Library Services During COVID-19 FAQ

Contact

Esther Raushenbush Library

E-mail

914.395.2474

What hours is the library building open? What do I need to do if I want to visit the library?

To find out when the library is open, please see the Library Hours on the Library Homepage. To enter the building when it's open, you must be a current SLC student, faculty, or staff, and you must swipe in through the front entrance using your SLC ID card. In order to monitor patron capacity we ask everyone to both check in and check out at the Information Desk.

What are the loan periods and fine policies if I check out books or other materials from the SLC Library Collection?

All loan periods for library materials borrowed from the SLC Library collection will return to our previous library loan and fine policies. 

Please contact Circulation with any specific questions.

What should I do if I'm studying remotely and need access to an SLC Library Book?

Students and faculty studying remotely may use the new “Request Scanned Pages” button in the library catalog to have 1 or 2 chapters from print books in the library collection scanned and sent to their inboxes.

Can I request materials from other libraries via Interlibrary Loan? What if I'm studying remotely?

We continue to place Interlibrary Loan requests, but please note that if you are not able to come to campus we cannot supply hardcopy materials for you. Please submit requests as usual or directly contact the ILL Department with requests for scanned portions of books. Although we can more easily acquire electronic materials, we will try to acquire scanned copies of hardcopy material if possible.

What should I do if I need help with my research, particularly with finding resources that are available to me electronically?

The Library will continue to offer one-on-one online Research Consultations  and respond to your questions using the Reference email. 

Are electronic and hard copy reserves currently available?

Reserves will continue to be posted on the course reserves pages in MySLC. Both electronic reserves and hardcopy reserves will be available. Please contact the Reserves department with any questions.

Can I ask the library to purchase e-books or streaming films that I need for my classes/research?

The Library continues to fulfill Purchase Requests for e-books and streaming films as much as our budget allows. Purchase Requests for print materials can be submitted as well, though you will need to come to campus in order to check them out. If you cannot find an e-book or streaming film that you need, please reach out to the Acquisitions department. We’ll do our best to locate what you are looking for.

If I have SLC library books I'd like to return and I'm unable to come to campus, what should I do?

For all community members who have library materials in their possession that need to be returned, please follow the guidelines below. Both Interlibrary Loan books and Sarah Lawrence books should be returned in this manner.
  1. If you plan to be on or near campus, you may drop items in the book return of the SLC library at any time.
  2. Please send materials to the address below:
    Sarah Lawrence Library
    ATTN: Circulation
    1 Mead Way
    Bronxville, NY 10708, USA

    Please include a complete return address on the package.

  3. The most cost effective method to send materials is the Media Mail rate through the USPS. https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm
  4. Regardless of the shipping method you use, we recommend getting a tracking number to hold onto until your library account has been cleared: https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/usps-tracking-label-400-P_LABEL400
  5. Please note that there will be a delay in clearing accounts, as we will be quarantining items returned for at least 3 days. We appreciate your patience.   

If you have any questions, please contact: circulation@sarahlawrence.edu

How can I access items housed in the Music Library?

The Music Library will be closed during the fall and spring semesters, but we will continue offering all library services through remote access. If you need a score, cd, or book from the Music Library, please find the item in the Library Catalog and click the "Place Hold" button. We will retrieve the item and it will be held for you at the Main Library. You will be notified by email when the item is ready for pickup. If you need additional help please contact the Circulation Department.