University Library response to COVID-19

The University Library has adopted the practice of social distancing as recommended by the Australian Government to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

We are dedicated to maintaining a safe library space for students and staff during this time. Currently, our libraries remain open as we adhere to the government's social distancing guidelines.

We have suspended the provision of face-to-face library services and encourage you to connect with us online via online chat, email, and phone 8313 5759.

If you are visiting the library, we ask that you:

  • Maintain a distance of 1.5m between yourselves and others
  • Avoid touching or sharing screens/devices
  • Practice good hand hygiene 
  • Use the alcohol-based hand sanitiser made available

Staff are regularly wiping down public PC's and surfaces and we're taking precautions when handling returned books and other items by quarantining items for 24 hours before returning them to the shelves.

Changes to services

Last update 3:45 pm - 27/03/2020

    Hours and building access

    As of Monday 30 March, opening hours will be shortened with all libraries opening between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday only. 

    All libraries will be accessible with a swipe card only - the exceptions (during opening hours only) being the Barr Smith Library entrance on Level 3 and the High Use Collection. Level 1 and 2 of the Barr Smith Library will be accessible only to those with a University staff or student card. 

    Please keep your swipe card with you at all times when on campus. If you find yourself locked out of a room or building you need to access for work or study, call Security on 8313 5990.

    Connect with us online 

    We encourage you to access our extensive online collections and to connect with us via online methods: 

    Course Readings

    The digitisation of print Course Readings is suspended. Use Library Search to identify alternative online resources. Please contact the Course Readings team by email for assistance.

    Special Collections Reading Room access

    Access to our Special Collections Reading Room is now by appointment only. 

    Please email details of your request to spark.collections@adelaide.edu.au. 

    Borrowing and requesting

    Due dates for already borrowed items will be extended.

    Requests can only be placed on items that are currently held at another campus library. For example, if the book you need is available at the Waite Campus Library and you normally study or work at the North Terrace campus, you can “request” for the item to be made available at the Barr Smith Library. You will be notified when the item is ready for collection.

      The Interlibrary Loan service will now be limited to the delivery of electronic articles only and print books will not be processed. As other libraries around Australia and worldwide are also experiencing disruptions to their services, we ask for your patience when waiting for these requests to be supplied. 

      Remote Students may also experience delays in receiving their requested items due to items now being sent via post instead of the usual courier system.

      Liaison Librarian appointments

      One-on-one appointments between researchers, academics, research students and Liaison Librarians will now be conducted via Zoom until further notice. You can also contact your librarian via email. 

      New items

      The purchase of new print books is suspended. We will continue to obtain electronic content where possible. 

      Online modules for students

      We have recently developed a suite of Library Essentials courses designed to support students with finding, using and referencing information. We are encouraging students to self-enrol in the relevant standalone course for their program: 

       

      Please check the University's latest update and FAQs for more details. We will continue to update this page as further information becomes available and thank you for your understanding during this time. 

      For all the latest updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @uofalib.

      If you are feeling unwell, please call your GP or the National Coronavirus Help Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.