UC Berkeley announced that students and staff will be able to return to three campus libraries with limited services beginning July 12.
Patrons will have access to study spaces in Moffitt Library — which has been offering appointments for study spaces since April 5 — and the C.V. Starr East Asian Library, which will also be open for on-site browsing and contactless pickup prior to Aug. 25, according to a campuswide email from University Librarian Jeff MacKie-Mason.
In addition, the email adds that patrons may schedule research appointments for the on-site use of materials at the Bancroft Library.
The UC Library Search system will replace campus’s existing library search platforms, OskiCat and Melvyl, starting July 27, the email notes.
“In their place will be UC Library Search, a new system that will bring all UC campus libraries together under the same virtual roof, just as a public library system uses one catalog for its many branches,” the email reads.
Following the fall semester’s first day of instruction Aug. 25, all campus libraries will be accessible without reservations. Hours of operation and specific access policies will be adjusted to align with prevailing health guidelines, according to the email.
As part of the reopening, multiple existing library services will be adjusted or suspended, including the Oski Xpress contactless pickup service, which concludes Aug. 13.
“Soon, we’ll once again be able to visit the libraries and the stacks, study spaces, and staff that we cherish — something we all look forward to as we continue our safe and thoughtful return to campus,” the email reads.