Libraries have been in the business of lending books and materials for centuries. Today, given the unusual moment of COVID, the staff at the Marriott Library have expanded their delivery methods to include Books to U—a service that delivers books and other materials to your mailbox safely and efficiently. This delivery service is available to students, staff and faculty of the University of Utah.
What can be delivered?
- Books
- Videos
- Games
- Laptops and tablets
- Wi-Fi devices
- Calculators
Ian Godfrey
“Lending via mail has been incredibly successful,” said Ian Godfrey, assistant dean for Facilities and Operations. “We began shipping library materials across the world back in May and the demand has been extremely strong.” For example, in the first week of spring semester, library staff filled more than 900 requested items for students, faculty, and staff. “The furthest we’ve shipped was to Israel, where a faculty member was in quarantine and was in need of a book.”
Last fall, in response to students vacating campus and requiring computing for the online classes, the library was awarded CARES funding that was used to purchase 1,000 laptops. In the wake of the COVID outbreak and the library shutdown, staff began shipping laptops to students; they were permitted to borrow laptops and hotspots for the entire semester.
“After we started shipping the laptops, we realized we could also ship books and other items,” said Godfrey. “Not only were we enhancing customer service, but by reducing traffic to the library, we were also reducing the spread of the virus.”
Alternatively, patrons who are on campus for the in-class courses can still swing by the library for contactless pickup of all library items.
Request items
To request books, videos and games, use the library catalog and complete the form for delivery. Request technology using this form. You can also request pre-paid postage to return your item if you aren’t able to return to campus.