Library Resources

• Research
  • KU Libraries' Ask a Librarian service continues to offer research help via chat and email while library facilities are closed to the public.
  • KU Librarians are available for research consultations via Zoom or other virtual methods. Please contact them to arrange a consultation.
  • Details about virtual workshop offerings will continue to be updated online.
  • KU students may use Document Delivery to request digital copies of journal articles and book chapters from KU Libraries collections, or Home Loan Delivery to request physical materials be mailed to them. All materials currently on hold and future requests will be delivered electronically or by mail, so on-site pickup is unnecessary. 
  • KU Libraries continue to provide access to many online resources, which can be found through Quick Search, Articles and Databases, e-Journals, Digital Collections, and other starting points. In addition, some publishers and vendors are providing expanded access to online resources on a temporary basis. See a list of available resources at COVID-19 Temporary Access to Resources.
  • Requests to consider purchase of new or extended access to ebooks may be submitted through the Buy an Item form.
• Instruction
  • KU Libraries will continue to support library instruction for courses by arranging virtual delivery options with instructors. Please contact them to discuss your needs and potential approaches.
  • To ease the shift to remote teaching, KU Libraries are offering a copyright and online instruction guide. Please contact copyright@ku.edu for more on copyright, fair use, and online instruction.
  • KU Libraries provide hundreds of subject and course guides to support research and assignments for a variety of course disciplines. 
  • KU Libraries offer video tutorials that showcase best practices for conducting research using library databases. 

Access to Watson Library
From Monday through Friday, Watson Library is offering minimal on-site and essential services to KU students who are in urgent need. Building access can be arranged between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Please note that building doors are locked. Anyone needing to enter Watson will be asked to call the desk upon arrival (785-864-8983), at which point library staff will grant access to the building through the main entrance.

Technology for Students
KU is committed to supporting your educational goals during this time of change. We encourage you to both participate in distance education and access many library resources from your home. You are also allowed to access university wi-fi from a personal vehicle parked on campus. Those who need access to internet service or computer hardware should reach out to KU Information Technology on the Lawrence campus and kuecservices@ku.edu on the KU Edwards Campus for guidance and assistance. Several internet service providers are also offering service at no-cost, low-cost or with waived fees.

As a last resort, those of you who need urgent computer access will be allowed entry to the Watson Library computer lab, which has been reconfigured to support appropriate physical distancing and frequent cleanings. These few select computer workstations will be available for KU student use in support of online course work Monday through Friday, during limited hours (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.). Computer workstations may be reserved using our calendar reservation system.

KU Libraries are here to support KU graduate students’ crucial teaching, learning, and research efforts, and to help you navigate this adjustment to an online environment. Throughout this transition and for the rest of the semester, you will find an updated and complete list of services and resources at lib.ku.edu/remote.