing protocols by measuring how far users should stand from the elevator.