Ames Library Spring Semester FAQ
The Ames Library is open to current students, faculty and staff for the spring 2021 semester. The FAQ below will be updated as needed, and updates will also be posted on our Twitter and Facebook pages.
Please note that our hours are updated online. Please refer to the information below about services and contacting library faculty and ITS.
Updates on the university's response to the coronavirus, as well as answers to many frequently-asked-questions for students and faculty and staff, are available on the university's coronavirus site. This site is being updated frequently, so please refer to the university resources for the most up-to-date information about our campus plans.
What health & safety practices are being put into place in the library?
Continuing normal library operations (e.g., keeping the building open, purchasing materials, digitizing media, and much more) depends on our library staff staying safe and healthy:
- Masks will be required while in the library, including in open areas, study rooms, and classroom spaces. Users who do not have a mask will be offered one. If a user refuses to wear a mask, they will be asked to leave. In short, masks are non-negotiable.
- We have a limited amount of cleaning supplies for users to clean their areas before use. Please inquire at the Library Services Desk for masks or cleaning supplies
Has the setup of the library changed because of social distancing?
What are the spring semester hours for the library? Are there other study spaces open on campus for late night study?
Hours for the spring semester are:
- Monday - Thursday: 7:45 a.m. - 12 midnight
- Friday: 7:45 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 12 midnight
Late-night study space is available to current students via card swipe in State Farm Hall, Monday - Thursday, 4:30 pm - 1:30 am; Friday, 4:30 pm - 10 pm; Saturday, 10 am - 10 pm; and Sunday, 10 am - 1:30 am.
Who can access the library?
Due to reduced seating capacity in The Ames Library, access to the building will be limited to current students, faculty, and staff via card swipe. We look forward to welcoming back our alumni, emeriti faculty, and community members, hopefully in the near future.
Unfortunately, we cannot admit faculty or students from CARLI libraries to the library at this time, but we are happy to offer breezeway pickup for materials in our collection.
How do local students from CARLI institutions pick up materials requested via I-Share?
Are the Writing Center, the Thorpe Center, and the Help Desk open?
Faculty members preparing their courses for online delivery may schedule appointments to make use of resources available in the Thorpe Center, including the One-Button Studio, Light Board Studio, and Podcast Studio. Access to these spaces is by appointment only. Please see the ITS home page for current schedule and availability.
Requests for technology assistance, both general (e.g., password re-set) and specific to online learning (Moodle Courses) can be submitted through the ITS Help Desk.
Please visit the ITS home page for updated information on virtual help and consultation sessions being provided by ITS staff and faculty colleagues.
Will library faculty be available to help students with research and information requests?
Yes, during the regular semester, library faculty will be available to students for online consultations Monday - Friday from 1 pm - 4 pm. You can also contact your library liaison to set up an appointment and to view their office hours.
Please email your library liaison for assistance with spring semester instruction and/or book purchasing.
Can faculty request information literacy instruction for their class?
Are food and drink allowed in the library?
Can faculty request print or electronic reserves for their classes?
Please note there may be some materials we are unable to procure as electronic reserves, such as textbooks. For background on this issue, please see statements from the University of Guelph and Grand Valley State University.
How can I find ebooks in the Ames Library catalog?
For instructions on how to find and access ebooks, please see our quick guide.
If you have any questions about finding and accessing ebooks, please contact your liaison. We also have access to many digital archives that can be integrated into your courses or into student projects. Please visit our Curated Digital Resources Guide for more information.
What are my options for streaming video?
It is also possible for us to digitize some materials for the students enrolled in your course. Please contact your liaison librarian with a list of the titles you need for your course and the dates you plan to use each title in your classroom, and we will work to find a legal source of access. Please know that digitization takes time and we need this information as soon as possible to ensure we have the staff time to do this work. It is increasingly difficult for us to honor last-minute requests; early communication about your needs is greatly appreciated.
Can I borrow materials from the Ames Library? What about I-Share?
"Breezeway pick up" of print, and other physical materials, is available at the entry
level of the Ames Library. Please see this announcement for additional details if you wish to request materials from the library collection. If
you need a chapter or article scanned from Ames Library materials, please request
through your ILLiad account.
I-Share borrowing and lending is now available at about 40 institutions throughout
the State of Illinois. Please use the I-Share catalog to request materials. Your request may take longer than expected due to staffing
changes and delivery delays.
Due dates for library materials checked out from Ames and I-Share libraries prior
to June 2020 were automatically extended to 2/1/2021* by CARLI. Please return these
materials as soon as possible. Items checked out from Ames and I-Share libraries beginning
in June 2020 will have the due date as assigned by your status (student, faculty,
staff, etc).
If you have items to return, please do not return any library materials to the external
drop boxes on Ames Plaza, as these are locked. Library materials may be returned to
the drop box located inside the library entrance. Please do not leave library materials
outside a drop box or on the Ames Library loading dock.
We will continue to process requests for interlibrary loan. ILL requests should be submitted through ILLiad, and are subject to the availability of materials and services from our partner libraries.
For information on how to submit a request through ILLiad, please visit our ILL guide.
*updated 9/16/20
Can I request library materials for purchase?
Who do I contact with questions?
This listing of library services will be updated as needed.