Oddly enough, resources at the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library (EHSL) are more accessible because of COVID restrictions! According to Heidi Greenberg, EHSL’s associate director, the resources and expertise patrons have come to expect, are now available at the click of your mouse.
“As soon as COVID hit in March, we immediately shifted everything to a remote model while expanding our online resources, including eBooks for many courses,” says EHSL Supervisor Donna Baluchi. “Our 24/7 library access for students was briefly interrupted while we ordered safety supplies and rearranged furniture for social distancing. And in May, we re-activated badge access for health sciences students when they are on campus.”
Although the on-site staff is smaller than usual, EHSL is up and running, and ready to serve. Currently, librarians offer live chat sessions Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while others staff the front desk on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Library patrons have continued access to technology, including laptops and mobile hot spots for students who need them for remote learning. The Tree of Hippocrates multi-multimedia studio is open for use by reservation, and there is also space available for residency interviews. The library also partners with the School of Medicine to provide lighting kits with a USB-powered ring light to help students look their best while doing a webcam interview.