Campus Update On UNO Libraries

Dear UNO students, faculty, and staff:

As you may have read, many academic libraries in Nebraska and around the country are closing due to local quarantine guidelines, statements issued by the American Library Association and the Association of College & Research Libraries, and, of course, out of concern for the safety of students, faculty, and library personnel. 

Libraries are designed to bring people together for learning, socializing, and congregating. Social distancing in libraries can be challenging even when signage is posted and alerts are issued.

This week being Spring Break, the UNO Libraries are closed. At the moment, it is our plan for Criss Library to reopen on Monday, March 30.

Of course, as the COVID-19 situation evolves, the library may need to close completely or remain open only for computer access with no person-to-person/face-to-face transactions.  

Should circumstances call for the closure of Criss Library, students and faculty will still have online access to a broad range of educational resources including more than 1 million e-books and hundreds of e-journals and databases through the UNO Libraries’ homepage.

Other important services will also be available:

• InterLibrary Loan: Requests for electronic document delivery using e-journals will continue to be filled. Email unoill@unomaha.edu for assistance or visit the Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery website.

• Reference and research assistance will continue, including online chat and asynchronous requests, through Ask-a-Librarian, and virtual research consultations can be scheduled.

• The UNO Libraries provide access to many resources that are especially helpful to online and distance education students. Learn more about Criss Library's online learning services.   

• Online access to select Archives & Special Collections materials can be found on the Digital Collections webpage: https://library.unomaha.edu/digitalcollections  

• Additionally, if you need a laptop or internet access options, please visit UNO’s Keep Learning website.

• If you need a UNO Libraries account, you can sign up for one at any time.

I encourage you to be safe and to explore our extensive digital resources and services listed above. If you have any questions or if you need additional information, feel free to contact me directly at derichards@unomaha.edu.

David E. Richards
Dean of Library Services