Update: Phased reopening of Library buildings

Harold Cohen Library

After the Government announcement that libraries can begin to reopen from 4th July, the University has outlined a plan for when Students and Staff can return to University library buildings.

Throughout the ‘lockdown’ period University Libraries have still been open online to support the University community in studies, teaching and research. The library will continue to ensure that online services are available throughout the summer to help prepare for the next academic year. The University is working hard to reopen the libraries as soon as possible, in the safest way possible, with the health and safety of our University community at the centre of its planning.

Although the libraries Libraries, Museums and Galleries cannot yet publish definite dates, the department wishes to give an outline of the stages of reopening so colleagues know what to expect in the near future. Libraries, Museums and Galleries department will keep colleagues up to date via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, with important updates and announcements.

The first stage of reopening is already underway and involves some University Library staff returning to campus to work out the logistics of safely allowing students to return to the libraries. They continue to work on adapting the library buildings, spaces and processes, testing them as they go.

Book returns

The University have also situated a book return bin in the University Post Room behind the Sydney Jones Library where students can drop off book returns between 8am – noon, Monday – Friday. This service is available for those students who may not be able to return books next year. It is not a requirement for all students to do this and they are encouraged you to keep hold of their books for now if possible.

Click and collect

The second stage of reopening will involve a click and collect service whereby students and staff will be able to reserve books online, from the Sydney Jones or Harold Cohen Library, and retrieve them for students and staff to collect from the Sydney Jones Library. The launch date of this service is yet to be confirmed but it is anticipated that this will be available in mid-July.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible for the Library to offer any other services at this time, including study space or computing and printing facilities. The Libraries are working with colleagues across the University to provide alternative space on campus as soon as practicable.

The third phase will involve the reopening of limited study spaces in the libraries, ensuring that spaces are safe for both students and staff to work. Libraries, Museums and Galleries expect this phase to commence in late summer.

Online services

Here is a reminder of some of the ways the University Libraries can support staff and students:

Further information 

Further updates will be made available on the Unviersity Libraries Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Further information is also available at: https://libguides.liverpool.ac.uk/library. For questions or queries please email: library@liverpool.ac.uk