A message from the Dean of Libraries, Donna Bourne-Tyson

We are really looking forward to welcoming you back to our on campus spaces, some of which have been closed since March due to COVID-19. Since March, we’ve been busy providing services online and now we’re excited to see you back on campus as well.

No matter where in the world you will be this fall, we’re here for you online, with all of the services and supports you’d expect from a research library system. On campus, while you’ll still get many of our regular services, there are a number of changes I’d like to tell you about.

The health and safety of all Dalhousie students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. We’ve worked closely with the University’s Return to Campus Committee to establish the process of opening our spaces safely.

By mid-September, most of our library spaces will be open on a new fall schedule, which will include evening hours but not late-night hours. Spaces will be accessible by booking a time slot with your Dal Card. Consult the hours table on libraries.dal.ca for specific reopening dates and hours by location.

Here’s what you can expect as each of our spaces open in the coming weeks:

Spaces

• In accordance with Nova Scotia public health guidelines, everyone entering Dal Libraries’ spaces will be required to wear a non-medical mask. Masks can be removed while eating.
• Food and drink will be permitted in Dal Libraries spaces, but the microwave ovens have been removed as a health and safety precaution.
• Most food outlets on campus will not be opening this September.
• The libraries will be operating on a schedule of reduced hours.
• Access to library spaces will be limited to current Dalhousie students, staff, and faculty.
• Buildings will be locked. Library staff will meet you at the door to check you in using your Dal Card for appointments to study, use a computer, or print.
• You will be required to book a timeslot to use a study space or computer.
• The number of people in library spaces at one time will be limited.
• Physical distancing is required at all times.
• Every second chair at computer workstations and some of the chairs in study rooms and other library spaces have been removed to support physical distancing.
• Depending on the space, access may be limited to certain floors and spaces.
• When available, supplies will be provided to wipe down your space before use.

Services and Resources

• Physical access to collections for the purpose of browsing will be by appointment only.
• If you want a specific circulating item or items, either currently on the shelf in a Dalhousie library or brought in from another Novanet library, you can access these materials by placing a hold in Novanet as you normally would, and picking them up through the curbside pickup service.
• Our curbside pickup service has been expanded to include alumni and off-campus borrowers.
• Students within Canada but more than 100 km away from a Dalhousie Libraries location can have library materials mailed to them.
• As always, you’ll have access to a vast collection of electronic scholarly resources – eBooks, eJournals, and more.
• Document Delivery will continue to provide access to digital materials from outside of the Dalhousie Libraries, but will not be getting books from outside of Novanet at this time.
• Research help will be provided virtually through the LiveHelp chat service. In-person research help will not be available.
• The subject liaison librarians will be available for in-depth consultations in your subject area via email and virtual meetings only.
• Assistance from the IT Help Desk, including Brightspace support for students, will be available via phone and email only.
• Brightspace support for faculty will continue virtually and by email.
• One month extended loans for laptops will be available for students.
• Librarians will provide virtual instructional sessions and other supports for faculty.

And don’t forget to check out the library events calendar, found by clicking the “Events” link on our landing page, to find virtual library orientation sessions and other events. For more information and updates, visit the Dal Libraries’ COVID-19 page.

We’re counting on you to help us keep everyone using the Dal Libraries safe. We ask for your cooperation and thank you for your patience while we all work together to create safe and welcoming learning spaces.

I would like to thank all the staff of the Dalhousie Libraries who have worked so hard in getting us ready to open on campus, spending countless hours planning as well as doing hands-on tasks like moving furniture and setting up new booking systems. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to make the libraries as safe and as accessible as possible.

Things will definitely be different this term, but the Dalhousie Libraries are still here for you, both online, and on campus. Wishing you all my best for a successful and safe term.

Donna Bourne-Tyson
Dean of Libraries

Effective immediately, libraries in the Novanet consortium, including the Dalhousie Libraries, will no longer charge late fees on most loaned items. This change will persist at all Novanet libraries after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed.*

“One of the core values of libraries is providing equal access to information. We recognize library fines pose an equity issue by creating a financial barrier to accessing information. Fines also contribute to student debt,” says Suzanne van den Hoogen, Novanet chair.

The majority of each Novanet library’s collection — regular, general loans — are the items that will no longer accrue overdue fines. High-demand items, such as materials on course reserve with brief loan periods and equipment such as laptops may continue to accrue overdue fines to ensure the punctual return of these items for the benefit of all users. Library users are encouraged to ask staff at the Novanet libraries they visit to learn more about which materials are fine free.

To encourage the timely return of materials, library users will still receive courtesy reminders if their books are past due. Materials that are not returned will be considered lost and replacement fees may be charged. Please consult your local library for specific policies.

“We’re making a philosophical shift from protecting the collections to sharing the collections,” says van den Hoogen. “We want our libraries to be welcoming spaces, and we understand that overdue fines can generate financial barriers for our patrons. We hope that by alleviating the stress of potentially accruing overdue fines, more people will be encouraged to borrow books from Novanet libraries.”

The Novanet consortium consists of the university and college libraries in Nova Scotia, as well as the library at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick. Novanet provides students, faculty, and staff of its member institutions with access to the collective resources of all its members through a shared integrated library system with over 7 million print and electronic resources. Community borrowers can also benefit from Novanet by getting a free Novanet borrower card.

*Due dates for any materials currently on loan have been extended to September 30. Some Novanet libraries are developing curbside services for the students, faculty, and staff at their respective institutions — please check with your Novanet library for more information. Community borrowers should check with their Novanet library for the most current information about services for community members.