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NSU Libraries Return of the Sharks Guide: Home

Last updated: July 23, 2020

WELCOME BACK SHARKS! 

As you return to school, 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:

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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 University information may be found on the NSU Coronavirus information page.  

For commonly asked questions regarding service adjustments, please see the Alvin Sherman Library's ROS FAQ.

Libraries Hours

The Alvin Sherman Library will be open for walk-in services beginning Monday, July 27 to NSU students, faculty, and staff only. Walk-in service hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. An NSU-issued Shark Card ID and face covering will be required for entrance. 

The library’s online services remain available to the public. We currently offer 60 hours of live virtual references services, including weekends, and a variety of online programming for children and adults. To access go to lib.nova.edu/plsvirtual

We are following the lead of our partners at the Broward County Library by remaining closed to the public until cases decline in Broward County. We encourage you to continue using our virtual services until we can safely expand our in-person services to the public.  Please check back to find out about our future opening plans for the public as we post information.

Alvin Sherman Library

Reference Services 

Alvin Sherman Library Virtual Reference Services

Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Returning Library Materials and Overdue Fines

FINES:

  • Overdue fines (including ILL materials) 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

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.

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

  • 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 masks, distancing, and sanitizing their workstation after each patron transaction.  The Library has implemented a self-checkout system for books only.

  • Barcode scanners are set up at the Circulation Desk to 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. You will need to always wear your mask. 

  • 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 as masks are required at all times.

Study Rooms:

  • Study Rooms: temporarily unavailable
  • 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.

  • 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)

What's NOT available:

  • Microforms readers and Digital Scanner  (Please request that reproductions be made through Document Delivery/Interlibrary Loan Department.)
  • Digital scanner is not available

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

Miscellaneous Services

  • Vending machines are unavailable
  • The Café will remain closed
  • Broward County Transit Bus passes are not available for sale
  • Phone chargers, dry markers, and kits on reserve are not available for loan

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.

Libraries Events

The Alvin Sherman Library is offering online events for all ages! Please check our event calendar for details.