By Kelly Lewis
Ace’s Place is still currently closed, students are not allowed to eat in the library, and seating is restricted to one person per table.
Staff members at the library are trying to do what they can to still meet the needs of students, even if people can’t gather there.
Interim Director of the MacPháidín Library Jennifer Macaulay said that librarians are aware that not all students are on campus and not all students have access to the library.
“We are committed to giving all students the same level of service wherever they are,” Macaulay said. “For example, library instruction that was previously done in class is being done online this year - either asynchronously or synchronously to ensure everyone is getting the same learning experience, regardless of their location.”
Students seeking help with research and papers can meet with a reference librarian virtually.
“By meeting with a student virtually, we can talk to them about their research needs and the most practical and efficient way to meet them,” Macaulay said.
The librarians have worked hard to transition resources and materials online.
“Students can access those via MyHill via subject and class LibGuides link on the library page,” Macaulay said. “They have also created eLearn tutorials for specific classes and disciplines that faculty can add to their eLearn courses if they wish.”
“We are very proud of our library space, it was designed to foster collaboration, but due to COVID, we have all had to re-imagine how to collaborate - oftentimes virtually,” Macaulay said.
Macaulay said the most significant change was spacing all the seats out, so they are six feet away from each other. Printers were also moved around to accommodate social distancing guidelines.
Masks are required to be worn at all times while in the library and everyone should remain six feet apart.
“We’ve tried to install plenty of signage so these messages will be clearly conveyed to everyone and have publicized them extensively on our social media channels,” Macaulay said.
In addition to spreading the message through signs and social media, she said the library staff is trying to be more visible, walking around to provide guidance about the protocols.
An email from President Rev. John Denning, C.S.C., stated that eating would not be allowed in the library to maximize mask wearing and social distancing.
Students said they are adapting to the new restrictions and are hopeful the library will return to a place to gather and collaborate in the future.
“I am a bit disappointed in the fact that Ace’s has closed, because sometimes people need to refuel while studying or doing homework,” sophomore Brooke Pettenati said. “But obviously I am happy to do anything to protect the Stonehill community and it is reassuring to see so many other students being responsible and following the guidelines as well.”
Sophomore Jaymie Johnson said she misses drinking coffee and studying with friends at Ace’s place. She said she knows these are the preventative measures that need to be taken to keep everyone safe and healthy on campus.
Keara Jordan, a junior said she went to the library with two of her friends on Monday.
“It was weird that the three of us had to sit at separate tables just to do work together,” Jordan said.
Pettenati said she thinks with the new restrictions it may be more difficult to do group projects with peers.
For students worried about group projects, Macaulay said they can call and ask about using the DisCo room, a larger space to accommodate more students while adhering to social distancing.
“Our aim is to keep everyone healthy and on campus,” Macaulay said.
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