COVID-19 Update: NWC Library Reopening FAQ

Please Note: This FAQ is based on current information and subject to change depending on emerging information and circumstances. We will update this FAQ as plans are developed and implemented.

1. When and how will library services be re-started?
   You may access the Library’s main and mid-levels at your discretion, anytime. We no longer require reservations. Print collections (all of the books, journals, and newspapers stored on shelving) remain closed. See 5 & 6 below.
   
   Our virtual, online library services have been operational throughout the pandemic. You can access millions of electronic books and journal articles from the Library’s homepage https://usnwc.edu/Learning-commons. See 4 below for more details.
2. NEW: Where should I return my library books?
   There are two locations where you may return books:
   1) A book return bin is located just inside the security doors, Hewitt Hall, north entrance adjacent to the gravel parking lot. This is where the Library stages its contactless, curbside book pickup service.
   2) The book drop slot in the main circulation desk, main level of the Learning Commons library in Hewitt Hall. Email us at
   Email us at circdesk@usnwc.edu with questions.
3. NEW: How do I gain access to SIPRNet and Classified Library services?
   The Classified Library’s hours of operation have expanded to five days a week:
   Monday 1230-1630
   Tuesday 1230-1630
   Wednesday 1100-1630
   Thursdays 1230-1630
   Fridays 1230-1630
   
   In addition to following the health and safety measures outlined in Memoranda 20-2 and 20-6, please adhere to Classified Library’s protocols, which in include:
   • Xs on the floor outside the entrance marking social distancing for individuals waiting in line to enter.
   • Cleaning supplies are available on top of the cellphone lockboxes just outside the entrance door. Clean lockbox before and after use.
   • Stay behind acrylic shielding at the main help desk.
   • All patrons entering this area must be wearing masks and maintain safe distancing with staff and each other when using computers.
   • There is only one ingress/egress so caution must be exercised to avoid close contact when people are entering and leaving at the same time. A sign on the inside of the entrance door reminds those exiting to “knock first before exiting” to warn patrons who may be waiting outside to step back and make way for patrons existing the library.
   
   If you have questions, please email classifiedlibrary@usnwc.edu.
4. How do access my Library account and other services?
   To access the library services listed below, patrons must log into Primo VE with their CAC.
   • Save searches/search parameters to reuse later or save records to a list to check later
   • View your account to see what library resources you currently have checked out, your loan history, etc.
   • Place an item in the library collections on hold
   • Make an interlibrary loan or purchase request
   
   
   To log into Primo VE with your CAC, follow the instructions below:
   • First, make sure that your CAC reader is plugged in with your CAC inserted.
   • After clicking on the "Sign in" button in Primo VE in the top-right corner of the page, make sure to select "Login Link 1" from the pop-up window, which will redirect you to a USNWC authentication page.
   • When asked to select a certificate on the authentication page, make sure to select the email certificate (if you have multiple certificates).
   • If you are unable to log in after following these steps, please contact libraryfeedback@usnwc.edu.
5. How can I check out books?
   We offer no-contact, curbside, book pickup services by appointment, M-W-F between 1300-1530 hours. Details on how to place requests can be found here https://usnwc.libguides.com/curbside.
6. How can I access current print periodicals?
   Patrons may request specific journals (not newspapers) via email sent to circdesk@usnwc.edu. Include the journal or magazine title, volume and issue number, and date. Staff and patrons will follow the same pickup procedures as followed for the no-contact curbside book pickup services (see number 5).
7. When I pick up my books, should I clean or disinfect it?
   No! Please do not clean or disinfect library materials. It may damage the materials, and it is not necessary given the precautions our staff are taking. Materials requested for pick up are placed in paper bags and quarantined, untouched, for a minimum of 72 hours. The 72-hour quarantine is based on scientific research on how long coronavirus survives on different surface materials.
8. How can I contact the reference librarians in real-time?
   Reference librarians are available for quick chat sessions via LibChat. Look for the Chat is online link on our Ask a Librarian page https://usnwc.libanswers.com/ or from the Library’s homepage, click on the yellow search button next to the Google-like search box to find the LibChat button in the top, right-hand corner of the page.
9. I had books on the hold shelf when the library buildings closed. Can I pick them up?
   If you have hold items that you still wish to check out, please email circdesk@usnwc.edu with the titles and someone will schedule a contactless pickup.
10. When will I be able to request books from Interlibrary Loan (ILL) again?
    Most book requests and requests for scanned articles and book chapters are now being filled.
11. I currently have Interlibrary Loan (ILL) books checked out and they are overdue. What should I do?
    If you currently have ILL items in your possession, the current policy is you may either hold onto them without risk of being fined, or you may return them using the book drop at the main circulation desk, in the Quarter Deck vestibule outside the double-glass doors, or in the metal book return bin located in the P2 parking garage curbside pickup area. If you need assistance, email us at ILL@usnwc.edu, and we will find a way to help.
12. What precautions are you taking to protect library users and staff and minimize risk of infection?
    The safety of library staff and patrons is our highest priority. Library staff adhere to DoD, DON, state, and Naval War College health and safety guidelines, including social distancing, wearing masks, frequent hand washing, sanitizing and disinfecting of workspaces and machinery, and self-monitoring for symptoms. In addition, we will be quarantining collection materials for 72 hours between hand-offs to mitigate the spread of the virus through book and other collection surfaces.
13. May we recall books that are checked out?
    Currently, we are not recalling books because so many library users are away from campus and unable to return items to campus. If you need a book that is currently checked out, please submit a purchase request, and we will try to obtain an electronic copy for you.
14. I left the area. How can I return materials I have checked out?
    Please package (using bubble wrap if possible) and ship the materials to this address:
    Naval War College
    Library Returns
    686 Cushing Road
    Newport, Rhode Island 02841-1207
    
    We recommend using Media Mail shipping as a cost-effective way to send educational materials.

For questions not answered here, email library.administration@usnwc.edu.

Last modified: 17 May 2021