The UCSB Library is preparing to reopen a portion of the main Library for limited student study space at the beginning of spring quarter, March 29.
Study space will gradually reopen in phases, starting with the Learning Commons on the first and second floors of the Mountain Side and eventually expanding to the entire first and second floors. In conjunction with public health guidelines for reopening of higher education, seating capacity will be at 25 percent.
Seats will be available by reservation-only for current UCSB students as well as faculty and staff. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance and users will be able to book up to 15 hours per week. Reserve a seat here.
View the guidelines and expectations for students regarding use of library space.
To provide more information and to answer questions from students, faculty and staff, University Librarian Kristin Antelman will host “Ask Me Anything: Library Reopening,” a virtual Q&A at 11 a.m. Friday, April 2.
To protect users, everyone in the Library will be required to wear a face mask at all times and must complete a campus COVID-19 screening survey before entering. Seats will be spaced a minimum of nine feet apart and students will be encouraged to wipe down their space using provided sanitizing wipes.
Eating will not be permitted in open study spaces. Drinks will be allowed, but masks must be worn between sips.
All areas will be designated as quiet study and seating will be arranged for individual study only. The group study rooms have been repurposed for solo use by graduate students for remote instruction and research.
Anyone with a seat reservation will be able to use the Library’s GauchoPrint station(s) and KIC scanner(s).
The Library Services Desk will remain closed, so users wishing to check out materials should continue using the pickup and mailing service.
Students and faculty in the Disabled Students Program who are approved to use the Adaptive Technology Center will be able to make reservations for a temporary ATC space on the 2nd floor, Mountain Side.
For nursing mothers, a lactation room will also be available in the reopened Library space.
The Music Library will not be reopening for study space at this time. However, plans are underway to allow for researcher access to the Music Library’s collections, also in the spring quarter.
See more FAQs about the building reopening.
This article last updated 3/19/2021.
