Student Update: Libraries and the latest Covid-19 guidance on Friday 8 January

Please be aware that this information was shared with students by email and correct at the time of sending. For the latest Covid-19 guidance, please visit our coronavirus webpages: www.wlv.ac.uk/coronavirus. If you are a student who has a query or needs support, please log a helpcall with ASK@WLV in e:Vision (www.wlv.ac.uk/evision).

As we come to the end of the first week of term and the latest lockdown I want to thank you for everything that you are doing to ensure that our University and wider community stay as safe as possible.

I understand that many of you will be facing significant challenges related to the pandemic that are impacting your studies. It is important that we all continue to comply with the lockdown restrictions and we will ensure that we make you aware promptly, and remind you regularly, of any Government announcements that relate to universities.    

Today I wanted to update you on:  

• Library opening hours and online support  
• University accommodation  
• Campus buses  
• Catering on campus 

Government guidance is that everyone must stay at home wherever possible and minimise time spent outside their home. You must not leave or be outside of your home except where you have a 'reasonable excuse'. You can access the full Government guidance here. The police can issue you with a fine if you leave home without a 'reasonable excuse'.  

If you have not yet travelled back to the University, you are advised to stay where you are to carry out your studies online during this period of lockdown. We realise some students may need to return earlier, for example, if you do not have access to appropriate alternative accommodation, facilities, studying space, or you need to return for health reasons.   

If you think you fit into one of these circumstances, please review our update about getting tested before returning to campus.   

Accessing the library   

Given the Government advice to minimise time spent out of home and the need to ensure the safety of students and staff, we have had to temporarily reduce library opening hours.   

From Monday 11 January until further notice, Harrison and Walsall libraries will be open 10 am - 4 pm Monday to Saturday. The University will continue to keep opening hours of the library under review.  

On Wednesday 13 January the Hutchison Library at Telford Campus will close. Students are reminded to collect any reserved items they have before 4 pm. If you are a student who has been accessing the Telford library, we are organising an alternative study space in The Angad Paul (SA) Building. From Thursday 14 January students will be able to utilise the Common Room Restaurant area 10 am – 4 pm, however please note that catering facilities will not be available.  

You will still be able to book to use study spaces, PCs and printing facilities at the Harrison and Walsall libraries. Click and collect and book returns will also be operating, as will laptop loans. However, we strongly advise that you do not travel to campus unless it is necessary to do so for your studies.   

All students accessing study spaces will be expected to follow social distancing guidelines and, in line with the latest advice from the UK Government, face coverings must be worn.  

Please ensure you bring your Student ID to access the library. You must book a study space in advance of travelling and show your booking confirmation to staff upon arrival.   

For full details and booking go to: www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/reopening.   

Online resources   

Students can access a wide range of online resources and learning support on the library webpages and Canvas. We have extended our collection of digital library resources this year to support your study from home. To get started, access your reading lists via Canvas, or go to LibrarySearch to search across thousands of resources including ebooks, journals, and articles.  

Library support  

If you have any questions about the library services or need help with access to resources, support is available 24/7 via the ASSIST online chat service.   

Academic skills support remains fully available through the latest lockdown with our library team to help you identify, develop and refine your academic skills. One to one support remains available by appointment and a range of online support and live training workshops offered via a range of platforms. Students can access full details here: www.wlv.ac.uk/skills.   

For further details on accessing library services and latest updates, visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/reopening.  

University Accommodation  

Wherever possible, students should remain where they are and should not travel to their University accommodation until on campus teaching for their course has resumed.   

The Government has stated that students should avoid returning to university to collect any of their belongings they may have left at their accommodation over the winter break. However, students can travel back to collect any medical equipment or items required for online learning if it is essential.   

There may also be some students who have remained in their term-time accommodation over the winter break or have already returned. These students should stay where they are and should only come on to campus when they have to, for example, if you do not have access to appropriate studying space, or you need to return for health reasons.  

Campus buses  

Following the Prime Minister's announcement of a national lockdown, the campus bus timetable has been temporarily suspended until further notice. We will update students when the situation changes.  

Access to catering on campus  

In line with the current national lockdown restrictions, all catering facilities on campus have temporarily been suspended. Students who need to be on campus to access teaching or study spaces are advised to bring their own refreshments with them.    

Stay up to date with the latest information 

Please keep checking your University emails and reading these updates. We are committed to keeping students up to date. We do this by email, on our social media channels (Instagram, Twitter and Facebook) and the University Student News web page.    

Visit our dedicated Covid-19 webpages for information on how you can stay safe and help protect our University community during the pandemic.    

Thank you, and stay safe.    

Professor Julia Clarke   

Deputy Vice-Chancellor