Published: Aug. 20, 2020

The University of Colorado Boulder Libraries are committed to supporting students of the Graduate School. We are excited to help CU Boulder graduate students further their studies and explore their interests this fall both in-person and remote. Access to the libraries will look a little different, but our commitment to serving graduate students remains a core part of our mission. Here’s what you need to know: 

Graduate study carrels

Graduate suite and graduate student study carrels in Norlin Library will remain unavailable for the fall 2020 semester. 

Students can reserve socially distant, individual study seats in both Gemmill Library and the Business Library weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Study seats can be reserved in 45-minute increments for up to 135 minutes. Reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance. 

Types of seating include computer lab seating, individual seats with power outlets and individual seats without power outlets.

Print material requests 

This fall, graduate students can request up to 10 physical items at a time for contactless pickup. When materials are ready, borrowers will receive a hold notice via email with a link to reserve a time to pick up items. Pick up times can be reserved up to 12 hours in advance. Materials are packaged in paper bags for each individual and can be picked up at the west entrance steps of Norlin Library. 

Most materials held at Norlin, Gemmill Library, the Earth Sciences & Map Library and the Music Library may be requested. Business Library materials currently housed in Gemmill may also be requested. Materials at PASCAL are also now available for contactless pickup. 

The stacks and HathiTrust

In order for the libraries continue providing emergency access to the HathiTrust to CU Boulder affiliates, which permits member libraries that have suffered an “unexpected or involuntary, temporary disruption to normal operations” in the ability to provide access to their print collection services, we can offer lawful access to the digital materials in HathiTrust that correspond with the physical books we own. 

Currently, students and researchers can access nearly half of our print materials through the HathiTrust. If the libraries reopened the stacks to patrons, then we would lose access to this emergency service. The libraries will need to utilize the special access service until the libraries are able to confidently and safely reopen all five campus locations. 

Borrowing from other libraries

Students and researchers will have limited access to items not owned by the CU Boulder Libraries through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) based on the capacities of lending libraries. An updated list of regional libraries that have resumed their Prospector services can be found on their website

Special Collections & Archives

Norlin Library’s Special Collections & Archives Reading Room will remain closed for the fall semester. The archives will not be able to fulfill photocopy, PDF or digital reproduction orders this fall. 

Visit the CU Digital Library for online access to select archival materials and be sure to contact sca@colorado.edu with questions regarding Special Collections & Archives collections and services. 

Remote research assistance 

This semester, subject specialists will be ready to support students and researchers via phone, email, instant messaging and Zoom. Book a consultation for 1-on-1 research assistance or get started by using our virtual Ask A Librarian service. Fall hours of operation are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Remote teaching support

The libraries continue to offer numerous resources to support your teaching and learning. Visit our research strategies pages, subject guides and our new COVID-19 Research Resources GuideThe libraries are also accepting requests for research seminars this fall. The libraries will process and fulfill these requests as we are able. All offerings will be delivered virtually with Zoom or through digital research guides. Please send questions to librarytlu@colorado.edu.

Off-campus VPN access

Securely access the libraries’ remote resources with CU Boulder’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. With VPN, students and researchers with a secure connection to the campus network from any location. All you need is a reliable internet collection, and the rest is easy!

Bookmark COVID-19 Information for Libraries Services to stay up-to-date on the latest updates and changes throughout the semester. We look forward to finding creative ways to support your research this semester!