LibGuides: Library Changes in Response to COVID-19: Home

Current Update

Purpose of this Guide:

The purpose of this coronavirus update guide is to inform the HCU family and the general public about the Library. Our goal is to share clear communication regarding the current crisis so that your library research can continue and how it can be accomplished.

Current Takeaways

	Health/Safety HCU is a mask-only campus in all publicly accessible spaces. We also highly recommend handwashing and distancing. Library study seating has significantly reduced due to distancing requirements. The Library is open to HCU faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Do you have questions about how COVID affects classes, tours, residence life, international students, finances, activities, or labs? What if you have to report a positive case or exposure? Check out the COVID FAQ page on HCU Answers for the right answers!
	What is open? The second floor of the library is open. All services are available.
	ID CARDS The Library's main goal is provide IDs in a way that promotes social distancing. To that end, the library will not be accepting walk-ups in order to avoid too many people congregating near the camera station. Instead, the Library is asking that students sign up at SignUpGenius.com *before* coming to the library. The web site is mobile friendly. o Time increments are set at five minutes intervals lasting all day. o Students will need to give their name and email address. o Students will receive a confirmation email at whatever email address is used. o Students can delete their slot and select a new one if they need to reschedule. o Time slots will be available Monday-Friday from opening until 30 minutes before closing.
	Visitors We regret that due to the current status of the virus and for the protection of HCU students, the campus is currently not open to the general public. That includes TexShare patrons. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has reopened the TexShare program; therefore, the Fetch-It program (see below) is available for patrons to use with current cards. Follow the instructions below. For pickup, call the Library's Circulation Desk at 281-6494-3304 with questions or to inform them of your arrival. Your books can be brought to you after showing your current TexShare card.
	*Library Services* All services are open. Services to TexShare patrons are suspended until the State Library of Texas reinstates the program. Library study space is again open; however, restricted due to spacing requirements. Please plan accordingly and please plan to make wise use of your time and share so others can study as needed upstairs. ID cards still need to be presented for entrance.
	Physical Books Please NO book browsing! The book stacks are closed. The stacks are closed with your health in mind! Use Operation Fetch It! to retrieve books for you! Review the Tutorial: This tutorial helps show you how you can browse the stacks virtually (yes, you can) and maximize your use of the catalog to get what you need. One Book Order Form Two Book Order Form Since you cannot physical browse the books, you may have to place orders until you find the book you want. *Electronic Books* The library has over 300,000 E-books available for multiple, simultaneous use. We recommend VIEWING the books instead of downloading to make things easier. Viewing capabilities on both phones and tablets are excellent.
	More Help LibGuides, and self-guided tutorials to help with a variety of reference services to help find what you need for your assignments. We are exploring new ways of enhancing new capabilities to LibChat for screen-casting and displaying screens to help with reference questions just as if you were in the library.
	The library is not allowing food and beverages into the second floor at this time with the mask requirements. If you need to eat or drink, please do so in Java City coffee shop downstairs. The CIMR purification unit is not available upstairs.

Last updated: 20201216/1530