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NSU Libraries Return of the Sharks Guide: Home

Last updated: December 2, 2020

WELCOME BACK!

The NSU Libraries are committed to working with you to protect your health and well-being and our staff. This guide provides a general overview of current guidelines and available services. 

Here's what you need to know:

The Alvin Sherman Library is open for virtual and walk-in services. 

Maximum patron capacity in the building is 500 people.

The Alvin Sherman Library will conduct temperature checks of NSU students, faculty and staff and all visitors prior to entering the building. Individuals registering temperature of 100.4°F or above will not be admitted into the building.

It is mandatory to wear a face covering when on the Nova Southeastern University campus and it will be required to enter the Sherman Library. A face covering must be worn at all times while in the building. Everyone,  2 years and older, is required to wear a mask.

Accepted face coverings for entry to the Alvin Sherman Library:

The NSU Libraries are following the University’s guidance to protect the health and well-being of our community while continuing to support teaching, research, and learning. The Alvin Sherman Library’s Return of the Sharks operating plan utilizes the safety protocols from the CDC, local and NSU health officials, when appropriate.

The latest Nova Southeastern University information can be found on the NSU Coronavirus information page.  

Reminder - In the event NSU students fail to comply with these guidelines, you will be counseled by your college or by the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs regarding the importance of compliance. Repeated violations may result in immediate revocation of building access privileges and a referral for disciplinary action in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility. https://www.nova.edu/ehs/cv19-resources/student-guide/index.html

We are following the lead of our partners at the Broward County Library by reopening to the public. We encourage you to continue using our virtual services safely online. Please check back to find out about any changes to our policies as we post information.

For commonly asked questions regarding our services during this time, please see the Alvin Sherman Library's ROS FAQ.

Alvin Sherman Library Building Hours

Special Hours November 30, 2020 – January 3, 2021

Alvin Sherman Library Building and Service Hours  

Monday, November 30 – Sunday, January 3: 

  • Open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
  • Closed Saturdays and Sundays 

Friday, December 25 – Closed Christmas Day

Friday, January 1 – Closed New Year’s Day

 

The library’s online resources will remain available.

 

Alvin Sherman Library Reference Services

Currently:

Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Public Library Services

Currently:

Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

  • Phone: (954) 262-5477
  • Email: plsrefdesk@nova.edu
  • In person tours are not available.
  • To schedule virtual outreach for your classroom, email plsrefdesk@nova.edu
  • Library events continue to take place online. For a full list of virtual events for children, teens and adults, visit: lib.nova.edu/events

Circulation Desk

Currently:

Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Libraries Events

The Alvin Sherman Library is offering online events for all ages! Please check our event calendar for a full list of virtual events for children, teens and adults.

Returning Library Materials and Overdue Fines

FINES:

  • Overdue fines (including ILL materials*) that were incurred after March 10, 2020 are being waived until further notice.
  • You can pay any pre-existing fines on our online services by logging in to your account through the library’s main website. There will be NO designated computer present at the Circulation desk for fee payments through ASL/NSU card.
  • For questions about late fees or returning materials, please email lritccirc@nova.edu
  • To renew ILL materials that will soon become overdue, please submit a renewal via ILLiad (if possible, if not past due) or send us an email at ill@nova.edu. * Note: Some lending libraries may recall their material and assess a recall fee.

RETURNING MATERIALS:

You can return your books or materials only at: 

  • The book drops north of the Library in the traffic circle
  • The book drop on the outside entrance wall of the Sherman Library.

Materials from the Alvin Sherman Library can also be returned at any Broward County Public Library book drop. An exception is any Interlibrary Loan material picked up at the Sherman Library must be returned to the Sherman Library

Please do not return materials directly to the Circulation Desk or at the book drop inside the Sherman Library at the Circulation Desk. 

  • Return materials are not disinfected, as this practice is not currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control; however, these materials are quarantined for 72 hours before they are returned to the stacks.
  • Please do not clean or sanitize checked-out items as you might damage the material in the process.

CHECKING OUT MATERIALS:

Staff will be adhering to strict guidelines, wearing face covering, distancing, and sanitizing their workstation after each patron transaction.  The Library has implemented a self-checkout system for books only.

You will need your NSU SharLink Card or the Alvin Sherman Library Public Card to check out material.

  • Barcode scanners are set up at the Circulation Desk so that patrons can self-checkout books.
  • DVDs, CDs, and some other material must be checked out by library staff. The staff member will take the material and let the patron know when the items are available for pickup in the “Pickup Area” at the Circulation Desk.
  • Please allow for more time at the Circulation Desk when checking out materials, as we are limited in staff due to distancing guidelines.

SERVICES:

Study Areas

Seating is limited. Furniture is arranged to encourage physical distancing. Please maintain at least six feet of physical distancing from other people studying around you. Avoid gathering in groups in common and study areas in the Library. You will need to always wear your mask or face covering.

  • NSU is regularly cleaning the Library’s study tables, chairs, and public computers.  To provide extra protection, we recommend that you clean your hands before using any study table or chair.
  • Sanitizer stations are available throughout the Library.
  • At this time, FOOD or DRINK are not allowed in the public areas of the Library, except for the West End Deli seating area, as a face covering is required at all times.

Study Rooms:

  • Study Rooms: single use only, first come first served.  Study rooms can only be checked out at the Circulation Desk in person. Reservations cannot be made online.
  • Circle of Friends Collaborative Study Area (3rd floor): temporarily unavailable
  • Assistive Technology Room: temporarily unavailable

Meeting/Conference Spaces

  • Conference Rooms: temporarily unavailable
  • Adolfo and Marisela Cotilla Gallery: temporarily unavailable
  • Craig and Barbara Weiner Holocaust Reflection and Resource Center: temporarily unavailable

Public Computers

Seating is limited. Furniture is arranged to encourage physical distancing.

Sign in to a public computer with either your SharkLink ID or your Alvin Sherman Library Card.

If you do not have an Alvin Sherman Library Card and live, work or go to school in Broward County, please sign up for a card at https://public.library.nova.edu/card/ and pick up your card at the Circulation Desk.

Guest passes are limited to 15 minutes only and can be obtained at any service desk in the Library.

Computer sessions are not renewable.

  • Digital Media Room/Maker Space: temporarily unavailable
  • PLS Children Lab: temporarily unavailable
  • Lab A: temporarily unavailable

Printing Services

What's available: 

  • Public printers and print release stations
  • Cash to card machines
  • Photocopiers (Please follow posted instructions at each machine)
  • Microforms readers and Digital Microforms Scanner 
  • Digital scanner (now located on the 2nd floor by the Reference Desk)

 

Please note that if your Shark Card is not working, you can contact the NSU SharkCard Services office located in the Horvitz Building and Terry Building.

Miscellaneous Services

  • Snack and drink vending machines are available in the Copier Rooms located on the second and third floors. Please consume your snacks in the West End Deli space on the first floor.
  • The West End Deli food services are temporarily closed (as of 5pm on Sept 26), but open seating remains available. For current operating hours, please see Shark Dining Hours of Operation.
  • Broward County Transit Bus passes are not available for sale

  • Phone chargers, dry markers, and kits on reserve are not available for loan

  • High-touch shared items such as staplers, tape dispensers, scissors and active play toys (puzzles, puppets, etc.) are not available

Searching on our Online Library Collection

Use your SharkLink ID, Alvin Sherman Library Card, or e-Card to log in to our online resources:

For a more comprehensive list of the library's research materials that are available remotely, please visit our "Online Resources" Library Guide.