Library health & safety information

The health and safety of our staff and library users is our highest priority. 

To make our in-person services such as the Curbside Pickup Service and the Library and Technology Access Service as safe as possible, we have implemented the following measures at Robarts Library and the Gerstein Science Information Centre. These measures are based on provincial regulation and public health guidance. 

Some other libraries at the University of Toronto are offering in-person services. Please check individual library websites.

Self-assessments  |  Limited access  |  Physical distancing  |  Masks  |  Hand sanitizer & cleaning  |  Book quarantine

Self-assessments

Provincial regulation and public health guidance require that post-secondary institutions implement COVID-19 health screening for anyone coming to campus.

Students, staff, librarians, faculty members, and authorized visitors coming to any U of T-owned or operated property – including our libraries – must complete a COVID-19 health screening self-assessment before visiting (U of T News, Oct 26, 2020).

There are two ways that individuals can complete the required self-assessment and generate a risk status:

• By using UCheck, an online self-assessment web tool
• By completing a a paper-based or offline self-assessment log

Anyone entering the library must show a green Ucheck screen or self-assessment log.

Limited access to spaces

To limit occupancy and help slow the spread of COVID-19, access to University of Toronto buildings is restricted to members of the U of T community.

Spaces that do not offer sufficient physical distancing measures, such as group study rooms, are not available.

Only three people at a time are allowed into the Robarts Library building for curbside book pickup.

Only a limited number of people are allowed in the technology access areas.

Physical distancing

Physical distancing protocols are in place, with 2-metre spaced decals posted on the ground. There are arrows and signs to show where to walk and stand in order to keep a 2-metre distance from others.

For curbside pickups in Robarts Library, traffic is one-way, with a dedicated entrance and exit.

In other building areas, two-way directional paths have been created, where people should keep right.

In the technology access area, signage indicates which workstations are available: workstations without chairs should not be used.

Masks

Non-medical masks or face coverings must be worn indoors in all common-use spaces. Please review the University's policy on non-medical masks or face coverings and information on proper usage of masks.

Everyone using the Curbside Pickup Service and the Technology Access Service must wear a mask.

Library staff wear masks, and public-facing service points have plexiglass barriers.

For more information about getting your U of T masks, check this page.  See also Section 4 of the U of T COVID FAQs.

Hand sanitizer & cleaning

Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance of the Curbside Pickup service area.

Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes are available in the technology access areas.

Washrooms are cleaned nightly.

Quarantine of books

Libraries across the three campuses are quarantining books that are physically loaned through the Curbside Pickup Service for at least three days after they are returned.

 

––Last updated January 7, 2021