Library Opening Guide

The University of Idaho Library is committed to serving the research and learning needs of our campus community while also minimizing the risk of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for U of I students, staff, faculty, and library personnel.

The Library is following guidance by Idaho Rebounds, university plans, library best practices, and public health guidelines–and the Healthy Vandal Pledge. For the most up-to-date information about the University’s response, please visit U of I Coronavirus page.

Library Public Space Guidelines

Building Access and Hours

• Library building access is currently limited to University of Idaho students, staff, and faculty.
• Library users must swipe their Vandal Card at the front door to gain entry to the building. Please contact the VandalCard Office if you need help activating your card or getting a new VandalCard.
• Curbside delivery and select online resources remain available to both U of I and community patrons.
• Please check our hours for the most up-to-date opening times.

Mask Wearing and Social Distancing

• Masks are no longer required. Following CDC guidance, we strongly encourage all who are not vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings.
• While furniture has been moved back into normal orientations, social distancing is still recommended.
• Pay attention to and follow instructions on signs and directional markers when using shared spaces like entry doors, hallways, elevators, and bathrooms.

Sanitation and Disinfection

• Please disinfect study spaces, including computer lab workstations, before and after use. Look for the Sanitation Stations throughout each floor for cleaning materials (spray bottles and paper towel).
• The library building will be cleaned each night by a cleaning crew from Facilities.
• Hand sanitizer will be accessible in multiple public locations throughout each floor of the building; look for spray bottles instead of hand pumps.

Study Rooms, Classrooms, and Events

• Group study rooms will be closed due to limited ventilation.
• The Studio and CDIL will be closed until the next stage of reopening.
• Meetings, classes, workshops and events larger than 10 individuals will be postponed until the next stage of reopening, or may take place remotely.
• Library instruction may take place virtually, in the course instructor’s classroom, or if class size allows, in library classrooms.
• Individuals who have already been assigned a graduate study carrel may continue to use their dedicated space.
• The Map Room will is currently open from 8am – 5pm, and is only meant for individuals or pairs, NOT large groups. To request help accessing maps, please contact rattebur@uidaho.edu.

Circulation and Collections

Materials Quarantine

• The library has ceased quarantining physical items due to CDC guidance suggested low rate of transmission on surfaces.

Curbside Delivery

• Curbside delivery remains available for both U of I and community patrons.
  • To request an item, navigate to the library’s online catalog and search for a title. Then use the “Request” link to place your request. You’ll receive an email when your item is ready, with a link to reserve a pick up time slot during our open hours, Monday to Friday.
• Please note that due to staffing and safety protocols it may take two or more business days from the time you place your request to receive your items! Contact us at libcirc@uidaho.edu with questions.

Fines and Borrowing Periods

• Regular borrowing and lending periods have resumed for locally-owned items.
• We will continue to be flexible with fines; please email libcirc@uidaho.edu if you need help with upcoming or accrued library fines.

Resource Sharing

• Summit and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) borrowing and lending has resumed.
• Please keep in mind that delivery may be delayed due to lending library closures, materials quarantine, or shipping issues.
• You can always check the status of your requests online at ILLiad Login or by contacting the ILL office at libill@uidaho.edu.

Research Help and Unique Resources

Reference Desk

• Connect via our new our 24/7 Chat service anytime for immediate library help and research assistance!
• U of I librarians are available via Chat, email, and text 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
• Zoom consultations with a librarian are available during normal hours by appointment, please email libref@uidaho.edu to set up a time.

Gary Strong Curriculum Center

• The Gary Strong Curriculum Center will reopen with limited hours, Monday through Friday 10:00am - 3:00pm.

Special Collections and Archives

• Special Collections and Archives and its Reading Room are by appointment only.
• Many of the unique materials held by Special Collections and Archives are discoverable via our digital collections. The rest of our holdings can be searched via Archives West or the Special Collections website.
• Please see Reading Room Rules for additional details of Special Collections and Archives reopening plans and guidelines.

Community Visitors/Non-UI Affiliated Visitors

• The library remains closed to the public through the next stage of reopening.
• Field trips and group visits can not be accommodated during this stage of reopening. Please postpone your visit or email libref@uidaho.edu for information about virtual consultations and curbside delivery for your class.
• Community patrons may continue to borrow locally-owned physical items using our curbside delivery service.
• Electronic resources and databases are not available to alumni or the public at large due to our licensing agreements. The Latah County Public Library in Moscow is open for borrowing, lending, and computer and printing needs.
• Virtual consultations are available for patrons seeking research assistance. Please email libref@uidaho.edu for more information.