Morrell, Burton and Fairhurst libraries remain open with marshals to enforce lockdown rules

The University of York Library Twitter account has issued new student advice for using the library in the current lockdown. The Morrell, Burton and Fairhurst libraries will be the only three to remain open throughout lockdown from the new hours of 9am to 7pm. Marshals will now be present throughout the libraries to ensure social distancing measures are being followed by students.

Students can “browse the shelves, borrow books, use the printers and book a study space.”

Study spaces can be booked online here.

Whilst students are not discouraged to use the library, they state students should “consider working at home if you’re comfortable (mental and physically) doing so. There will also be a tightening of regulating Covid-19 safe behaviour within the libraries. Marshals will be around to primarily help and direct students, but also to “make sure everything is being done to keep people safe – ensuring social distancing, face-coverings ect.”

The tweet goes on to say “Most students and staff are brilliant at following the rules, but we really need *everyone* to be brilliant, especially now.”

Students must wear face-coverings before entering the buildings and cannot study in a group, even if they  live together. The library is also encouraging students to engage with the staff on the way into the buildings and practice social distancing everywhere.

To make the libraries Covid-secure,  windows will remain open to keep spaces well ventilated. The library “can’t lend out blankets at the moment for obvious reasons”, so is encouraging students to bring their own along.

“Book takeaway” services will continue, books can still be posted to students and specific chapters can be scanned for students who don’t wish to visit the library in-person.

All current book recalls will be switched off, the library doesn’t want any student to “feel any pressure to e.g go to a post office during their one period of Govt mandated exercise per day.”

York Minster Library will remain closed and stock inaccessible, whilst Kings Manor Library will close as of tomorrow. However, the option to use “Book Takeaway” can still be used.

The Piazza building remains open for bookable study spaces and the Uni of York Borthwick Institute remains closed but will be offering support online.

The University of York Library Help Desk has moved online, along with IT services and the Writing Service.

For the most updated advice, always check the University of York Covid-19 page.

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