The University of Arizona Libraries is making plans for reopening to support researchers and their work once the decision to reopen the campus is determined. Here's an update.

Our approach

The highest priority of the University of Arizona Libraries is protecting the safety of students, staff, researchers, and instructors. We are deeply engaged in planning for reopening, and our work is informed by the University of Arizona guiding principles. In addition to aligning our efforts with the campus approach, Vice Dean Sarah Shreeves serves on the campus reopening team. Learn more about accessing our services and resources during COVID-19.

Accessing physical collections

We are aware of the keen interest in regaining access to physical collections held in the Libraries and Special Collections, and borrowing physical items from other institutions through interlibrary loan. If there’s an e-book that you need for research or teaching, please request a purchase and we will investigate options.

Benchmarking and national research efforts

We are actively engaged with peer institutions to learn how they are resolving collection access issues. Results from the national Reopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Project by OCLC, the Institute for Museum and Library Services, and Battelle, will help us to identify best practices for managing access to physical assets during the pandemic.

Timeline for reopening access

We recognize that our clients are eager to return to our facilities for study, though that is presently not possible. Meanwhile, we are currently investigating how we can safely offer curbside pickup of physical items by appointment given our available staffing capacity. We will share updates on our website when more information is available.

Library staff can help

Until physical access can be safely arranged, chat, text, email, or call our staff, or reach out to your liaison librarian to learn about the services, resources, and helpful tools available to you as a researcher or instructor.

Support for teaching

See our online guide, Library Support for Shifting to Online Teaching, to stay current with news and updates.

Special Collections

Staff are available for consultation using digital modes of interaction. If requests cannot be fulfilled by digital copies, we will offer consultation by appointment. We will prioritize University of Arizona students, researchers, instructors, and staff until it is deemed safe to open to the broader community. You are welcome to continue using our online mechanisms for consultation.

CATalyst Studios

In light of the high-touch aspects of our makerspace at the Main Library, a reopening date has yet to be determined. As a production site for fabricating personal protective equipment (PPE), CATalyst Studios has remained open on a very limited basis, under an RII waiver. Director Jennifer Nichols and her staff are completing a return to research checklist.

Student Success District renovations update

When we are able to reopen Main Library, everyone will be astounded by the exciting new spaces and furnishings. We can’t wait for that day.