Current Ely Library Operations
This page has the most up-to-date information about library services during the ongoing Coronavirus situation.
Our physical location is open for current students, faculty and staff who are approved for an on-campus presence for the Spring 2021 semester. Students are required to show their testing verification punch card.
Library spaces will be available by reservation and will include individual computer workstations and study carrels. Reservations can be made online, by phone or by email. We encourage you to make a reservation ahead of your visit and check out our FAQ below for more information.
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Physical Library Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8am-9pm Friday: 8am-4pm Saturday & Sunday: Closed Library doors lock 15 minutes prior to closing and no new patrons will be admitted Phone: (413) 572-5231 Email: elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu |
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Remote Reference Assistance:
Monday - Thursday: 9am-8pm Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 1pm-8pm
Phone: (413) 572-5234 (voicemail forwarded to email) Email: askus@westfield.ma.edu Chat: https://lib.westfield.ma.edu/chat
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Technology Support Desk: Appointment Only- No walk-in services available Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm Phone: 413.572.4357 Email: supportdesk@westfield.ma.edu |
Please check our hours calendar for more information.
Last updated 02/05/21
Information for Students
Visiting the Library
Will the library be open for me to visit in-person?
Yes, the library will be open by reservation for current students, faculty and staff of Westfield State University who are approved to have an on-campus presence for the Spring 2021 semester.
We are unable to accommodate alumni or community patrons
What if I'm a student living locally and I just want to use the library?
In an effort to maintain safety on-campus, we are only able to allow those students who are part of on-going campus testing to use library spaces. If you are a completely remote student and wish to use the library, please reach out to us:
elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu or (413) 572-5231
Students will be required to show their testing verification card in order to enter the library. If you are exempt from testing, you can let us know at the time of check-in.
What spaces will be available for me to use in the library?
You will be able to make a reservation to use either a computer workstation or a study carrel. All of these spaces are located on the first floor of the library and are appropriately distanced for safety. These spaces are for individual use only, we cannot accommodate pairs or groups.
How do I make a reservation?
We encourage you to make a reservation ahead of your visit to the library. You can make a reservation over the phone, via email, or fill out an online reservation form:
Call: (413) 572-5231
Email: elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu
Reservation Form: https://lib.westfield.ma.edu/reservations/home
What if I only need to print something?
Patrons who only wish to print do not need to make a reservation but must use our stand-up, print only terminals and should not exceed 10 minutes.
How long can I stay in the library?
Patrons can reserve space for up to 3 hours per day
How far in advance can I make an appointment?
You can make appointments up to one week in advance
What happens if the library is at capacity?
When you request a reservation we will let you know if we are unable to accommodate you due to our capacity limits and your name will be added to a waiting list in the event that other reservations are cancelled.
Do I need an appointment to get help from Technology Support?
Yes you must make an appointment with Technology Support but you will not need an additional library reservation
From on Campus x4357
From off Campus 413.572.4357
supportdesk@westfield.ma.edu
When will the library be open?
Our hours are different from previous semesters but we will be open some day and evening hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8am-9pm
Friday: 8am-4pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Library doors lock 15 minutes prior to closing and no new patrons will be admitted.
View our complete calendar of hours.
Will I have to show ID to get into the library?
Yes, you will need to check-in at the Circulation Desk at the entrance to the library and you will be required to swipe your ID card. If you do not have your Westfield issued ID with you, you will be denied entry.
Additionally, students must show their proof of COVID testing card upon entry to the library. If you are exempt from this testing, you should inform the desk staff at check-in.
What spaces will be unavailable for me to use in the library?
The following areas will not be open to patrons:
Can I check out a study room?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide access to study rooms this semester
Can I still meet with a group?
The library will be unable to accommodate group study this semester. Our spaces are set up to accommodate social distancing for individual study.
Can I use the library to attend my remote courses over zoom?
Yes. Although we are unable to provide private study spaces, you can still use a computer workstation or your own device at one of our study carrels to join your remote courses. Because the spaces are not private, we ask that you have your own headphones and be mindful of your volume.
Do I need to wear a mask?
Yes, you must wear a mask the entire time that you are in the library regardless of social distancing. There will be masks available at our check-in desk for patrons who forget to bring one. Patrons who break our required mask policy will be asked to leave immediately and will be reported to Student Affairs.
Can I eat or drink in the library?
Unfortunately patrons will not be able to eat, drink or do any other activity that requires them to manipulate or remove their mask.
Will I be able to re-enter the library if I leave?
Yes, although we encourage you to limit exiting and reentering the library during your reserved time slot. Restrooms will be available within the library on the mezzanine.
