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Welcome Message from the Dean

Charles Eckman
Dean and University Librarian

January 25, 2021

A new semester begins today, and it is my great pleasure to welcome students, faculty, and staff back to the University. The team at the University of Miami Libraries (UML) is resolved to use the lessons learned in fall 2020 to further strengthen and evolve our operations, services, and programming.

Spring 2021 Library Service Highlights

UML is committed to the continued support of the research and teaching needs of faculty and students. Our top priority is to ensure that as many resources and services as possible are accessible online. Our spaces and services continue to meet campus guidelines for your safety and peace of mind, while fulfilling your academic needs.

  • Online consultations, instructional sessions, and workshops associated with the Learning Commons, Learning and Research Services, and Digital Scholarship programs will continue. Learn more at our Online Services page.
  • Appointment-based access for personal study in Richter Library and most subject-specialty library buildings can be made via the “Book a Library Seat” service. No food and drink policies continue to be in place, and Public Health Ambassadors, security, and library personnel help ensure compliance with physical distancing requirements.
  • Request and pick-up of books and other circulating items. Direct access to library physical collections is not available at this time. Current faculty, students, and staff residing locally may request circulating materials. Items will be available for pick-up within 24 hours (Monday – Friday) at Access Services desks in Richter Library, Weeks Music Library, Architecture Research Center, and Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science Library. Learn more about requesting materials.
  • Virtualized computing provides online access to computers in Richter Library’s Information Commons and Digital Scholars’ Lab. Explore our virtualized computing offerings.
  • Technology loans, such as laptops and other equipment, are available at Richter Library Access Services through the Laptop Lending Program and Creative Studio Equipment.
  • Interlibrary Loans (ILL) for the requesting of print books and other tangible materials from our partner libraries are available. Requests will be processed in a timely manner, but we do expect occasional difficulties securing some materials based on the level of services offered by lending libraries. ILL materials will be made available through the non-contact pick-up service at the Access Services desk in Richter Library. Visit UML’s Interlibrary Loan Services page.
  • Distinctive collections are offering appointment-based access to the Cuban Heritage Collection, Special Collections, and University Archives. Researchers affiliated with UM may visit the Reading Room of the Cuban Heritage Collection in the Goizueta Pavilion for service and access to all distinctive collections.
  • Support for teaching and research continues in this phase of non-contact services, as the online library remains fully functional. For a description of all online services, visit our Online Services page.
  • For questions or to request assistance, please contact your subject librarian.

Our UML faculty and staff look forward to seeing you online and at any of our five accessible locations:

Coral Gables Campus

Medical Campus (Medical District)

Marine Campus (Virginia Key)

Also, no matter your interests—history, wellness, culture, arts and music—you can always count on UML to offer you a stimulating learning opportunity as well as a moment of escape while engaging and fulfilling your curiosity. Visit our Library Events page to find the dates and more information for some of our programming this spring.

As we reflect on the events of the past year, keep in mind the University of Miami Libraries is leading an effort to collect and chronicle the experiences of living through COVID-19 from the South Florida community. We are interested in collecting testimonials, images, videos, and more in an effort to document and preserve the changes and impact of the pandemic. Click here to learn more about this ongoing archival project and to share your own story.

My colleagues and I at the University of Miami Libraries wish you an engaging and successful semester!