Feehan Memorial Home

USML LIBRARY UPDATE

The USML Library's hours and operations for the beginning of the spring semester are as follows:

From January 4 - January 18

During the first week of the semester, except for faculty with offices in Feehan or McEssy, the Library will remain closed to all in-person access, including USML students, faculty, and staff.  Professional staff will continue their work in the library with provision of services to faculty and USML students by appointment and/or “curbside” arrangements.  Students and faculty in need of books or other resources in the library should contact DeAnne Besetzny, M-F 9:00am - 4:00pm, dbesetzny@usml.edu or 847-970-4820, to arrange a time for pick-up.  

Beginning January 19

On January 19 the USML Library will reopen to all faculty, staff, seminarians, resident and non-resident students.  Non-USML patrons will still not be able to have in-person access to the USML Library at this time.

Access to Resources 

The library's electronic resources and services will continue to be available during the library's physical closure. Interlibrary loan services with other college/university libraries in Illinois are also available.  Library staff are on site to provide support as needed. For research assistance or any other questions, you are welcome to contact us (Library Staff Page).

ACTS / I-Share Libraries

Members of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) and I-Share libraries still have access to our collection through I-Share, but in-person access to the USML library is not possible at this time. More information on the re-opening of the campus will be available on the home page of the USML website (https://usml.edu).

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Safety Precautions in Using the USML Library

• Masks covering the nose and mouth must be worn at all times while in the library, except when alone in private offices.
• Proper social distancing of six feet must be maintained at all times. Seating at the study tables in Feehan Memorial Library and McEssy Theological Resource Center are marked to ensure this. Chairs where a person may sit are marked with a cross on the backrests, and chairs in-between the designated seating spaces are marked with signs to leave these chairs vacant. Please observe the posted signs and practice social distancing within these spaces.
• Occupancy within each of the study alcoves in McEssy is restricted to no more than two people at a table.
• The centralized open seating area of McEssy is arranged to ensure six feet of space exists between chair or sofa grouping. The seats that should remain unoccupied will be marked with an appropriate marker as indicated. 
• The kitchen in McEssy will remain closed until further notice. 
• The Feehan and McEssy elevators are limited to one person at a time.
• Only one computer workstation as well as the scanner are available for use in the Periodical Room in Feehan. The workstation, scanner, and self-checkout system in McEssy are available. 
• All returned books will be quarantined for 72 hours before being reshelved and therefore will not be immediately available for reuse.
• All books requested from other libraries (through I-Share borrowing) are quarantined for 72 hours prior to becoming available to the requesting patron.
• All print course reserves will also have a 72-hour quarantine period when returned. Please plan accordingly.
• We ask per USML guidelines that you clean/sanitize the public workspaces you have (study tables, chairs, computers, scanners) before leaving them. Sanitizing kits are in designated areas. 

For USML Library Hours, please check the daily, weekly, and monthly calendar on the left-hand column of this web page. 

 In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the USML Library has created a new webpage dedicated to electronic resources that have become freely available during this time.  Click the graphic to view our newest academic e-resources.