Reference Assistance:
How can I get reference assistance?
Borrowing/Renewing/Returning Items:
Can I still borrow materials from the library?
Yes, you can still borrow books and media from all of our circulating collections.
Can I browse the collection for titles?
No, our physical collections are unavailable for browsing but you can search in our online catalog.
Check out our tutorials on how to use our catalog.
How do I request items?
There are several options to request materials:
How do I get my items?
You will receive an email when your item is ready to be picked up.
You can pick up items during any of the library's open hours. If you are not part of the University's ongoing COVID testing, you should reach out to us ahead of time to make arrangements.
When you enter the library there will be directional signage pointing you to the pick up area on the left-hand side of the library.
There are designated pick up tables across from our Circulation Desk.
Your items will be in a bag on our pick up tables with your name attached via a sticky note and you are welcome to grab your items and exit the library through contact-less pick-up.
The due date for the items will be stamped inside and are in your original email.
Do I need to make a reservation to pick up my items?
No, you can come to pick-up your items during any of the times that the library is open. The doors will be locked 15 minutes prior to closing time and not additional patrons will be admitted.
f you are not part of the University's ongoing COVID testing, you should reach out to us ahead of time to make arrangements at 413) 572-5231 or elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu.
How long do I have to pick up my items?
One week, if you are unable to pick up your items within 7 days, you must contact the library (413) 572-5231 or elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu.
Items will be removed after 7 days.
How long will it take for my items to be ready?
We will do our best to get items as quickly as possible but you should expect that items will not be available the same day and will take at least one business day to process. An email will alert you when the item is ready for pickup.
Can I still ask for items at the Circulation Desk?
We will not pull items on-demand for patrons who approach the desk to make requests. Items should be requested in advance of a visit to the library.
How do I renew items?
You can renew Ely Library items up to 3 times as long as no one else has requested the item.
You can renew online by logging into your account, calling the Circulation Desk (413) 572-5231 or by emailing elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu
Check out our tutorial on how to renew items online.
Interlibrary Loan renewals can only be made by sending an email to ill@westfield.ma.edu before the due date.
Are there items that I cannot checkout this semester?
Yes, we will not be offering any walk-up Circulation Services. That means that all library-use items are unavailable including:
Are there collections that I cannot use this semester?
Yes, in addition to our collections being closed to browsing, we are unable to offer access to our print periodicals including newspapers, magazines and trade publications. We are also unable to offer access to our microfilm collection and reader.
If you are looking for specific titles from these collections, please contact us at elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu
Can I still access databases and online content?
Yes, you still have complete access to our databases and online content from both on campus and off campus. If you have questions about accessing content, please contact our Reference Librarians at askus@westfield.ma.edu
How can I return my items to the library?
There are two book drops available on campus
Staff will not accept returns for books and media items at the desk. Only laptops and hotspots should be handed off to library staff.
What if I have overdue items on my account from the Spring 2020/Fall 2020 semesters?
Please return the items as soon as possible using one of our book drops
We will not be applying any fees from the Spring 2020 or Fall 2020 semester
If you already had fines/fees on your account from previous semesters they will remain on your account
If you have questions about existing fines/fees please email elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu
Interlibrary Loan:
Can I request a book/media through interlibrary loan?
Yes, we are accepting requests for physical materials through ILL. There may be significant delays in getting materials based on the operations of other libraries and delivery systems. Once a physical item arrives, the process for pickup with be the same as our library materials.
Can I request an article through interlibrary loan?
Yes, you can continue to request and receive articles that are delivered electronically but there may be delays in processing time.
Can I request an electronic book from interlibrary loan?
No, our borrowing agreements do not extend to electronic books
How can I return my interlibrary loan items to the library?
There are two book drops available on campus
Staff will not accept returns for books and media items at the desk. Only laptops and hotspots should be handed off to library staff.
What if I have an overdue interlibrary loan item on my account from a previous semester?
Please contact our Interlibrary Loan coordinator, Suzanne Tiranno stiranno@westfield.ma.edu
Course Reserves:
How do I know if my professor put something on course reserve?
Your professor should have told you if they have content on course reserve. Please check with your professor if you aren’t sure before you make a request.
Can I come in and access course reserves in-person?
No, we will only be providing digital access to course reserves.
How do I request access to material on course reserve?
Email elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu
Your email must include:
How will I get my content?
It will be emailed to your Westfield email address. We will not accept requests from or send requests to any other email address.
When will I get my content?
You should allow 3-5 days for us to process your request. We will try our best to complete requests in a timely manner but you should plan ahead for accessing content.
