University of Texas Libraries Coronavirus Updates

This page is not actively being updated as of June 19, 2020.

For current and future updates, refer to the Libraries’ Services Continuity Guide at: http://guides.lib.utexas.edu/librariescontinuity

This page contains relevant information related to the UT Libraries' response to the COVID-19 outbreak including updates to operations, access to remote services and other useful links. This page will be updated as new information becomes available.

Last updated June 19, 2020.

Remote Services and Contingency Plans for Users

As Libraries' locations are currently inaccessible, we are aware that there will be questions about necessary, temporary adjustments to Libraries’ operations and policies. For more information about changes to specific Libraries’ services, resources and operations, please reference the Libraries Services Continuity LibGuide.

Changes to Operations

Libraries Hours: All University of Texas Libraries locations are closed until further notice. For complete and up-to-date location hours, visit the Libraries’ Hours page. Future changes to operations will be announced on this alert page and on the Libraries Hours page ongoing as the changes dictate.

Latest Updates

• (06/19/2020): The Libraries has entered Phase 3 of the university's "Research Restart" as outlined by the Office of the Vice President for Research. Complete details of the restart can be reviewed here: https://research.utexas.edu/covid-19-research-faq/

• (04/29/2020): The bookdrop at the Perry-Castañeda Library has reopened for materials dropoff. 

• (03/23/2020): A reminder that all library locations are closed. We have suspended due dates on all materials (incl. ILL), so please hold onto them until further notice.

• (03/20/2020): All University of Texas Libraries locations will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020, until further notice. Librarians will work with faculty on their needs for online instruction support and to develop online alternatives to physical materials required for their courses throughout the rest of the semester. More information on this to follow.

• (03/18/2020): PCL will remain open through Friday, March 20, but service points will not be staffed. Decisions about future library hours will be made based on current information at a later time.

• (03/17/2020): PCL will be open on Wednesday, March 18, but service points will not be staffed.

• (03/17/2020): Interlibrary Loan (ILL) will only transmit electronic files until further notice. Resources provided by ILL will be limited to available ebooks and electronic copies of articles and book chapters only, and will not include the borrowing or loan of any physical items. Direct questions to: [email protected].

• (03/16/2020): Until further notice the Perry-Castañeda Library is restricted to current UT Austin students, faculty and staff. Group study and presentation rooms are currently unavailable due to social distancing practices. Users who requested an item through Pick it Up for delivery to a branch location will have to pick up the item from PCL.

• (03/15/2020): The UT Libraries are adjusting operations in accordance with directives from university leadership. Effective Monday, March 16, we will consolidate all Libraries operations at PCL. All other Libraries locations will be closed to visitors until further notice. 

• (03/13/2020): All campus libraries will be closed on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Statement from Vice Provost and Director Lorraine Haricombe on Libraries closure.

Events: Per recommendations for public gatherings and due to onsite staffing reduction, all events have currently been suspended. Please check back on the Libraries’ Events page for updates as operations return to normal.

Giving to the Libraries

Our team is available to answer questions about your gifts during this time. Information on who to contact and how to donate to the University of Texas Libraries is available here. 

Additional Updates and Resources from The University of Texas at Austin

For up-to-date information on UT policies and procedures regarding coronavirus, visit UT’s Coronavirus Updates and FAQ page.