Here are some of the changes we've implemented as we adjust to a new normal:
All library staff and student workers will be masked. The point of contact for anything you need at the library is at the circulation desk. There will not be anyone staffing the reference desk, as all reference services have been moved to a virtual format. For more information, read the boxes on these topics below.
The librarians will continue to provide library and research instruction for classes in face-to-face and virtual formats. Contact Linda Park, lpark@keuka.edu, to request that a librarian visit your class.
In order to encourage social distancing in the library, we have removed some seating and have rearranged furniture and tables and chairs throughout the study areas to comply with state mandates. Please do not move the furniture! Please ensure that your remain 6 feet away from others in the library.
There are sanitizers and wipes available throughout the library. All work surfaces and computers should be wiped down BEFORE and AFTER you use them.
The Lightner Library's hours of operation are subject to change depending on the situation as we navigate the unique circumstances of this academic year.
For an up-to-date look at what our hours of operation are, please visit the Lightner Library home page. Our hours are listed in the top, right-hand corner.
The Reference Desk
In order to reduce face-to-face interactions and transmission of germs, librarians will not be staffing the Lightner Library reference desk. Instead, we recommend that you visit the Circulation Desk for all of your questions.
From there, you will:
You can also get in touch with a librarian to make an appointment via Microsoft Teams for research assistance.
Virtual Reference Services
In addition, the librarians are still available to students and faculty virtually in a variety of ways that include:
In order to reduce the spread of germs, the library is closing the stacks. This includes the Reference Collection.
If you need print materials, please ask a staff member at the circulation desk, and they will retrieve the materials and get them ready for you to pick them up. To find a book, we recommend you search the online library catalog to find what you need, then bring the title, author, and call number to the circulation desk. From there, a library worker can retrieve the item for you.
Research has shown that the COVID-19 virus can live on library materials for up to 96 hours. For that reason, we will be quarantining all returned library materials for 4 days after they are returned. This includes materials in the Reserve and Reference collections. This will make it harder for multiple people to access the same material within a short period of time. Please plan accordingly.
We recommend using our digital resources as much as possible. For reference books and monograph ebooks, please visit the databases listed on our Find an Ebook page.
Checking Out Items
Once a library worker has retrieved the book or DVD that you need from the stacks, we can check it out to you at the Circulation Desk. This will be a low-contact transaction, and the circulation desk is equipped with sanitizers and a clear screen to protect you and our workers during the pandemic.
Returning Items
If you are returning books, please drop them in the drop box outside the front door of the library. Do NOT leave them at the Circulation Desk.
If you are returning DVDs, please leave them at the Circulation Desk. The DVD cases will be wiped down for disinfection.
All returned books will be quarantined for 4 days before they are available to be used again.
