The University Libraries at Virginia Tech is modifying library services and facilities access through Thursday, April 30, at 9 p.m. in response to the spread of COVID-19.
All online services will remain in operation in a regular manner. This includes virtual reference chat via Ask a Librarian, which is available 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Librarians and consultants will continue to be available to the university community with no interruption via Zoom. Appointments are booked online at https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/appointments/newman. For appointments with your subject specialist liaison librarian, contact them individually.
Newman Library:
Hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through for faculty, staff, and students of Virginia Tech.
Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Closed to the general public, Hokie Passport swipe access only. All classrooms, labs, and group study rooms are closed.
Virginia Tech community members can enter Newman at the second floor Alumni Mall and Drillfield doors only, and only with Hokie Passport card swipe access.
Library users will not be allowed in the loading dock and mail room areas. Access to the service elevator will be allowed for staff only.
All events, classes, and large group meetings scheduled through April 30 are canceled.
Library studios (technologies and staff available) are closed. Consultations can be scheduled with studio staff via https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/appointments/newman.
The Special Collections Department is closed and available by virtual appointment only.
Library users’ book and technology checkouts are extended through May 30, and there will be no fines for overdue books that are unable to be returned during this time. Users are asked not to return library materials and technologies until notified to do so. Items that are returned will be quarantined and unavailable for further use for approximately one week.
Physical materials can continue to be checked out online and delivered to an on-campus address, as long as the campus mail service is operational.
Notes on Newman’s general commons areas, which are open during library hours for study
Only one chair will be provided at each table. Group study rooms will be closed. Signage and table tents will be provided to inform people to spread out and keep their distance from one another.
The library system is currently providing hand sanitizers to the best of its ability. Other actions in line with this approach will be taken when possible.
Through University Police, the library is contracting to provide a security guard who will monitor the floors in Newman Library during open hours. The guard will be expected to utilize health and safety measures.
Branch libraries:
The Art & Architecture Library will have limited hours, 1 – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
The Vet Med Library is closed to the general public until further notice. Hours of operation: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours subject to change without notice
VTC School of Medicine Library (Roanoke) will be open, exact hours to be determined soon
The Northern Virginia Center Library is closed. Reopening has not been determined.
