‘New Normal’ Library Services

LIBRARY BUILDING: ACCESS AND HOURS

The library building remains closed to library users due to the COVID19 pandemic based on the information given for now which might change anytime;
Though other buildings are utilized, the specific nature of library services makes it unsuited to re-open until the situation improves, however, the library continues to provide services to students, faculty and staff within the normal working hours;
Protocols to safeguard and ensure quality service provision in the library are in place;
The library will continue to operate within normal working hours however, appointments will be Monday to Friday 1000hrs to 1500hrs giving an allowance to process emailed requests.

CURBSIDE SERVICES

Wherever possible, the library will provide Curbside services as a stopgap measure until things normalise;
The Curbside services will enable patrons to drop off due and pick up materials;
It has been noted that the virus is spread through droplets and can stay longer on surfaces. For that reason and more, the library has demarcated a lockable carbine outside the library building by the door where our patrons can drop off due materials;
Arranged pickup of print materials outside the library will be communicated between parties involved.
Based on the World Health Organisation’s assertion, (IFLA, 2020) recommended a minimum of 72 hours quarantine period, depending on the type of material, before books shelved and eventually put back into circulation.

CIRCULATION

Circulation of collections is a core function of the Library, but traditional checkout puts at risk both staff and patrons during a time of virus transition.
Within the confines of the copyright and patent issues, the library personnel will assist faculty in finding alternatives where a physical version is the only one available in the library.
The goal is to create a balance with restoring this core service and protecting all the parts that utilises the services thereof.

RETURNS

Patrons can return items by dropping them in the demarcated lockable cabins outside the library for quarantine purposes.
All returned materials would be quarantined for not less than 72 hours depending on the type /material as asserted in item 3.
This will result in items taking longer than usual to show as returned on borrowers’ accounts.

LOANS

Our library has gone beyond lending print material to providing access to e-resources;
Other than Emerald publishers, which the institution subscribes to for e-resources, OPALS has links to Global Nazarene Education Consortium (GNEC) and other related consortia both locally and internationally;
Links to other relevant open access sites are available through OPALS.

COURSE RESERVES

Faculty & teaching staff are encouraged to create either course or module pathfinders while surfing our library website;
Course reserves on print material is executed with great caution as some cannot be converted due to copyright issues;
Open Education Resources are available in a variety of formats. These have an open copyright license and permits everyone to use, adapt and share with students;
Within the confines of the copyright issues, the library personnel will assist faculty in finding alternatives where a physical version is the only one available in the library;
Faculty and staff with questions about pivoting in regards to physical reserve materials, kindly contact the Librarian.

FINES

Due dates for loans prior to the beginning of the lockdown were extended;
Amnesty is effected to the time each level comes to the campus, after which penalties will be reinstated;
Library patrons remain responsible for all library materials checked out to their account and for any fines incurred whether or not they receive a notice.