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Expanded Operations Plans for Fall 2021

By WashU Libraries

As Washington University prepares for the fall 2021 semester, the Washington University Libraries have been working to determine how we can best support the university community, while keeping the health and safety of our faculty, staff, and students at the forefront.

Please note that all plans outlined below remain subject to change as public health guidance evolves. University Libraries will be following all University guidance as outlined on the WashU Together: COVID-19 Response website.

Library Spaces Expand Operations and Reopen

We look forward to welcoming patrons back into our buildings. John M. Olin Library will be open to people with a valid WashU ID starting Monday, August 9, and most other Danforth Campus libraries will reopen to people with a valid WashU ID starting Monday, August 16. See the individual library’s location pages for hours and related details.

Curbside Pickup Retires August 5

The last day for patrons to utilize our curbside pickup service will be Thursday, August 5. Patrons will be able to place holds and pick up books in person from Olin Library starting August 9, and most other Danforth Campus locations starting August 16.

Service Updates for the Fall 2021 Semester

A number of services have been reinstated for the fall semester, including:

  • Help desk, hold shelf, and self-checkout services
  • Study seating in all open Libraries locations, with university study cubbies remaining on Level 1 of Olin Library
  • Print course reserves will resume, and electronic course reserves remain available
  • Virtual instruction will continue, with limited in-person instruction also available
  • Limited access to study rooms and carrels
  • Public computers at all open locations available to faculty, staff, and students; some Library services (such as public computers, eResources, and in-person reference consultations) are limited and/or based upon availability
  • Printers are located on Level 1 of Olin Library at public computers and Whispers Café and are also available near the restrooms on Levels 3, 2, A, and B.
  • Microform readers will resume first-come, first served usage with technical support by appointment
  • Use of carrels at Olin Library for faculty, graduate students, and students needing a carrel through disability services will resume, although no new carrels will be assigned
  • Lockers service in Olin Library
  • Research Studio access in Olin Library

Many services will continue to be offered including:

  • 24/7 chat, research services, and other help via Ask Us
  • Virtual subject librarian consultations with in-person meetings also available on a limited basis
  • In-person and virtual consultations with special collections at Olin Library and West Campus
  • Virtual events, including lectures, workshops, screenings, and more

Spaces and Services Still on Hold

These services and activities remain suspended for the fall semester:

  • The technology lending program
  • Faculty and staff campus box delivery
  • Large format and poster printing services
  • Public computers will not be available to visitors
  • Most Libraries events and programs will be virtual, with no in-person events in Olin Library

Some spaces in Olin Library will not be available in fall 2021:

  • The A/V Studio
  • The Declaration of Independence exhibition space
  • The Data and Visualization Exploration studio (DaVE)

In addition, the West Campus Conference Center will not be available during the 2021-22 academic year.

Again, we are delighted to be able to welcome faculty, staff, and students back into our spaces this fall, and will continue to update our COVID-19 Information page with the latest details as changes arise due to public health guidance or other factors.