Can you digitize an entire book for me?
No, we are limited by copyright considerations and staff limitations.
Information for Faculty/Staff
Visiting the Library
Can I visit the library in person?
Please contact us at elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu or call (413) 572-5231 to discuss options and times.
Can my class meet in the library?
No, due to capacity limits we are unable to accommodate classes meeting in the library
Can I meet with students individually in the library?
Our spaces are set up for individual study and cannot accommodate meetings
What if I need my students to browse the collection for an assignment?
We encourage everyone to use our online catalog for browsing materials and requesting items. If you absolutely need access to a physical collection for a class, please reach out to our Instruction Coordinator, Oliver Zeff ozeff@westfield.ma.edu
Reference Assistance:
How can I get reference assistance?
Online Tutorials:
Does the library have online tutorials?
Borrowing/Renewing/Returning Items:
Can I still borrow materials from the library?
Yes, you can still borrow books and media from all of our circulating collections.
Can I browse the collection for titles?
No, our physical collections are unavailable for browsing but you can search in our online catalog.
Check out our tutorials on how to use our catalog.
How do I request items?
There are several options to request materials:
How do I get my items?
You will receive an email when your item is ready to be picked up.
You can pick up items during any of the library's open hours.
When you enter the library there will be directional signage pointing you to the pick up area on the left-hand side of the library.
There are designated pick up tables across from our Circulation Desk.
Your items will be in a bag on our pick up tables with your name attached via a sticky note and you are welcome to grab your items and exit the library through contact-less pick-up.
The due date for the items will be stamped inside and are in your original email.
Do I need to make a reservation to pick up my items?
No, you can come to pick-up your items during any of the times that the library is open. The doors will be locked 15 minutes prior to closing time and not additional patrons will be admitted.
The due date for the items will be stamped inside and are in your original email.
What if I can't make it during the library's open hours?
Please contact us at (413) 572-5231 or elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu to discuss alternative arrangements including shipping materials to your on-campus address.
Can I send a proxy to pick up my items?
Yes, but they must be a current student, staff or faculty member of Westfield State University and you must notify us in advance.
How long do I have to pick up my items?
One week. If you are unable to pick up your items within 7 days, you must contact the library (413) 572-5231 or elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu.
Items will be removed after 7 days.
How long will it take for my items to be ready?
We will do our best to get items as quickly as possible but you should expect that items will not be available the same day and will take at least one business day to process. An email will alert you when the item is ready for pickup.
How do I renew items?
You can renew Ely Library items up to 3 times as long as no one else has requested the item.
You can renew online by logging into your account, calling the Circulation Desk (413) 572-5231 or by emailing elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu
Check out our tutorial on how to renew items online.
Interlibrary Loan renewals can only be made by sending an email to ill@westfield.ma.edu before the due date.
How can I return my items to the library?
There are two book drops available on campus
Staff will not accept returns for books and media items at the desk. Only laptops and hotspots should be handed off to library staff.
Interlibrary Loan:
Can I request a book/media through interlibrary loan?
Yes, we are accepting requests for physical materials through ILL. There may be significant delays in getting materials based on the operations of other libraries and delivery systems. Once a physical item arrives, the process for pickup with be the same as our library materials.
Can I request an article through interlibrary loan?
Yes, you can continue to request and receive articles that are delivered electronically but there may be delays in processing time.
Can I request an electronic book from interlibrary loan?
No, our borrowing agreements do not extend to electronic books
How can I return my interlibrary loan items to the library?
There are two book drops available on campus
Staff will not accept returns for books and media items at the desk. Only laptops and hotspots should be handed off to library staff.
What if I have an overdue interlibrary loan item on my account from a previous semester?
You should have received an email about your existing requests. If you have additional questions please contact Suzanne Tiranno stiranno@westfield.ma.edu
Course Reserves:
Can I still put items on course reserve?
Yes, we will provide course reserves digitally this semester. You will have several options for how you can provide course reserve content to your students
Can the library buy an item for course reserve?
Course reserve is meant for providing access to items that the library already owns or a personal copy provided by a professor or department. Course reserves are not intended as a way to make requests for purchasing materials.
Can I link electronic content directly into my course in PLATO?
Yes, the process for linking content is different depending on which vendor is providing content. For questions about linking to electronic content, please contact Oliver Zeff, ozeff@westfield.ma.edu
Can I use media with my course?
Yes, check out our collections of streaming media
If you are interested in options for using physical media from the library’s collection, please send us an email elylibrary@westfield.ma.edu and we can coordinate your request with CIT.