While Eugene McDermott Library remains closed on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the library continues to provide expert help and services remotely for University of Texas at Dallas students, faculty and staff.
Library users have access to scholarly resources such as journals and e-books, but they can also learn a new language, listen to their favorite audio books, browse art collections or brush up on computer software skills with online courses.
“We are disappointed that our regular activities are not available during National Library Week, but please find our services when you need assistance,” said Ellen Safley, dean of libraries at UT Dallas. “We hope you will visit the library virtually until we can reopen our doors.”
National Library Week (April 19-25) celebrates the contributions of U.S. libraries and library workers and promotes library use and support. Here are ways McDermott Library staff members are still offering services and support:
Circulation Desk
Librarians are available to help through a live chat service on the library’s website. The service is staffed 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday. Frequently, librarians demonstrate how to gain access to articles, e-books, streaming media or relevant journal databases and statistical sources. Any messages left in chat during offline hours will be answered the next day. A video consultation session can also be scheduled.
For assistance with instruction services, access to resources and other help, users can email libinstructionservices@utdallas.edu.
Materials that are checked out beyond their due dates during the campus closure will have special consideration. Users can log in to their accounts through the library’s website to check on their materials. For specific questions, email circ@utdallas.edu.
Online Tools, Resources
Most of the library’s resources can be accessed electronically through Discover, the library’s online system. Along with millions of articles and books available online, users can also find databases for research and numerous collections of journals. While the library is closed, the HathiTrust database is providing emergency access to nearly 50% of the library’s print titles.
Research guides, developed by McDermott librarians, are also available. To help students with virtual learning, there is a guide on distance education.
Interlibrary Loans
Interlibrary Loan Services, which allow patrons to request materials the library does not have, is extending electronic delivery services to undergraduate students. The delivery of physical materials has been suspended indefinitely. Students may email staff at ill@utdallas.edu.
Course Reserves
Professors may go to the course reserves page or email the library’s course reserves coordinator at libresv@utdallas.edu to see what materials are available for students to use in their coursework or if they have any questions about the new course reserves system.
Suggest a Title
The library can order electronic books if it does not already own them. If the scholarly title can be purchased at a reasonable cost in an electronic format, staff is working to deliver it within the hour during the weekday. To make a request, fill out a suggest a title form.
For Leisure
For those needing a break from their studies, audiobooks can be found in the Overdrive collection. If you want to learn a new language, check out the Mango database. And the ArtStor and Naxos databases will connect you to art and music.
