Our services for you whilst the university sites are closed due to COVID-19

As soon as the university announced the implementation of additional reading weeks, the Library made the decision to extend all loans to cover this period and remove fines. This was in part due to the numerous queries we received from students self-isolating or moving home, but more in recognition that implementing this policy removed the need for students and staff to have to worry about library books and fines during the initial period of uncertainty. We will extend all loans in the coming weeks and will continue to reassure all Library users that no fines will be applied. We have also suspended automated notifications so no emails will be received to heighten any stress. Unlimited renewals have also been implemented.

Students who are vacating halls have been told they can leave library material in their rooms and we will collect them when we are able to. Material posted back is being held and will be dealt with when we reopen.

We continue to provide assistance via our Chat and email services which are being well used. Initial enquiries focused on the practical implications of moving off campus but we are now supporting students in their use of e-resources, referencing and finding material. It is obvious our students are now back to serious study. We have a dedicated team of staff working remotely to provide these channels of communication both in office hours and beyond (currently until 19.00). Information about how to contact us are available on our web page (https://www.brookes.ac.uk/library/library-services/contact-us/)

While physical Interlibrary loans are suspended due to practical reasons, we continue to process and supply e-articles where possible.

Kate Alderson-Smith, Customer Services Team Leader