A Message from Vice Provost for Libraries: A Response to the COVID-19 Impact

March 14, 2020

Updated March 18, 5:50pm

Dear Colleagues,

Before I share updates, I want to thank you for your extraordinary work this week. The events unfolding are unprecedented, but your response has been tremendous: with each other, our campus partners, our patrons, and the community. Thank you.

The rapidly changing situation around the impact of COVID-19 requires significant flexibility. At this time, I want to update you on how the Libraries are proceeding in our planning efforts and coordinating with campus.

All Campus Updates – Please monitor https://covid19.wisc.edu.

Events: All non-essential campus and university-related events are canceled beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13, through at least April 10, with limited exceptions.

Library Updates

New Resources: 

There is now a library-specific COVID-19 information page., which includes information about building hours/status, library services and resources, and campus resources: https://www.library.wisc.edu/covid19.

Hours: 

The Libraries have closed all physical spaces as of March 18, at 6pm. More information will be available soon.  **Laptops and requested materials will be provided for pickup between 12pm-4pm at the Memorial Library entrance (M-F).**

Services:

Reference & Research support

Available

  • Ask a Librarian (Chat, Email,)
  • Submit questions through our Contact Us page.  A link to this form appears on all Library web site pages
  • Electronic resources – databases, research guides, library catalog, digital collections, library research subject guides
  • Tutorials and troubleshooting help for remote access

Not Available

  • In person reference service

Collections & Materials delivery – As we continue to work through this situation, details will be available soon. Visit our site frequently for more information.

Teaching & Learning – University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries support teaching at a distance and are prepared to support instructors with alternative modes of instruction during this disruptive event. This page describes the course support and instructional services provided by the Libraries.

We recognize there are numerous questions at this time. I ask for your patience as our campus leadership, support teams, and our own teams are working hard to make decisions in a timely, but conscientious manner. As we receive information, we will share it as quickly as possible.

I want to again thank you all for the flexibility and service orientation you’ve exhibited and ask that you continue to move forward with compassion and respect. We have a strong campus – the Libraries are key to this strength and you contribute to this strength every day.

Sincerely,

Lisa Carter