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Winthrop University

Return to Learn: Library Services during COVID-19

This guide provides answers to frequently asked questions about Dacus Library's operations during Winthrop University's COVID-19 Response.

Image of the front of Ida Jane Dacus Library at Winthrop University, with slim windows set in concrete for the second floor and a plain brick facade for the Main Floor. There is a lampost and Dacus Library sign in the bottom right corner of the image.

Expanded Dacus Library services will be available to Winthrop faculty, staff and students beginning July 6! Here’s what’s “new” for July:

  • All three floors will be open to users; the library stacks, microfilm readers and socially distanced computer workstations on the second and ground floors will also be available.
  • Cleaning stations will be located on all floors. Users are encouraged to clean workstations and other surfaces before and after using.
  • Walk-up checkouts and returns at the Information Commons desk will be available during posted library hours.
  • Current periodicals and newspapers will be available for browsing and use in the library.
  • Users may continue to request materials through the library’s catalog, OneSearch. Requests will be processed daily, and held at the Information Commons desk for 7 days. Users will be asked to show their Winthrop ID to check out materials.
  • Music Library A/V materials will continue to be available by request only; the scores collection will be open for browsing and walk-up check out at the Information Commons desk.
  • Students may check out course reserves and textbooks to use in the library.
  • Please be aware that social distancing protocols remain in place in all areas of the library and that all group and individual study rooms remain closed at this time.

FAQs about Library Service updates are found below and updated regularly. You can email refdesk@winthrop.edu with questions and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Click on the tabs on the left side of the page for more information about library services and remote access.

For more information about Winthrop University's plans, please visit the University's Return to Learn page.

Library COVID-19 FAQs (updated June 30, 2021)

Can I enter the Library?

  • Yes, if you are a currently enrolled Winthrop student, currently employed Winthrop faculty or staff, or Winthrop retiree, you may enter the library building during our open hours (listed above). You must have your current Winthrop ID with you in order to enter the building.
  • These restrictions will be in effect until the campus moves to Phase III or the state of South Carolina’s 7-day rolling average of cases per 100,000 people is 10 or lower (Covid Risk Level Yellow or Green).

What services will the library be offering during the Summer 2021 terms?

  • Our Reference Hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday 10am-12pm, and Sunday 2pm-7pm. Reference is available through email and chat, as well as walk-in.
  • For extensive reference services, librarians are offering virtual Book-a-Librarian appointments. These appointments are open to both students and faculty.
  • More information about in-person services can be found on our Library Orientation guide.

How do I return books and laptops?

  • You may return library materials, including PASCAL and ILL materials. Please return books in our outdoor book drop, located by the exit doors of the library. Please bring laptops into the building during our open hours (listed above).

Can students/faculty check out books? 

  • Yes, Winthrop University students and employees can check out books by placing requests through our library system OR users can walk-in and check out books during the library's posted hours. Please note requests will be processed once per day; items will be held at the Information Commons desk for 7 days. An email notification will be sent when the materials are available for pick up. Materials can be picked up at the Information Commons desk during the Library’s operating hours. Please be sure to bring your ID card.
  • *NEW* Personal delivery of library materials is now available to Winthrop students, faculty and staff who live 15 or more miles from campus! For instructions, please see the Dacus Library Personal Delivery tab on this guide.

Can students check out textbooks?

  • Students can now check out textbooks and course reserves to use in the library.
  • We encourage professors to consider Open Educational Resources for their course materials, and encourage students to search Open Access platforms for textbooks.

Can students check out laptops?

  • Students can request a laptop from Computing & Information Technology -- please refer to these instructions to request a laptop.

Is PASCAL Delivers and InterLibrary Loan available?

  • PASCAL Delivers services are are available on a limited basis -- see our PASCAL and ILL Services tab for more information. ILL can be used for article/electronic requests only (this includes eBooks, although they are not guaranteed). Please note: PASCAL Delivers and ILL requests and delivery times are subject to the policies and protocols of the lending library – please plan accordingly.