COVID-19: Information on changes to Library Services

Following further information from the UK Government on the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions from 19 July, we can confirm that our library services will be continue to be accessible to all Staffordshire University students.

We are maintaining a number of the measures we have in place to ensure our campuses remain COVID-secure, and will continue to follow Government and Department for Education guidance as it emerges, adapting as required, and looking at how it applies to all aspects of our University's activities.

When visiting our buildings please remember that we need to continue to provide a COVID secure environment so everyone on campus can study in confidence. To do this we need to continue to work together to keep everybody safe.

We require you to follow these guidelines:

• Obtain a clear COVID test before visiting the library and take regular tests – ideally twice a week – thereafter.
• Face coverings should be worn at all times including whilst moving through the libraries, unless you are exempt. You are not required to wear a face covering while seated.

To maintain our COVID-security we would like to remind our University community of the importance of continuing to follow the hygiene measures that help reduce the spread of the virus, including staff and students washing their hands regularly, the use of hand sanitisers and the regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. We will continue to provide these products in all of our buildings.

See the University COVID-19 Guide for more information.

When planning to come onto campus to visit the Libraries, you must take a lateral flow rapid test, and take weekly tests – ideally twice a week - thereafter. All test results must be reported in line with the latest guidance.

Testing represents a major component of the UK Government’s strategy to help keep the virus under control and to reduce the risk of further outbreaks and widespread self-isolation. By getting tested, you will be playing a role in ensuring the safety of yourself, your fellow students, University staff and our local communities. Ensuring our campuses remain COVID-secure will also contribute to an improved student experience during the spring term. 

More information about testing can be found on the University Testing and Reporting page. 

The Thompson and Blackheath Lane Library opening hours have reverted to their usual hours:

Up to date opening hours can be found at: https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/opening

Note that opening hours are subject to change and will reflect any closure due to COVID-19 that are instigated by the University and national or local guidelines.

The Library is currently open for Staffordshire University Students and Staff only. We remain closed to visitors.

Student ID Cards

You are required to scan your card to get access to the buildings and Library. Therefore, it’s going to be really important to have your student card with you at all times. The Campus Security Team will not be issuing any temporary cards

Face coverings

While face coverings are no longer a requirement by law, cautious guidance remains, and our University policy will continue to require all students, staff and visitors to wear a face covering while moving through the libraries, unless you are exempt. You are not required to wear a face covering while seated.  

This policy will be reviewed regularly and will be assessed prior to the start of the next academic year. 

We do understand that not everyone can wear a face covering and we support the Sunflower Scheme.

NHS Contact Tracing App

To support national efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus, and in line with our commitment to maintaining a COVID-secure environment for our students, staff and local communities, several of our on-campus venues are participating in the NHS COVID-19 App initiative.

You can download the app from the app store for your device or via the NHS COVID-19 webpage.

The use of the NHS COVID-19 App in the Library will only apply to individuals who remain in and use our library facilities, rather than those who are simply walking through.

If you wish to study in our Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford or Shrewsbury campus libraries, please download the app ahead of your visit and use it on arrival to scan the QR codes on display.

There are a number of other venues across Staffordshire University Stoke and Stafford campuses that are also using the app, including the Students' Union.  Further information on these can be found in the University COVID-19 Guide. 

Any person who fails to comply with these arrangements will be asked to leave the premises.

Available Support

• Student Connect team - online enquiries via Library chat icon https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/library
• Contact studentconnect@staffs.ac.uk
• Library e-Helpdesk form
• Library FAQs

Skills appointments

Appointments with all the Academic Skills Team are available online.

• More information on how to book an online appointment

Student Connect

The Student Connect team are available Monday to Friday 9:00 - 17:00. 

Live Chat is available during the following hours:

• Monday to Thursday 8:00 – 20.00,
• Friday 08:00–17:00,
• Saturday and Sunday 10:00–13:00.

You can also contact the Student Connect team by emailing studentconnect@staffs.ac.uk or calling 01782 294751.

Click and Collect for print books

We have a ‘click and collect’ online reservation service for print stock, book returns via the self-service machines and access to study spaces is open.

Click and collect is available at Thompson Library and the Student Hub at the Stoke Campus and Blackheath Lane Library at Stafford.

You can also return books at each of these sites.

There is more information on our Borrowing webpages.

If you receive a Library recall notice for reserved or overdue books please contact us and we can make a note on your Library record. You won't currently accrue fines on any books.

Please note that the deadline for returning any books on loan has now been extended to 28 May 2021. If you get a recall notice before this date: please email studentconnect@staffs.ac.uk. Overdue notices will be start to be sent out for books not returned by 28 May.
 

Postal Loans

During the lockdown if you require books that are not available as an ebook we will post them to your home address.

You should reserve the resources you require via the Library catalogue and in the notes field add "please post to home address".

You can keep the items until the campus re-opens, if you want to return the items before then you can return them by post, but you need to pay the postage and use a postal option that ensures you have proof of postage.

The SCONUL Access Scheme is currently suspended as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions. New applications or renewed applications cannot be processed and participating libraries are not accepting visitors from other libraries under the scheme. This is because capacity within member libraries is severely restricted due to the need for social distancing and this means that it is not possible for libraries to facilitate external visitors in most cases. 

SCONUL are fully committed to opening up the scheme again as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.  Currently it looks unlikely that the scheme will return to full functioning during the 2020-21 academic year. They will be consulting member institutions on routes to reopening the scheme later this academic year.

Due to the reduced number of study spaces and capacity within the Libraries we are open for current students and staff only.

We are currently not allowing any alumni and visitors into the Libraries, we will not be processing any new alumni applications or renewing expired accounts.

The Campus Security Team will not be issuing any temporary cards.

For Staffordshire University updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19): https://www.staffs.ac.uk/comms/coronavirus