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Library Services for COVID-19 Response

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

The Main Floor of Dacus Library is now open 8am-5pm Mondays through Thursdays and 8am-12pm Fridays. Remote reference services (chat, email, and virtual appointments) are available Sundays from 1-7pm, Mondays through Thursdays 9am-7pm, and Fridays 9am-5pm. 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.

The FAQs (below) about how Library Services will be impacted are updated regularly. You can email refdesk@winthrop.edu with questions and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We encourage Winthrop students, faculty, and staff to continue to use the library's electronic resources (such as ebooks and databases). Click on the tabs on the left side of the page for more information about remote access, library contact information, and campus contact information.

For more information about Winthrop University's COVID-19 Response, see the Emergency Information Regarding 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information about the status of the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus in the United States, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 update page.

Library COVID-19 FAQs (updated July 10, 2020)

What services will the library be offering during remote instruction?

  • Remote reference will be available through email and chat. Our Summer session hours are Sundays 1-7pm, Monday-Thursday 9am-7pm, and Fridays 9am-5pm. 
  • For extensive reference services, librarians are offering virtual Book-a-Librarian appointments. These appointments are open to both students and faculty.

What is the policy for returning 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 still 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.

Can students still 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.

Is PASCAL Delivers and InterLibrary Loan still available?

  • PASCAL Delivers services are currently suspended and will return on a limited basis July 28, 2020. 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.