Skip to content Skip to navigation

University Libraries Reopening Framework

Last updated 6/28/2021

The University Libraries places the health and safety of the entire Loyola community first and foremost. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are reintroducing services and reopening buildings in stages. Our plans are based on Loyola University Chicago, federal, state, and city guidelines. The stages below outline the framework we are using in making plans based on differing scenarios.

Actual services and details about them may be found on our current services page.

This scenario assumes that at a minimum the following state, local, and university phases are in effect:

Summary

In Stage Three, the University Libraries are offering limited services on campus, while providing the full range of library services in an online format. Current students, faculty, and staff may visit the Loyola Information Commons and Lewis Library for socially distanced quiet study. Cudahy Library and the bookstacks in Lewis Library remain closed, but library users can request books for contactless pickup. Some print-focused services, like print course reserves and interlibrary loan delivery of books, remain unavailable at this time, but the Libraries are providing online alternatives to these services.

The majority of the Libraries’ collections can be accessed online via the library website. Library support for researching and teaching is available online through email, chat research help, and zoom appointments. Librarians are available to teach both synchronous and asynchronous classes. Information about digital research support from the Loyola University Chicago Archives & Special Collections is available at their website, and the Women and Leadership Archives at their website.

Who Is Allowed in the Libraries’ Buildings at This Time?Building access to the Loyola Information Commons and Lewis Library is extended to the following groups. All visitors must comply with campus guidelines and capacity limits, including mask wearing, COVID-19 testing, and social distancing.  

  • Current students
  • Faculty (including emeritus faculty)
  • Staff
What Services Will be Prioritized During This Stage?

See Current Library Services page for full details about current library services

During this phase, the University Libraries will attempt to meet all user needs to the best of our ability, with a focus on the following priorities: 

  • Library collections and materials to support research and teaching, including archival collections 

  • Research support via chat, email, and Zoom.

  • Teaching and learning support for synchronous and asynchronous courses.

  • Socially distanced individual study spaces.

 

Expected Changes During this Stage  

  • Beginning of fall 2020 semester:  

  • Loyola Information Commons and Lewis Library will open with limited hours for socially distanced, quiet study. 

  • Library users can request print books from the library collection and pick them up via contactless pickup on campus. 

  • Beginning of spring 2021 semester: The University will require all campus visitors to comply with COVID-19 testing guidelines. 

  • April 2021: Reservation system for individual seats in the Loyola Information Commons.

  • Throughout this stage: Loyola Information Commons and Lewis Library hours will be adjusted as needed to meet demand and staff capacity, in accordance with campus guidelines. 

How Will Updates be Communicated?

See up to date information on the web:

Get updates sent to you:

What’s Coming Next for the University Libraries?

Stage 3 will last through the end of the spring 2021 semester and into the summer term.  When we have guidance from University Administration about use of spaces, the Libraries will begin the transition to stage 4. 

chat loading...