New Checkouts (Starting June 1)
In order to support social distancing, Odum Library will be establishing a "self-check out" and "take-out" model in order to support faculty, staff, and students who would like to check out additional items. Directions for self-checkout and take-out can be found under Access to Library Materials.
Use of Face Coverings (Starting July 15)
- Per the USG, face coverings/masks will be required to be worn while in the library.
Use Live Chat to talk with a Librarian
Benefits:
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Fast
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Immediate assistance
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Available during Reference Services hours
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Ability to send links and screenshots
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Great relatively low-tech option
Have a larger research project or research-intensive question?
Benefits
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Great immersive learning experience especially if using a virtual conference room
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Ability to see librarian's screen
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Dedicated one-on-one time with a librarian
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Time-saving: Librarians learn more about your topic in advance and prepare before the appointment
Things to Consider
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Online appointments using the virtual conference room (Collaborate Ultra) might be difficult to navigate using a cell phone
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Research appointments requests preferably are made two business days' in advance of the preferred appointment date
Continuity of Service
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 August 3rd, Odum Library will be open:
Monday - Thursday: 7:00am - 12:00am
Friday: 7:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday: 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm - 12:00am
Building Access
A 1Card is no longer required for entry into Odum Library.
Health and Safety
Effective July 15, face coverings will be required while visiting Odum Library.
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 unavailable for individual use.
Currently, the computer lab near Reference Services is open. Additional computers have been distributed across the second and third floors to promote social distancing. 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, the majority of study rooms are unavailable.
Starting August 10th, we have opened six study rooms on the second floor of Odum Library.
- When using these study rooms, please observe the posted room capacity.
- If you are sharing the study room with others, please practice social distancing and wear face coverings.
- If you are the only occupant in the study room, face coverings are optional.
- For your peace of mind, cleaning supplies are available at the second floor Circulation Desk.
- Students must provide their own dry erase markers and erasers.
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 August 31, 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: 8am-10pm
- Friday: 8am-3pm
- Sunday: 2pm-10pm
Circulation/Lending Services
- Phone: 229-333-5869
- Circulation/Lending Services available:
- Monday - Thursday: 7am-12am
- Friday: 7am - 8pm
- Saturday: 12pm -8pm
- Sunday: 12pm - 12am
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, due to many other library closures, access to physical materials may be delayed or unavailable. 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)
New Checkouts (Starting June 1)
In order to support social distancing, Odum Library will be establishing a "self-check out" and "take-out" model in order to support faculty, staff, and students who would like to check out additional items.
Placing Your "Take-Out Order"/Requesting a Hold
- Directions for Requesting a Hold
- You can pick up your item at the Main Circulation Desk on the first floor of Odum Library.
Self-Check Out
- Visit a Circulation Desk and speak with library staff to start your check-out process.
- You'll be guided through the checkout process in a way that prioritizes social distancing and the safety of you and our library staff.
GIL Express
GIL Express resumed operations on August 17th. To learn more about the GIL Express request process, please see our guide.
For assistance with 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, due to many other library closures, access to physical materials may be delayed or unavailable. 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.
