New Guidelines for Library Use
Jefferson College Library is committed to supporting the mission of the College to help individuals achieve their goals, particularly in our role as a facilitator of the discovery, exploration, creation and sharing of information and knowledge through the use of our collections, spaces, and services. The activities that occur in an academic library present a variety of challenges during this COVID-19 health emergency. The Library's guidelines are based upon college, local, state, and federal recommendations, as well as best practices specific to library spaces and the activities that occur within those spaces.
Listed below are changes to our operations, what we are doing to help keep you safe and healthy, and our expectations for those visiting the Library and using the services, spaces, technology, and materials. We expect all visitors to comply with all College and Library requirements and reasonable requests. If you are unable or choose not to follow these guidelines, we will assist you through our remote services such as chat, video conference, curbside pickups and phone assistance.
Please note: other listed Library policies may be impacted by the health and safety measures we are taking during the COVID-19 health emergency. And, College policies and guidelines are subject to changes. Please consult with Jefferson College Library staff for clarification.
New or Modified Library Operations
JC ID/ Community Library Card Holder Access Only
2nd Floor Closed Daily at 4pm and on Saturdays
Limited Study Spaces
Limited In-Person Technology & Reference Assistance
Guided Contact-less Check-Outs
Additional Computers in Individual Study Rooms
Curbside Pick-up Monday-Saturday, 10am-2pm
Expanded Online Instruction & Reference Services
Expanded Streaming Video Offerings
Expanded eBook Offerings
References and Research
Ask a Librarian
Library Spaces
Spaces, Services, and Collections
Study Rooms, Computers, and Seating
Spaces and furniture placement have been modified in order to facilitate physically distancing between persons in the various areas of the Library. Most Jefferson College Library spaces are now only available for those engaged in individual quiet study. These spaces include study rooms with and without computers, tables, comfortable seating areas, and open area computers on both floors of the Library. Many spaces require reservations. Please check Libcal, our booking system, for a list of Library Study Rooms, Computers, and other seating options available for booking.
Services and Instruction
Library service points and processes for check-outs, reference and instruction, and technology help have been modified in order to facilitate physical distancing and still provide the highest level of service to our community. Please follow signs, ask staff for clarification, and be patience as we work to provide our services in safe and effective ways.
Following CDC and College established recommendations for limiting exposure, Library staff will limit face-to-face technology assistance to ten minutes. This assistance will be provided at point-of-need, from a physical distance. Strict adherence to time limits will be followed by staff. More extensive technology related questions will require phone or video consultation appointments.
In addition to the alterations in the physical spaces and the distancing during face-to-face interactions, we have new options for curbside pickups, video reference appointments, online information literacy instruction, and extended chat reference hours. You may continue to utilize our email and phone assistance channels as well.
Behavior Expectations
For your health and safety and ours, please do the following:
Agree to College and Library requirements for use of on-campus services
Wear a properly fitting face covering over your nose and mouth at all times
Use the Library for purposeful studying, research, computer use, and check-out activities
Frequently wash/sanitize your hands, especially before and after handling library materials
Avoid touching your face
Do not eat or drink in the Library
Physically distance from Library staff and other patrons/students
Book a study room for extended study sessions, including small group sessions (up to three persons)
Use Curbside Pick-up Service
Read & follow Library guidelines
Follow Library staff instructions
Library: What we are doing for you
For your health and safety and ours, Library staff:
- Follow College requirements for health acknowledgements and expected actions
- Wear properly fitting face coverings over nose & mouth in all common areas
- Frequently wash hands, especially after handling library materials
- Physically distance from one another and library patrons (limit close proximity interactions to fewer than ten minutes)
- Clean and disinfect library surfaces and materials
- Create & practice safer processes, including check-outs, reference, and technology assistance modifications
- Create and facilitate new services, such as curbside pickups, guided check-outs and cleaning practices