Faculty: COVID-19 Resources - NEW

Dear Faculty:

Listed below is a summary of changes and updates made to Mary B. Blount Library's space and services for the Fall Semester 2020. See the additional information on this page for more details.

• Consistent with University policy, a mask is required at all times in the building - please refer to University policy for full details
• Tables and chairs are spread out to promote social distancing
• Right-hand, back corner of the Library's main level is being utilized as classroom space with a maximum capacity of 12 students
• Main and upper levels are open; basement level and materials are accessible by Library staff members only
• Bathrooms are accessible on the Library's upper level
• Single entry point and exit point are on the Library's main level
• Instructional sessions with librarians will be conducted through Zoom; please contact librarians to schedule appointments
• Reference and citation assistance for students is available through a new chat feature, as well as Zoom 
• Library hours have been updated, as shown here 

Access

To promote contactless check out of Library materials, we offer the following to expedite getting materials to you and your students:

• Search the Library catalog (WorldCat)
• Select items (books or videos) you want
• Send us an email request for item(s) at circdesk@averett.edu 
• We can have the items checked out to you and ready for pick up whatever day you would like to retrieve them

In addition, e-books and databases are available.

• Locate Averett digital sources ("Access Online" links in WorldCat) or click on any subscription resource
• Enter your Canvas/AU web services ID and password on the library login screen

Academic Commons

Due to changes necessitated by COVID-19, the right-hand, back corner of the Academic Commons (Library’s main level) is being used for socially-distanced classroom space.

All other areas of the Commons and Library have been rearranged to promote social distancing. Reservation of spaces for groups is not available during the Fall Semester 2020.

Collections and Collection Development

Liaison librarians welcome book and media requests in any legible format, via Choice Reviews Online, email, or web form. Please include the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), if available.

Course Reserves

In consideration of COVID-19 and library materials, we are suspending in-person use of physical reserves this semester. Library staff will help to locate possible electronic alternatives for faculty to use.

Instructional Sessions with Classes

Librarians are pleased to offer Zoom sessions for classes to provide an overview of Library resources, assistance with searching the catalog and databases, and other topics at your suggestion. Contact any of the librarians to arrange a session.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Interlibrary loan request(s) may be submitted to ill@averett.edu. Lending libraries have developed their own policies regarding if and how they are processing interlibrary loan requests during this pandemic. If your request(s) cannot be processed, you will be contacted at the email address you provide when you submit your request(s). 

LibChat  

To reach students at the point of need, a new "Chat With Us" feature is available to students when a librarian is online. Faculty and staff members are welcome to use this new feature, too!

The library advances the curriculum, research and reading interests of Averett students with scholarly and professional sources, reference consultations, and instruction.

Goal 1. Library resources support reading and research.

Goal 2. Library resources are accessible and convenient to use.

Goal 3. Students discover, evaluate and cite credible sources. Averett graduates are able to:

✓define and articulate a topic or problem;
✓discover and retrieve reliable information from a variety of sources;
✓critically evaluate this literature (or data) in the context of the topic;
✓modify searches to seek additional sources;
✓organize, synthesize, and apply knowledge gained to accomplish a specific purpose;
✓communicate results effectively and ethically in an academic or professional setting.

Goal 4. At the Academic Commons students have opportunities to:

✓innovate;
✓engage in creative endeavors;
✓collaborate with peers and mentors.