For many students, the Otto G. Richter Library is a place to check out books and find a quiet, safe space to study. Yes, the library is that. But it is so much more.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed some of the libraries’ practices, it still provides many important services for students and other members of the University community.
Your laptop is being fixed? You can get one on loan from the library for two weeks. You need a safe place to study? You can sign up for a spot ahead of time at any of the University libraries. Want to start a podcast? Get equipment and software help at the Creative Studio.
“In this period of physical distancing, students who visit the library for quiet study can also connect with us online. We have consultation services to help with research, creativity, and every subject offered at the university,” said Kelly Miller, associate dean, Learning and Research Services. “Our librarians, peer research consultants, creative consultants, and Learning Commons partners are all available to meet with students online. If you can’t find what you are wishing for, please let us know. We are here to help.”
The University of Miami Libraries system is providing safe study spaces at this time—at libraries including Richter, Weeks Music Library, Architecture Research Center, and the Rosenstiel School Marine Library. And you can use the “Book a Seat”service to reserve a spot.
Online consultations are available to help students with research questions. Peer research consultants can offer advice and suggestions.
And consultations and tutoring are available for writing, math, Adobe software, and other subjects through the Learning Commons, which offers all of its services online.
Librarians are also available to meet online with students and faculty members.
Laptops are available for checkout. The normal loan period is two weeks, but the items are renewable, as needed.
Online services include remote access to library computers and University provided software.
The Respondus Lab, Room 326 on the third floor of the Richter Library, is supplied with desktop computers and can be reserved by students who do not have laptops/computers but need to take online Respondus exams.
If you need a respite from studying and want to indulge in some gaming, students can rent video games for seven days. Browse through the gaming collection for Xbox (360 and One), PlayStation 3 and 4, and Nintendo Wii and Switch. Some games available include Red Dead and Redemption for X Box and One and Doom and Super Mario Odyssey for Switch. If you click on each console, you will find a list of available games.
