As we begin a new school year, we want to say welcome back to all UT Health students, faculty, and staff. Behind the scenes at the library, safety renovations have been in progress and we have also been preparing to reopen the library. We will have an announcement soon about our reopening date, so stay tuned!
Our reopening preparations will bring about several changes to the library space, so we want to give everyone some information about what to expect when you return to the library. All our decisions are based on keeping everyone safe, library users and staff alike. As we learn more and as conditions warrant, we will adjust.
In general, during the initial opening, library space and hours will be more limited. The space that is open will be arranged for individual study. Services will continue virtually as much as possible and library staff will monitor library users for compliance around campus mask and social distancing guidelines.
Below are some key points about using the library this semester.
Questions? You can chat with us on the library's website or send us an email at askalibrarian@uthscsa.edu.
Briscoe Library Reopening Soon! Stay tuned for announcement
When we reopen, designated areas on the 3rd and 4th floors in the Briscoe Library will be open for individual study. Limiting the number of open floors will help housekeeping staff focus on cleaning and sanitizing these areas.
Library Access:
Individual Study
Please sit only in designated study stations. We have removed some furniture so that you can study and still maintain six feet of physical distance from others. Wipe down your station before and after use. Do not move furniture.
You will be able to use the library reservation system to book a study room on the 3rd floor. Individual study rooms on the 4th floor remain on a first come, first served basis.
Masks are required
UT Health community standards require face masks in all public and communal buildings, including the library. Thanks for doing your part to keep other UT Health students, faculty, and staff safe. This includes the library staff who are on-site and the family members they go home to
Food and drink
Because masks are required in library spaces, please eat snacks and meals outdoors or in designated dining areas on campus. Beverages are permitted, as long as you only remove your mask while drinking.
Technology
In order to reduce crowding and minimize surfaces that require cleaning, we have removed most computers and UT Print printers/copiers from library space. Please bring your laptop and any other technology that you plan to use.
This year the library will not be hosting the Annual Friends of the P.I. Nixon Medical Historical Library Dinner due to the unforeseen circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a monumental year for the Friends and the Nixon Library as we are celebrating our 50th anniversary! We have much to celebrate this year, and in place of our regularly scheduled dinner we will be hosting a series of online lectures between October and November. There will be a registration process, and access to the online platform for the presentations will be shared with all who are registered.
Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.
Briscoe Library has access to thousands of resources, but most require a subscription. Good news - you can still access many resources without an affiliation. Find links to over 80 open access databases on our library website.
To learn more about open access resources and how they are published, view our OA LibGuide.
For a list of the newest titles at the Briscoe Library click here.
Purchase suggestions?
Complete the online Purchase Suggestion Form or contact
Andrea N. Schorr, Associate Director of Resource Management.