BC Libraries Update Winter 2020

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Just as this has been a year like no other, this winter will be like no other. BC Libraries will do everything we can to maintain services adapted to working at a distance. Here are some updates about various services, resources, and policies impacted by the pandemic over the next few months. As we respond to changing situations, policies change; always check our Services Update page for the most current and authoritative information. In the meantime, safe travels, and may you have a safe and joyous holiday season!

Exterior of Bapst Library in Winter, probably between 1980 and 1995, BC Office of Marketing Communications, in BC Archives.
Exterior of Bapst Library in Winter, probably between 1980 and 1995, BC Office of Marketing Communications, in BC Archives.

HathiTrust Emergency Access (ETAS)

If you’ve been depending on accessing items in our print collection through HathiTrust, please know that we will be discontinuing that emergency access on January 24, 2021 and providing alternative options. That access was made available by HathiTrust to libraries who had restricted access to print collections because of the pandemic. Though a significant number of our patrons are still working remotely, we have to balance those needs against those whose research has been hampered by inadequate access to print materials.

In order to continue serving those who must work remotely, we’ll be providing access to print items by scanning and sending chapters through Interlibrary Loan services (within copyright limits), or mailing full items. Of course, HathiTrust will continue to provide full-text electronic access to items in the public domain (currently, everything before 1924). This year BC Libraries has also accelerated ebook acquisition, which should help meet some remote research needs.

Hours at a Glance

These hours are subject to change. Always check current online hours before making plans.

Bapst Library

  • Nov 29 – Dec 20: Sun 11am-12am, M-Th 8am-12am, F 8am-5pm, Sat 10am-6pm
  • Dec 21: 8am-5pm 
  • Dec 22 – 23: 9am-5pm
  • Dec. 24 – Jan 3: Closed
  • Jan 4-27: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
  • Jan 18: Closed (MLK Day)
  • Jan 28 → Sun 11am-12am, M-Th 8am-12am, F 8am-5pm, Sat 10am-6pm

Burns Library

  • Nov 29 – Dec 10: Closed Sat-Tue, W-F 9:30am-1pm, 2pm-4:30pm & by appt.
  • Dec 11-19: Closed Sat-Tue, W-F by appt.
  • Dec 19-Jan. 5: Closed
  • Jan 6-Jan 22: Closed Sat-Tue, W-F by appt.
  • Jan 18: Closed (MLK Day)
  • Jan 23 → Closed Sat-Tue, W-F 9:30am-1pm, 2pm-4:30pm & by appt.

Educational Resource Center

  • Nov 29 – Dec 23: Sun 12pm-6pm, M-F 9am-5pm, Sat 11am-5pm
  • Dec 24 – Jan 3: Closed
  • Jan 4 – Jan 29: M-F 9am-5pm, Sat/Sun Closed
  • Jan 18: Closed (MLK Day)
  • Jan 30 → Sun 12pm-6pm, M-F 9am-5pm, Sat 11am-5pm

O’Neill Library

Because the library must be closed and deep-cleaned nightly to maintain a safe environment for you, we regret that we can’t remain open 24/7 this December.

  • Nov 29 – Dec 20: Sun 9am-2am, M-Th 7:30am-2am, F 7am-10pm, Sat 10am-6pm
  • Dec 21-23: 7:30am-5pm
  • Dec 24-27: Closed
  • Dec 28-30: 9am-5pm
  • Dec 31-Jan 3: Closed
  • Jan 4-Jan 27: Sun 11am-7pm, M-F 7:30am-5pm, Sat 10am-6pm
  • Jan 18: Closed (MLK Day)
  • Jan 28 → Sun 9am-2am, M-Th 7:30am-2am, F 7:30am-10pm, Sat 10am-6pm
Photo of booth tables in the O’Neill Library Reading Room with life-size photo cutouts of dogs at two seats, one wearing a green hat.
We doubly (quadrupedally!) regret that we can’t offer therapy dog visits during this extra-stressful year. But we do have some life-size cutouts of our furry friends in the O’Neill Library Reading Room you might enjoy visiting.

Theology & Ministry Library

  • Nov 29 – Dec 21: Sun 11am-7pm, M-F 8am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm
  • Dec 22-23: 9am-5pm
  • Dec 24 – Jan 3: Closed
  • Jan 4 – Jan 27: M-F 9am-5pm, Sat/Sun Closed
  • Jan 28 → TBD (Refer to website hours)

Getting Help

Remotely

Ask-a-Librarian remote services will all continue: 

  • Chat 24/7 will continue to be available 24/7 on all but December 25 and January 1. It will be staffed by BC Library staff daytime and most early evening hours until December 23, 11-5 Dec 28-30, daytime hours Jan 4-10, and resuming regular daytime and evening hours January 11. In all other hours you will be helped by backup chat service staff.
  • Email Us any time; we’ll get back to you within 24 hours on most open business days. (Answers will be slow December 24 – January 3.)
  • You can always book an online meeting directly with subject librarians or FWS instruction librarians during regular business hours
  • Self-help: See Research Guides for links to helpful resources, our FAQ for answers to policy and procedure questions, and tutorial videos for quick lessons in everything from focusing your research to using databases.

Whatever you need help doing remotely, this FAQ Answer may be a good place to begin.

The Theology & Ministry Library will continue to offer virtual reference services through the break. The hours for these services can be found on the TML website.

In Person

You’ll always find staff at the main service desk of any of the BC Libraries during open hours. ASK Live video-reference service in the O’Neill Library lobby will resume on January 25, 2021.

Online Resource Highlights

As always, you have online access to a huge variety of resources Here’s a sampling:

  • Newspapers (direct subscriptions to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Financial Times)
  • Streaming video: Features, documentaries, performing arts, and more!
  • eBooks: The collection just keeps growing!
  • Overdrive e-books: Read popular titles on your e-reader or other portable device
  • BC Libraries Ambience: (NEW!) Study with the sounds of O’Neill Library’s Reading Room

Extended Due dates

  • Pop Collection: Extended to 15 weeks
  • For most books: Renew Online

Published by Steve Runge

Liaison for English Literature & Asian Studies