Covid-19 adjustments to Library services

Covid-19 adjustments to Library services

The Library has re-opened but in line with the need to maintain social distancing and operate in a COVID-19 Secure fashion some services have been suspended or will be operating with some restrictions. Anyone entering the Library may have their details passed to the NHS Test & Trace service if requested.

Please note that the information provided here may be changed at short notice. Any changes will also be notified through our News page.

• Access will be restricted to current members of the University of Portsmouth and its recognised partner institutions who are in possession of a valid access card. This means visitors and external library members will not be able to access the building. 

• We are piloting a temperature monitoring system at the Library entrance

• There is a one way system in place in the building and a number of hand sanitisation stations.

• All visitors are expected to wear a face covering in the Library and respect social distancing

• Opening hours will be 0930 to 1700 Monday to Friday. 

• Book returns to be brought to the Library - the temporary Student Union building 'Waterhole' return point will no longer be in use.
  • Returned books will be quarantined for 72 hours, and will remain 'on loan' for this time.

• If a book is removed from the shelves and not borrowed then this will be handled as a returned item and quarantined for 72 hours.

• There are 43 PCs on the ground floor and currently none in the remainder of the building.

• The laptops normally available for loan from the library lockers will not be available until the start of term.

Services that will be available within the Library building

• Reception Desk
• Returning loans
• Borrowing loans
• Interlibrary loans
• IT support desk 
• Study spaces (but not Group study rooms)
• Browsing book stock (note - any book removed from the shelves will be placed in quarantine if not borrowed)
• Printing and photocopying

Services offered remotely

• 24/7 online chat
• Support from the Faculty Librarians for students and staff
• Support from the Research Outputs team

Services that will NOT be available 

• Group study rooms
• Postgraduate suite
• Shared booths will be either closed or for single person occupancy
• Temporary pass kiosk (you will not be able to enter the Library without a card).
• Library help desk
• Access to print newspapers or display journals (but you might like to try our new PressReader subscription as a partial substitute)
• Student/staff card printing (but the University is providing a home delivery service for replacements for lost or damaged cards)
• Laptop loans
• Posting books or photocopies for distance learners
• Library café
• Bloomberg and Eikon terminals (but there is an alternate access method)

The University's coronovirus information page