To our USC community:
On behalf of everyone at the USC Libraries, I hope that you are staying well and continuing to take care of yourselves and each other. Library staff and faculty have been working during the pandemic to support your learning, teaching, and research, and we’ve been inspired by what you’ve accomplished throughout the last year.
We also know—and have heard from many of you—that you are eager to return to your campus libraries, just as we’re looking forward to welcoming you back. I am happy to share news that we are beginning a gradual reopening of library spaces starting March 15.
Initial priorities include opening Leavey Library for scheduled study times and providing access by appointment in Doheny Memorial Library to archival and other special research collections. As of March 15:
- Leavey Library will open for study from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, by reservation only.
- Reservations will be available for the full 6-hour block of time.
- To ensure equitable access, one reservation per week per visitor will be available. We will review and revise this schedule in light of changing conditions.
- Make your reservation here: libraries.usc.edu/studyreservations.
- Research with archives and special collections will be available by appointment at Doheny from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- USC researchers can request materials from Special Collections, ONE Archives, and other locations holding archival and special collections. We will deliver items to Doheny, which will serve as a temporary hub for this research.
- Paging items to Doheny can take up to one week. Please plan your visit as far in advance as possible.
- Find details about requesting materials and scheduling time in the reading room here: libraries.usc.edu/researchreservations.
As safety and well-being are paramount considerations, capacity will be limited. Physical distancing and face masks will be required, as will adherence to protective guidelines issued by the university and health authorities. For the time being, we will continue to prioritize scanning and shipping circulating collections, and book stacks in Leavey and Doheny will not be accessible at this time. Study and research reservations are available to USC students, faculty, and staff with USC net ID log-ins.
We’re working with campus partners to continue phased reopening throughout the spring. You’ll find current information at libraries.usc.edu/spring2021. Please check the site frequently.
We’re excited to begin reopening our libraries as another hopeful sign that conditions are improving. As we take this important first step, we look forward to welcoming you back, thoughtfully and safely, to the USC Libraries.
Sincerely,
Catherine Quinlan
Dean of the USC Libraries