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COVID-19 Library updates and support

Opening hours for Library spaces have changed.
Library staff are available on Live Chat, Mon–Thur: 8am-10pm, Fri: 8am-8pm, Sat: 10am-2pm, Sun: Closed.

We're ready to help you

Get help from the Library via our online chat service.


Conditions of Entry

The University's COVID safety precautions have been put in place to keep everyone in our community safe. It is a condition of entry that you follow the University’s COVID safety precautions in Library spaces.

  • Maintain physical distancing (keep 1.5m away from others).
  • Avoid physical greetings.
  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Practise cough etiquette (coughing or sneezing into your elbow or tissue).
  • You are no longer required to wear masks in most indoor settings, unless you are a close contact and are attending campus.

Do not enter if you:

  • Are feeling unwell with any COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Have tested positive. Refer to NSW Health guidance

Please note, student kitchens and facilities in Fisher/Law, The Quarter and Camden Commons are open. Eating of reheated meals is only allowed in kitchen spaces, not in any other library area or in meeting rooms. Delivery/takeaway meals are not permitted in the Library.

Library service changes and updates

Library locations

All library locations have reopened to all members, including visitors. Please see opening hours, and conditions of entry apply. 

The Rare Books and Special Collections Reading Room will be open by appointment only, Wednesday to Friday 10am to 2pm. Item bookings must be made via Library Search at least 2 working days in advance. Please email rbsc@usyd.libanswers.com for research enquiries relating to Rare Books and Special Collections materials.

Borrowing terms (returns, fees, requests and recalls)

  • Requesting an item that is on loan to someone else (a recall) is now available. If you have an item that has been requested by someone else, and recalled, your due date will be changed and you will have 7 days to return it.
  • Borrowing from other institutions and Special requests for items not found for physical items will be available from Monday 28 February.

Ordering and acquisitions

  • Orders may be delayed due to longer shipping times from overseas.

In-person research consultations


Last updated: 4 March 2022

Resources and support for online:

Study


Study materials required for coursework units should be available on Canvas. If the resources aren’t available on Canvas or in our electronic resources, please contact your Unit of Study Coordinator or lecturer.

  • PeerConnect

    Video chat or instant message Peer Learning Advisor (PLA) anytime Mon-Fri 12pm–4pm.
    There’s no need to book or sign up. Just drop in!
    The Peer Learning Advisors can provide support with study, looking after yourself, letting you know about other support services and general tips around uni life. They can also just be a friendly ear for a chat.

  • Online drop-in sessions

    Book or jump onto one of our Zoom drop-in sessions, where a Librarian with an understanding of your subject area will be available to help you with searching for information or referencing as you prepare your assignments.

Use these online resources and training modules to upskill your research and get the most out of what’s available to you at the Library.

Research


The Library is here to support your research and access to materials.

  • Academic Liaison Librarians are available for in-person and online consultations to support your research. They can help you with finding information, citation metrics reporting and strategic publishing.

Teaching


The Library is here to support your teaching and can help you make coursework material available to your students online.

  • Academic Liaison Librarians are available to support your teaching, and can help you to locate teaching resources, deliver training, or advise on embedding information literacy skills into your unit of study. They can also assist you in finding alternate digital resources.
  • It is recommended that course reading lists be reviewed to include minimal physical materials, as access to these items will be limited. You can contact your Academic Liaison Librarians to find alternative content.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have died.

The University of Sydney Library acknowledges that its facilities sit on the ancestral lands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have for thousands of generations exchanged knowledge for the benefit of all. Learn more