Library Services and Updates During COVID-19
Welcome
The F.D. Bluford Library building is open to students, employees, and university affiliates with a valid Aggie OneCard for Spring Semester Hours.
The Library has added and expanded its services, both online and in-person. These changes are detailed below.
Visiting Bluford In-Person
- Bluford Library is open to students, staff, faculty, and university affiliates with a valid Aggie OneCard for the Spring 2021 semester. University employees and people with CTS/Aggie Help Desk appointments can access the building with valid Aggie OneCard during open hours currently. Our schedule is subject to change.
- Everyone must wear masks in all areas of F.D. Bluford Library at all times. This is mandated by the university's protocols, which requires all employees, students and guests on the North Carolina A&T campus to wear masks and maintain social distance.
- Cleaning stations are available throughout the library. Each station includes hand sanitizer, paper towels, surface cleaner spray and alcohol wipes.
- Library patrons may come in to browse and check out materials. However, we will pull materials upon request for faculty, staff, and students.
- Your Aggie OneCard is required to enter the library. Library seating capacity and desktop computing is reduced roughly to 30% capacity (200 seats; 60 desktops) to accommodate social distancing.
Laptop Lending
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, F. D. Bluford Library fully supports distance and virtual learning initiatives. The Library has created a Laptop Lending Program that offers enrolled students the availability to checkout laptops for academic support and success. These devices can be borrowed on a first-come, first-served basis. Students living off-campus receive top priority. Request a Laptop.
Instruction and Research Help
Online Chat
Library chat is available via the "Ask Us" widget at the top left of this page.
YouTube Videos
We have created videos about accessing library resources and research materials for faculty to embed in Blackboard and students to view. These videos are available on the library's YouTube channel.
Library Instruction via Zoom
Librarians are available to present a synchronous Zoom class for a session. To schedule a librarian for a class, please complete this form.
Online Consultation Appointments
Librarians are able to meet virtually with students via Zoom to assist them with their research; they can be contacted via email at: ask@ncat.libanswers.com.
Book Check-out and Document Delivery
Bluford offers a variety of ways to check out materials and remain socially distanced. Patrons may request to checkout an item via an online form, and during a library visit, may request an item to be retrieved by staff. Patrons still have the capability of retrieving the item themselves.
- Fines for late library books are suspended during this academic year.
- Return books will undergo a 72-hour quarantine before they are checked in and put back on the shelves.
- Distance Education learners can request mail delivery of books and digital delivery of articles, whether they are accessed through interlibrary loan or owned by NC A&T. If you are not enrolled in a distance program, but still require access due to extenuating circumstances to these services, please email Bluford Library directly at Ask@ncat.libanswers.com or Circ@ncat.edu. There is no charge for this service.
- (ILL) Interlibrary Loan, a free service for all students, staff, and faculty, provides access to the resources from UNC system and around the world.
Purchasing Requests
Collection purchases for online materials directly related to fall classes are receiving top priority; however, all requests are welcome. Requests for purchase may be sent to libacq@ncat.edu. For questions, a librarian can be reached 24/7 at ask@ncat.libanswers.com.
Special Collections/Archives
Special Collections/Archives is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8am – 5pm to students, faculty, and staff, by appointment with the request required 24 hours in advance.
Temporarily Suspended Services
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and safety concerns, we are suspending course reserve services in Bluford Library, with limited exceptions.The library is currently working on alternatives to course reserves that meet the community's needs.
- Group Study and Collaboration Rooms, including individual study rooms, will not be in use. Study carrels are also unavailable at this time.
