Where Have All My Librarians Gone? Library services while everyone is off-campus [Updated July 2020]

The librarians are still here for you, though we're working remotely and with our new [unpaid] coworkers. Note: These coworkers are not very good at accurate typing, so will not be manning the chat.  

Well, what can we do (and what is a no-go for off-campus work conditions)? 

What we can do for faculty, staff, and students: 

• Help you do research and find sources without an appointment via ChatStaff, staffed by your Durham Tech librarians from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and available 24 hours. Click on "Connect with a Librarian" on the Library homepage. 
• Set up research appointments either over video chat, audio chat, or email. Email your preferred librarian (though some are off for the summer) or the general library email account (library@durhamtech.edu) to set up an appointment or fill out the Book-a-Librarian form. 
• Provide self-paced tutorials and instructional materials, including search strategies, that you can watch on your own time to learn how to use library resources (though feel free to ask us questions if you have them). 
• Create library instruction videos for individual classes for instructors. Fill out the library instruction form and select the online option.
• [NEW] Check out a Chromebook laptop for the semester if you qualify. Students must be currently enrolled in a Durham Tech course and have a need for a computer. After completing this form, students will be contacted by Maggie West, Coordinator of Student Wellness and Basic Needs, to review their application.
• Much more! Email and ask.

What you CAN do [NEW]: 

• Return your book to the Main Campus Library. Campus is still closed, but we have a new outdoor book return in the traffic circle outside Building 5. It's near the flagpole. Please do not return checked out laptops or textbooks rented through the bookstore to the outside book return. 

What we cannot do (sorry): 

• Renew your books. They're no longer overdue if you've checked them out recently. Remember that we don't charge late fees for non-reserve items, just replacement fees for long overdue or damaged/lost items. Already have a bill for a long overdue book? If you don't have the book anymore, you can pay the bill through Self-Service. Need to pay for a recently lost/damaged book? Email us at library@durhamtech.edu. 
• Check out physical books for you (yet). Have you checked out your public library's awesome online resources or if they are doing curbside pickup? 
• Help you print, copy, or scan. There are lots of apps for scanning available for your smart phone. Search your app store or Google to find something that meets your needs.
• Check out a study room for you and five of your best study mates. Have you tried Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet/Hangouts? We're using Microsoft Teams around Durham Tech. Phone apps are available for all these programs.

We know this is a really unsettled time. Please let us know what we can do to help or if we can try to direct you to any college resources. Many of us are also advisors, too.