Newsletter Issue: 50 (Jun 2020)

Changes of Physical Library Spaces amid COVID-19 Pandemic

As affected by the pandemic, the Library has temporarily rearranged its physical space for individual study only. All group rooms and 24-Hour Study Area remain closed. As a precautionary measure, it has reduced its seating capacity and all seats are spaced out for social distancing. Barriers are installed for seats opposing one another.

Physical Resources Retrieval Service and RFID Tagging Exercise

The Library introduced a special Physical Resources Retrieval Service for students and staff in Feb 2020, enabling the continual access to the Library’s extensive physical collections during the Library’s temporary closure. A full self-service model of picking up and checkout of books on Hold Shelf was implemented as facilitated by the Library’s RFID Tagging Exercise. This convenient self-service model continues after the Library reopened on 4 May 2020, while RFID tagging on all printed books goes on.

More eBooks available in Course Resource List

The Library has proactively purchased the e-version of print book titles in the Course Resource List. Over 1,300 eBook titles have been acquired to facilitate the remote access of course reading materials.

Special Arrangement for eBook Recommendations

During the period of temporary closure, the Library had relaxed the restriction for eBook recommendations and accepted requests even for those titles with print copy available in the existing physical collections.

Convenient Access to Interim Free E-Resources

The Library brings together a host of free e-resources provided by publishers amid coronavirus outbreak. Grasp the opportunity to explore these resources accessible for free only in the interim period now!

New Online Library Courses @ Blackboard

Two Library courses have been launched on Learn@PolyU to help students and staff to equip themselves with skills and knowledge for their online study or research. Explore these courses and learn at your own pace now!

The Resource List: Easy Access to Textbooks, Course Readings and More

During the online learning and teaching period, Faculty Librarians have been in touch with instructors to enhance the Resource List to facilitate our students’ access to course materials.

Responsive Online Enquiry and Reference Services

The Library has adopted an agile approach to support the online enquiries and reference services for students and staff when in-person Library services were suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic. 

Stay Healthy, Curious, and Explore Areas of Your Interest through PolyU OER Portal

We have infused new elements into our PolyU OER Portal for you to enjoy self-learning and attend virtual cultural events and exhibition around the globe while social distancing is in place. Visit the section of “Stay Healthy, Stay Curious” and explore the latest additions of Open Educational Resources produced by PolyU colleagues now!

Special Library Guide on COVID-19 Pandemic

The Library has compiled a collection of key and trustworthy information sources, from local and international authorities, to keep you updated on the COVID-19 pandemic development and the reliable insights on personal health challenges.