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Library Collections & Services: Updates for Summer 2020

Latest Update: Wednesday June 17, 2020

Nearly 50% of our print book collection is now available online until the end of summer!

 Full-text versions of all books offered through HathiTrust that are also in the ULS collections are available online to Pitt faculty, students, and staff temporarily through the summer. Simply search the catalog and look for the “HathiTrust” link. 

No-Contact Pickup of Print Materials! 

Starting June 24, Pitt faculty, staff, and students can request print materials that are not available via HathiTrust for no-contact pickup.  

If you find an item in the catalog that has a “Request This Item” button enabled, please choose the “Request Whole Book” option and indicate your preferred pick-up location. Note that Owen Library at Pitt Johnstown will not be pick-up location until July 6. You may select up to 15 items at a time. You will be contacted via email with instructions for when and how to retrieve your items. Beginning on July 6 you will also be able to request print items via ILL for no-contact pickup. Please Ask Us if you have any questions. Not able to pick up your items? Starting July 6, we will mail them to you! This service is available for US addresses only.  This service is available for ULS-owned items shipped to US addresses only.

No Need to Renew Checked Out Items 

As a reminder, you do not need to renew or return your materials to the library at this time. All library materials (including E-ZBorrow and Interlibrary Loans) are now due Sept. 30, 2020. See our FAQ further down this page for information about returning your materials.  

A New PittCat Library Catalog is Coming in July 2020! 

Visit https://newpittcat.pitt.edu for more information and be sure to check out this introductory video! 

Archives and Special Collections Reading Room at Thomas Boulevard to Open 

As of June 22, the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room at Thomas Boulevard is now open by appointment only. Appointments are for Pitt affiliates only and require at least 48 hours advanced notice. The number of patrons and staff will be limited to maintain social distancing. Please note that all patrons must wear a self-provided mask and will be supplied with gloves. As part of the University of Pittsburgh's efforts to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all employees and visitors on campus, a self-attestation of symptoms must be completed for every day an individual comes to the campus for any reason and for any length of time. Contact us to request an appointment. One of our archivists will follow-up with you to schedule your appointment. 

Library Access 

At this time, ULS libraries remain closed and are expected to reopen to the Pitt community in early August. Please note that many vendors and other providers have opened emergency access to their full-text online resources. Please see our Online Research, Teaching, and Learning @ Pitt: Resources and Support from the ULS guide for what is currently available beyond our subscriptions. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do with my checked-out materials? 
You do not need to renew or return your materials to the library at this time, even if they are overdue. Please be assured that no fines will be imposed. However, all library materials will be due by Sept. 30, 2020. This includes E-ZBorrow and ILL materials. 

If you wish to return physical materials while Hillman Library is closed, you will find an external book drop near the ground floor entrances (Forbes Avenue side) just down the ramp and on the left before you reach the doors. 

If, however, you would like to return your materials by mail, you can do so to the following addresses:

ALL Oakland Campus libraries:
Hillman Library
Donald S. Wood Service Desk
3960 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Note: Hillman Library’s bookdrop is open and available for book drop-offs anytime (located at the Ground Floor entrance, Forbes Ave side)

Bradford Campus:
Hanley Library
300 Campus Drive
Bradford, PA 16701

Note: Bradford’s Hanley library has a book drop outside that can also be used for returning books

Greensburg Campus:
Millstein Library
150 Finoli Drive
Greensburg, PA 15601

Johnstown Campus:
Owen Library
450 Schoolhouse Road
Johnstown, PA 15904

Titusville Campus:
Haskell Memorial Library
504 East Main Street
Titusville, PA 16354

How do I search the catalog for full text online books and journal articles?
Enter your query into PittCat+ search as usual. Then, filter your results by clicking “Full Text Online” in the “Refine Your Search” sidebar. You will find hundreds of thousands of e-books and e-journal articles, freely available for Pitt affiliates.

For more information about  online resources, including emergency electronic full-text access to 50% of our print book collection via HathiTrust, see our Online Research, Teaching, and Learning @ Pitt: Resources and Support from the ULS guide.

How can the print materials currently on reserve for my class get transferred to electronic reserves?
Please complete the eReserves request form.

How do I access materials from Archives & Special Collections?
Please contact Archives & Special Collections directly via the Ask an Archivist Form.

Can students and staff access lockers and carrels in the library?
At this time, all ULS facilities are closed. If you need to access items stored in a locker or carrel, please Ask Us.

How can I access physical materials for my research?
Although worldwide access to physical materials is very limited at this time, please contact us so we can work with you to try and get the material you need.

How can I get remote help with my research? 
We have subject specialist librarians for over 70 areas. Click here to find yours. We also provide Digital Scholarship Services and Electronic Theses & Dissertation Support.

​​​Remote Access to Library Resources

Support for Online Teaching

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact the ULS Director, Kornelia Tancheva at tancheva@pitt.edu.