Using the provincial framework for re-opening public libraries, Brock University’s James A. Gibson Library is beginning a phased-in approach for resuming access to its book collection, previously inaccessible due to COVID-19.

The Library’s digital collection remains a significant priority with hundreds of thousands of titles available as e-journals, e-books, databases, data sets, streaming video content and more.

However, there is a demand for the University’s books and other physical collections — especially from faculty members and graduate students requiring print books for research purposes.

Expanded access to books and print collections will come in a variety of forms:

Temporary Digital Access to Print Library Collections

The Library is launching the Hathi Trust Emergency Temporary Access Service (ETAS), which will allow temporary digital access to more than 30 per cent of the Library’s physical book collection. Hathi ETAS allows members of the Brock community on-demand access to a digital copy on a one-hour loan, which can be renewed if no other user is waiting to read the book. The Library is able to loan a digital copy using this service so long as the physical book remains inaccessible, therefore those books available through ETAS will not be available for print pickup.

Library Pickup Service

An in-person pickup service is launching this week for books not accessible through Hathi ETAS. The first pickup date will be on Thursday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to noon, and then on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m, to noon going forward.

At launch, the service is available to grad students, post-docs, faculty and staff, with expansion to all students at a later date.

Users can request a book from the Library using the Request for Pickup link in Omni, the Library’s database. When the book is ready to pick up, users will receive an email with information about pickup logistics.

The pickup location is at the east Library doors (leading into the Rankin Family Pavilion) with a desk set up to ensure physical distancing. Normal loan periods will apply and all returns are quarantined for three days before being returned into circulation.

Complete details on how to request and pickup items are available on the Library website.

Other Services

The Library will also soon resume its scan and deliver service.

Interlibrary loans continue to be available for digital collections. For interlibrary loans of print books, the Ontario Council of University Libraries is in the process of developing a framework that would guide the resumption of this service, but it’s not expected to resume until the fall.

Brock Archives and Special Collections is also closed until further notice, but the Library is hoping to resume access in some form (digital or in-person) on a limited basis in the fall.

For updates on other services such as research consultations, library instruction, electronic course reserves, off-campus e-resource access, see the FAQ on the Library’s website for more information.