August 18, 2025

University Libraries announce changes for fall semester

Books on a shelf
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The University Libraries are debuting a variety of changes for the fall semester, including a new Music Library in Westbrook and changes to the Dinsdale Family Learning Commons.

Music Library reopens Aug. 18

The Music Library, in the newly constructed Westbrook Music Building, will open as an unmediated space on Aug. 18. Students will be welcomed back to campus with a series of open houses during Big Red Welcome from Aug. 18 to Sept. 2. Library staff and librarians will be available to share information on the new space, including the self-check machine; high-density, compact shelving; and support for teaching, research and collections.   

Open houses include: 

  • Noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 19 
  • Noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 21
  • 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 22, Korff School open house
  • Noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 27
  • 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 28
  • Noon to 1 p.m Sept. 2
Expanded access to Math Library 

Access to the Math Library, located in Avery Hall, has been expanded to include all members of the campus community with a valid NCard. Requested materials can be delivered to faculty/staff offices or picked up at any of our publicly open locations. 

Change to operations of Geology Library

As a result of the overall libraries’ budget reduction plan, the Geology Library, located in Bessey Hall, will be permanently closed to the public starting this fall. Physical course reserves will now be available at the Love South ASKus service points. Requested materials can be delivered to faculty/staff offices or picked up at any of our publicly open locations. 

Faculty may request items from the print geology collection for delivery to their offices, and students may request items for delivery and pickup at Love Library or the Dinsdale Family Learning Commons. University Libraries is exploring additional options for access to print materials for the future. 

All interlibrary loan and delivery requests that would typically be picked up at the Geology Library will be redirected to Love Library or campus mail to offices. 

Changes coming to the Dinsdale Family Learning Commons 

The East Campus community will notice changes in operations at the Dinsdale Family Learning Commons with the fall semester. The lower level, east-side doors will now be NCard access only during open building hours for all members of the campus community. This change will consolidate the service desks to one desk on the first floor of the building, where users can pick up reserves and requested materials. 

As a result of the overall libraries’ budget reduction plan, the Dinsdale Learning Commons will be open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday. 

Be sure to check the University Libraries' website for holiday hours and hours of operation for all locations and services.