PVCC’s Library Adapts to COVID-19
As schools transitioned to online classes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, PVCC’s Betty Sue Jessup Library was presented with a seemingly insurmountable problem: how could a service that depends so heavily on in-person interaction survive a world of social distancing? The library faculty, led by Director of Library Services Crystal Newell, knew there could only be one answer: adapt to these new challenges and overcome them.
“We want everyone–students, faculty, and staff–to feel safe at the library. We also want students to know that we are here, whether virtually or in-person,” Newell said. “I think the most important thing to note is that almost all of our services are still available, regardless of the pandemic.” Indeed, the library on campus continues to provide all the services it normally does, albeit with extensive safety precautions in place. For online students, however, the place to go is the PVCC website.
“The library’s homepage is the portal to all of our services and collections,” said Newell. “You will be able to chat with us, find out COVID-19 specific services, and search the library’s collection.”
Newell went on to explain that through the library website students can access some of the library’s new features, like rooms set aside for students to attend Zoom classes and even a method to mail books to students. By searching for a book in the QuickSearch library catalogue, clicking on the title, and clicking sign in under Request Item, any student can have books mailed to their address. If a student needs help from a librarian, they can contact them via the chat on the library homepage, email, phone and even in-person.
While the rigid protocols of social distancing have thrown a wrench into the works of PVCC, above all Newell wants students to know that students should still take advantage of every service provided by the library.
“Don’t let the semester pass without visiting the library,” urged Newell.
The PVCC Betty Sue Jessup Library is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their staff members are available during these same hours.
