UCA Library Blog

New Ways to Access Library Resources: No-Contact and Remote Library Services

We’re a few weeks into the fall semester and it is a perfect time to highlight the library's new no-contact and remote services. We have worked to provide a variety of ways our patrons can access our services and resources and here are some of our new options. 

No-Contact Pickup for Library Resources and Printing

If you've visited the library this semester, you may have noticed a set of lockers directly outside the front door. These lockers are part of our no-contact pickup services and provide a way for you to access the library's physical collection without coming into the library.

What can you request through library pickup?

You can place an online request for most items in the library, including books, DVDs, musical scores, etc. When the item is located by our staff, we will contact you via email with a link to a pickup scheduler. Once you've scheduled a time, you'll be provided with information on how to open an assigned locker. When the scheduled time arrives, you can go directly to the locker to pick up your item. 

What about printing?

The no-contact pickup service can also be used for printing. You send us your files and schedule a time, and we'll fill a locker with your printed materials. Please note: we will see the materials when we print them. We will always keep your information confidential, but you may want to consider this before sending sensitive information.

Both of these services are available for all currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff. Detailed instructions and links for using them can be found under How do I get a book? and How do I print a document? on the library's FAQs page.

Scan and Electronic Delivery of Library Resources 

The Library also provides scanned content from our physical resources and delivers it to you electronically. You can submit and receive the requested content through our online system. For more information and instructions, please see: How do I submit a scanning request? Please note: available content must meet copyright guidelines and does not include content from our textbook collection.

Remote Help from Librarians

The UCA Librarians have opened new avenues for you to reach us. We're so excited that we can answer your questions and help connect you to the resources, even if you aren't on campus. We created an FAQ web page where you can read through answers to our frequently asked questions. From this page, you can access our new chat with a librarian service and get a response to your questions in real time. You can also contact us via email or question form. Librarians are responding to chat and questions Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Need in-depth research help? Schedule an Appointment with a Librarian. All of our individualized research consultations are conducted using Zoom. These sessions are great for anyone struggling to find the resources they need, or starting a new project but needing some help to start researching.