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Welcome Message from the Dean

Charles Eckman
Dean and University Librarian

August 5, 2020

It is my great pleasure to welcome faculty and students to the University of Miami Libraries (UML). The Libraries rank among the top 50 academic research libraries in the United States and support the full range of research, teaching, learning, and clinical care activities across all three of the University’s campuses in Coral Gables, Virginia Key, and Downtown Miami. UML provides extraordinarily broad and deep print and electronic resources in all areas of the sciences, engineering, medicine, arts, humanities, and design.

Fall 2020 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. We have adjusted our spaces and services to meet campus guidelines for safety and hygiene.

  • Online consultations, instructional sessions, and workshops associated with the Learning Commons, Learning and Research Services, and Digital Scholarship programs will continue: https://library.miami.edu/online-services
  • Appointment-based access for personal study in Richter Library and most subject-specialty library buildings begins on August 10, 2020 via the “Book a Library Seat” service: https://library.miami.edu/savemyseat. No food and drink policies will be in place, and Public Health Ambassadors, security and library personnel will ensure compliance with social distancing requirements.
  • Request and pick-up of books and other circulating items. Direct access to library physical collections is closed.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: https://library.miami.edu/find/request-materials.html
  • Virtualized computing provides online access to computers in Richter Library’s Information Commons and Digital Scholars’ Lab: https://library.miami.edu/spaces/remote-labs.html
  • Technology loans, such as laptops and other equipment, are available at Richter Library Access Services.
  • Interlibrary Loans (ILL) for the requesting of print books and other tangible materials from our partner libraries are available: https://library.miami.edu/interlibrary-loan.  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.
  • Distinctive Collections will offer appointment-based access to the Cuban Heritage Collection, Special Collections, and University Archives in October. Researchers affiliated with UM may visit the Reading Room of the Cuban Heritage Collection 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: https://library.miami.edu/online-services

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

Coral Gables Campus

Medical Campus (Downtown Miami)

Marine Campus (Virginia Key)

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