Gumberg Library Announces Summer Updates

Gumberg Library continues to provide virtual services through the summer months, including several options for real-time research assistance from library faculty and staff.

Library Assistant Zane stands in an empty fifth floor.
Library Assistant Zane stands in an empty fifth floor.

With Allegheny County’s impending transition to the “green phase” of reopening, Gumberg is assessing which physical and/or in-person services can safely resume. Library staff are developing plans to offer patio pickup of library materials and prepaid mail-in returns, and reopening of Gumberg outdoor book drops. As a reminder, all currently checked-out library materials have a due date of Saturday, Aug. 15, and all overdue fines have been waived.

Plans to safely reopen select spaces in the library are also underway. Those plans will align with both Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and campus guidelines to ensure a safe space for the campus community to study, learn and get assistance needed for a successful fall semester.

New carpeting has been installed on Gumberg’s fifth floor.
New carpeting has been installed on Gumberg’s fifth floor.

Gumberg’s fifth-floor renovation is continuing as planned, and work is currently being done to replace furniture and carpeting. Renovations also include the addition of a microwave and adjacent bistro tables, an electric fireplace and more group study spaces.

Gumberg Library continues to offer the following virtual services to faculty, staff and students:

  • Ask Gumberg: Learn how to get research assistance through Zoom, phone, email and chat.
  • Gumberg Library Updates: Find information on all affected library services, including building closure, borrowing, interlibrary loans and more.
  • Resources for Faculty Teaching Online: Find resources and schedule online instruction sessions with librarians.
  • Coronavirus Guide: Find up-to-date resources for researching COVID-19
  • Free Library Content Guide: Find links to select content that is free during the COVID-19 crisis, including databases, streaming video and e-books (including electronic textbooks).
The frame for the new fireplace has been installed.
The frame for the new fireplace has been installed.

Gumberg will have an exciting announcement soon about a new e-resource. Stay tuned for a whole new experience in “browzing” current periodicals and journals.

For the latest news, visit Gumberg’s updates page and social media. Follow Gumberg Library on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.