Per the Riverside County Public Health Mandate, UCR Library will be closed from March 16 - April 30. Access library resources & services remotely during the COVID-19 closure. The UCR Library offers expert help and many services that library users can access online.

Ask a Librarian

General Information

Is the Library open?

Per mandate from the Riverside County Department of Public Health, all UCR Library facilities (Rivera Library and Orbach Library) will close as of Monday, March 16, 2020 through April 30, 2020. Read the Amended Order of the Heath Officer of the County of Riverside issued on March 18, 2020.

The Library will continue to offer online services per our regular operating mode.

The Library will regularly evaluate and adjust our operations in response any changes to university guidance or policy.

Campus updates and information regarding COVID-19 are found here.

Can I check out a laptop?

ITS is instituting a loaner device program for students in need of a laptop device for spring quarter. If you believe you qualify, please fill out the UCR Loan2learn application form.

If you have questions about laptops, please contact bearhelp@ucr.edu or 951-827-IT4U (4848).

 

 

What if I have books or other library materials that are due during the closure?

Don't worry about this. We will both be extending due dates and waiving fines during this closure period. You do not need to come into campus to return your books (although the outdoor drop boxes will be open).

Will bookdrop bins still be checked during the closure?

Yes, the outdoor book drops will be checked,. However you do not need to return books during the closure as we will be extending due dates and/or waiving fines during the closure period.

Where do I find information about COVID-19?

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019) site from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one of the most comprehensive and reliable sources for public health information.

For UCR campus-specific guidance and information, see the campus COVID-19 updates.

Getting Library Materials

How do I access ebooks, databases, online journals from off-campus?

Use this guide on Connecting to the Library to learn how to access library resources (ebooks, databases, online journals, etc.) from off campus.

What materials can I request via ILL during the closure?

ILL staff are working remotely to fill electronic requests when possible. We are unable to process or receive physical items, including books, DVDs, and microfilm. We are currently processing requests for journal articles as well as other limited material that can be borrowed digitally. 

How long will it take to receive electronic items via ILL?

Our usual quick turnaround time will be impacted due to library closures across the country. We are processing as quickly as possible, but please note there may be delays. 

Can I request and receive eBooks via ILL?

Unfortunately, most eBooks cannot be borrowed via ILL.  However, eBooks and digital content can be considered for purchase. Please use the Suggest a Book form to request an eBook purchase.

What do I do about ILL due dates and fines?

If you have ILL items due, and you are able, you may return items in the drop boxes at either library. However, we are working on arranging automatic renewals for items that are coming due.

ILL staff are working hard to extend due dates and suspend recalls and billing to the fullest extent possible. Because some automated billing may happen that is outside of our control, please email ILL staff at  interlib@ucr.edu with specific inquiries.

I need a book the library does not own or has only in print format. Can I request an ebook?

Please use the Suggest a Book form if you would like to request a single book. Please note if you would like an ebook: Ebooks are not necessarily available for all requests.

For course-related requests, please submit your request for Library Reserves here.  

For other library material requests, including multiple books/journals/databases, etc., please contact collection strategists for:

 

Research and Class Instruction Support

Can I get help from a person for my research paper, class assignment, or other research needs?

There are multiple ways for you to get assistance remotely.

For in-depth support, please fill out our Consultation Request form. A librarian will be in touch with you within 1 business day to work with you on your question. We can provide support via Zoom, email, or phone.

For quicker questions, we encourage you to make use of our 24/7 chat service, available at: https://library.ucr.edu/research-services/ask-a-librarian.

Can I still schedule library instruction sessions for the 2020 spring quarter?

Yes, please complete the Library Instruction Request form as normal. After you submit, a Teaching & Learning librarian will reach out to you to discuss the details of your session. We anticipate being able to fully support online classes, both synchronously and asynchronously. Your course librarian will discuss options with you including Zoom guest lectures, interactive worksheets, and librarian integration into your iLearn site.

We may be able to provide limited options for sessions utilizing primary materials from Special Collections and University Archives. Please submit a form with your ideas and we will work with you on possibilities.

For classes that will be meeting in-person during spring quarter, we will be able to provide library instruction as usual.

If you have specific questions about your course, please reach out to dani.cook@ucr.edu.​

Can I still submit course reserves for my online classes?

Course Reserve services will remain operational during Spring 2020.  However, physical material placed on course reserve will be inaccessible to students during the campus closure.  
 
As an alternative, we are working to obtain electronic access to requested material when available.  
 
Our Collection Strategists are available to assist in identifying alternate solutions for material not available electronically.
 
Please contact our Course Reserves Coordinator, Joanne Austin, if you have further questions.

Can I still submit streaming film requests for my online classes?

The Library course reserves film streaming program will remain operational and accessible during Spring 2020.  Films and/or music requests that we are able to place online will be available at the start of Spring quarter on March 25th. Titles will remain active 24/7 until the last day of finals.
 
However, with the campus shutdown, we do anticipate that we may not be able to process some of the new titles requested, as our course reserves staff will have no access to the actual media or equipment on campus during the closure. 
 
If some titles are unavailable, we recommend other alternatives be considered. As always, you are encouraged to view the library databases for other media streaming services such as Kanopy and AVON (Academic Video Online):
 
AVON
 
Kanopy
 
Please contact our Reserves Streaming Coordinator, Philip Chiu, if you have any further questions.

Can I get online help for my research and assignments?

Yes, we have a number of tutorials here on different research topics designed to ensure your research project comes out its best.

We also have online Subject Guides designed to support both coursework and research.

Each guide describes how to access relevant books, articles, specialized resources including databases and other online tools. Each guide provides contact information for librarians who can help you via email, zoom, or in-person if possible.

Outside Visitors to the Library

I would like to visit the Learning Resources Display Center. Can I make an appointment?

At this time we are unable to accommodate pre-arranged non-campus-affiliated visitors in the Library. If you wish to review the textbooks and curricular materials in the Learning Resources Display Center, please check back in April 2020.

I’m a K-12 teacher. Can I schedule a session for my students in the Library?

At this time, we are unable to accommodate non-campus-affiliated groups in the Library. Please check back in April 2020.