How Accessible Will the Library and its Services be This Fall Term?
By: Maria Garcia Manzano
With Brandon University still operating under their most restrictive phase under their COVID-19 plan (Phase Blue), students are wondering how library accessibility has been affected. Before classes began BU’s library sent out a detailed plan as to how it would operate during the fall term. Attached to the email sent to students were also instructions as to how to book seating in the library for studying and how to make an appointment in case you needed to do any of the following:
Add Money to your printing queue through Interac
Pick up Held books and Other items
Print from the student queue
Return borrowed books and items
Use the photocopier
In order to make an appointment for the items listed above and for the booking of seating’s students must follow the instructions provided on the BU library website and book online through the portals that are given. Appointments can be booked from 8:45am – 4:45pm for week days and 1:00pm – 5:30pm on weekends throughout the month of September. In October they are hoping to extend hours their operating hours.
BU Library Link: https://www.brandonu.ca/library/
Students are reminded that while it may be tempting to access the library you must keep in mind that it is a place to work with very limited space. Individual study places in the Convergy’s computer lab and the individual desktops found around the library must need to be booked in advance in order to use them. While in-person library accessibility may seem limited student are reminded that they still have access to all the physical copies of resources found in the library such as books, journals and all other entries you may need. Student will also have access to the inter-library services to obtain e-resources from other libraries. The library also has a limited number of laptops to lend out in case a student requires one students can complete the BU Laptop Loan Program form and send it to Letain@brandonu.ca
BU link to Form: https://www.brandonu.ca/student-services/files/2020/08/Laptop-Loan-Application.pdf
It is unprecedented times and many of us may feel as though we are unproductive at home and may have the urge to pop by the library and study there, however we must remember there is a pandemic going on and that while online learning from home may seem unfeasible we must work hard and stay at home as this too shall pass.
Photo Credits: Google Images-Brandonu.ca