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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.

Starting January 19, 2021, the library building (Main Floor only) will be open Monday through Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-8pm. Remote reference services (chat, email, and virtual appointments) are available Monday through Thursday 9am-8pm, Fridays 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-8pm.  Library visitors must wear a facemask and practice social distancing while in the Library building. Users may use the Main Floor and must use designated computers/work areas. Users who do not adhere to facemask or social distancing policies/guidelines must leave the library.

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 February 15, 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 Spring 2021 semester?

  • Remote reference will be available through email and chat. Our Reference Hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-8pm.
  • 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).
  • We are not charging late fees for books checked out during the Spring 2020 semester as long as they are returned in good condition. Materials checked out prior to Spring 2020 may still be subject to fees; this will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions about checked out materials, contact the Head of Circulation, Nancy White.

Can students/faculty check out books? 

  • Yes, Winthrop University students and employees can check out books by placing requests through our library system and picking items up during our open hours. Please allow a 3-hour processing period for the materials to be gathered, checked-out, and placed in the Library vestibule. An email notification will be sent when the materials are available for pick up. Materials can be picked up during the Library’s operating hours.
  • *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?

  • Reserve textbooks are currently not available for checkout. Try out the new Open Textbook service or use OneSearch to see there is an electronic copy of the textbook you’re looking for. 
  • Textbook scans are currently not available.
  • 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.