Books can be borrowed again from the University of Tartu Library

Although the University of Tartu Library is closed due to the emergency situation, users can again request books via the e-catalogue ESTER starting today, 25 March. The requested books can be picked up from smart lockers in the lobby of the library.

It is possible to request and borrow books that are marked as “available” in the online catalogue ESTER. Library staff will place requested books into smart lockers in the library lobby next to the main entrance (Struve 1). The lockers are accessible from Monday to Friday 12–17, and user need their ID card or library card to receive the books. As the number of lockers is limited, the waiting time for the requested books can extend up to three days.

The library started developing temporary borrowing solutions immediately after the emergency situation was announced in Estonia. “This Monday we tested the reliability of this quickly set up system, and everything worked,” said the Director of the UT Library, Krista Aru. “This is the best solution we can offer in this complicated situation without risk to anyone's health.”

Hand sanitisers will be provided next to the lockers. Borrowers are asked to enter the lobby one by one and sanitise their hands before and after taking the books from the locker. The library also asks users to keep within the limited zone in the lobby.

Read the instructions for borrowing books in the emergency situation.

Further information: Olga Einasto, Head of Service Department, University of Tartu Library, 553 7982, olga.einasto@ut.ee