Merrill-Cazier Library Prepares to Welcome Students Back

As Fall Semester draws closer, Utah State University’s Merrill-Cazier Library has implemented several policy changes to accommodate students’ return to campus.

The library will open access to the entire building on Monday, August 10. Previous access was restricted to the first floor only.

Reduced seating (to create social distancing), one-way traffic control through staircases and book stacks, plexiglass barriers and disinfectant stations are just some of the precautions taken to ensure a safe return. In adherence with directives from the State of Utah and USU, the library will require that face coverings be worn while in the building. Food and drink are prohibited in the library for the fall semester. There are also have several online and virtual options for students who are either remote or who cannot comply with all of the changes

“We are excited to be able to make our wonderful library open for business again,” Dean of Libraries Brad Cole said. “The library staff have spent the last two months reviewing guidelines from the CDC, state of Utah and the university to create an inviting and safe space for student learning. By implementing these changes, we are confident that we can serve students and faculty to our full capacity.”

Study rooms will open with a few limitations – most rooms will accommodate one to two students, while few will allow for larger groups.

“I am confident that our great Aggie Family will adhere to these new rules in an effort to help prevent the spread of the Covoid19 virus,” Cole said. 

The library will also hire two student health ambassadors to encourage face covering use and social distancing.

“We look forward to removing these policies when it is safe to do so,” Cole said. “We hope these are temporary and that we can help stop the spread of COVID-19.”