New safety measures for the University Library from 21 January

We are introducing an additional Covid safety measure for the University Library, requiring users to have taken a recent Covid test.

We will also be enforcing the requirement to wear a face covering at all times when in the building.

From Thursday 21 January all staff and students wishing to access the library must have taken a Covid test (either lateral flow or PCR) and received a negative result within the last five days.  You will be asked to show your text/notification of a negative result before entering the library.

Free Covid testing available on campus

Testing for those without symptoms is available at the Spinnaker Sports Centre. 

If you have any Covid symptoms you must isolate immediately and arrange a test through NHS Test and Trace. You must not come on to campus or use any university facilities until you have taken a Covid test and received a negative result.

Compulsory use of face coverings

Please ensure you bring a face covering when using the library, either a face mask or a visor if you are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons. Face coverings must be worn at all times when in the building, including when sat at a desk. Unless you are medically exempt from wearing either a mask or a visor you will be asked to leave if a face covering isn’t worn. The library will have a small supply of face masks and visors for library users who arrive without their own.

Accessing library resources remotely

The library has a large range of ebooks, ejournals and other materials online to help you with your studies and research even if you aren’t using the library building for study or work. If you want to borrow books there is also a click and collect service. 

If you are self-isolating or not in Portsmouth the library can post books to you, or send an email scan of a book chapter for any materials that aren’t available online.

You can also still get advice and guidance from library staff online too. Information about all the services is on the Library website.  

We know the library is an important resource for you and want to keep it open for as long as possible. As a University we are always looking at our safety measures in light of government guidance and keeping the health and welfare of both students and staff at the heart of what we do. 

While we recognise these new measures go beyond current government guidelines we are confident that they support our aim of keeping facilities open while providing protection for all library users.