Continuity of Service
- Continuity of Service
- Hours and Building Access
- Checked Out Items
- Access to Library Services
- Access to Library Materials
Odum Library & COVID-19
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic is ever-evolving. We will keep this guide updated as we learn more information.
As always, Odum Library is here to support the success of our VSU community. During this time, we are emphasizing our online/virtual help and electronic resources to reinforce recommendations of social distancing.
You can navigate this guide via the tabs to learn more about our efforts.
Adjusted Hours
Starting March 23rd, Odum Library will be open:
Monday - Thursday: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Building Access
Odum Library will be open to VSU faculty, students, and staff, and a VSU 1Card will be required for entry. However, in order to limit exposure to COVID-19, we recommend that faculty, students, and staff first utilize virtual library resources when possible.
- 1Card not working? Contact 1Card Office: 1card@valdosta.edu or 229-259-2593
Health and Safety
During your visit to the library, we encourage patrons to practice:
- Social distancing (maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet between individuals)
- Cough and sneeze etiquette
- Hand hygiene
Per the CDC, patrons who are sick or experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory illness are encouraged to stay home.
Computer Labs
In order to reduce access to shared equipment that may contribute to the spread of COVID-19, Computer Lab 2633 is closed.
Currently, the computer lab near Reference Services is open. Access to additional computer labs is subject to change.
Study Rooms
In order to reduce shared space that may contribute to the spread of COVID-19, study rooms are unavailable at this time.
Odum Library is working with students who are concerned about returning library materials amidst the constraints of the campus COVID-19 response. Due dates for eligible library items have been extended to May 7, 2020.
Additional Considerations
- Most library items have the ability to renew twice online via your library account before having to be returned to the library.
- If you have already used your two online renewals, please contact the Circulation Desk, 229-333-5869, in order to extend your check out period.
General Library Assistance
Librarians are available to assist you with any questions that you have during this time.
Reference Services
- Phone: 229-333-7149
- Live Chat
- Reference Services available:
- Monday-Thursday: 10am-7pm - Librarians available virtually at Odum Library
- Friday: 10am-2pm - Librarians working remotely via Live Chat.
- Sunday: 4pm-8pm - Librarians working remotely via Live Chat.
Circulation/Lending Services
- Phone: 229-333-5869
- Circulation/Lending Services available:
- Monday - Thursday:10am-7pm
Research Appointments
For dedicated one-on-one time with a librarian or for research-intensive questions, we suggest making an appointment with a librarian. Appointments are available by phone or online.
Interlibrary Loan
Although impacted by the nationwide COVID-19 response, the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) department remains committed to providing our VSU community with the publications for teaching, research, or to complete assignments.
At this time, we are not able to provide access to physical resources. However, we will be emphasizing our ability to deliver access electronically (via PDF) to physical resources in Odum Library’s collection and available from other institutions.
For more information, see Access to Library Materials tab.
GALILEO & More (Electronic Resources at Odum)
Access to electronic resources (databases, e-journals, e-books) will continue and should not be impacted by COVID-19 responses.
- Librarians are available via Live Chat or phone (229-333-7149) if you would like assistance identifying potential substitutions for items not available electronically.
Books & More (Physical Resources at Odum)
Currently Checked Out Items
In order to limit potential COVID-19 exposure, items checked out from Odum Library will have an automatic due date of May 7, 2020 going forward.
This policy excludes:
- Items checked out from the New Media Center
- Interlibrary Loan/GIL Express materials
- Print Course Reserves
New Checkouts
For the health and safety of our VSU faculty, staff, and students, we will not be checking out additional library materials at time.
GIL Express
Lending of physical items through GIL Express has been impacted by the USG's COVID-19 response. As such, Odum Library has suspended GIL Express service at this time.
For assistance in identifying alternatives to GIL Express, please contact Reference Services:
- Phone: 229-333-7149
- Live Chat
Interlibrary Loan
Although impacted by the nationwide COVID-19 response, the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) department remains committed to providing our VSU community with the publications for teaching, research, or to complete assignments.
At this time, we are not able to provide access to physical resources. However, we will be emphasizing our ability to deliver access electronically (via PDF) to physical resources in Odum Library’s collection and available from other institutions.
Interlibrary Loan Electronic Format Options
Book Chapters
Deliverable in a PDF format, this can be a great option when access to the physical book is not available.
- For help determining which chapters to request, ILL can assist with acquiring the table of contents for the book.
- Use the ILLiad dashboard and “Get a Book Chapter” form to place the request.
- We recommend submitting a new request for each chapter to help reduce file sizes.
Journal Articles
Deliverable in a PDF format, this can be a great option when access to the full text of an journal article is not available in an Odum Library database.
- Use the ILLiad dashboard and “Get an Article” form to place the request.
- You can also request an article through ILL by following the Find It @ VSU link in our databases.
- We recommend submitting a new request for each article to help reduce file sizes.
Assistance with ILL Requests
To learn more about the ILL request process, please see our guide or contact Reference Services.
For questions about ILL options and the best way to access content, please e-mail us at ill@valdosta.edu.
