Mason Libraries welcomes new and returning students and faculty to the Fall 2021 semester! We look forward to seeing you, and we are here to support your scholarly endeavors and to help you succeed in your studies, whether in-person or virtually. As we continue to inhabit a changing public health landscape, the best place to find out about our current services and any updates are our FAQs page, our Services Updates page, and our News blog, where we will communicate any updates or changes.
What to expect this fall
The Libraries continues to support the Mason community through a hybrid model of in-person and virtual offerings, with extensive electronic resources, including virtual workshops, instruction sessions, research consultations, and virtual reference service. As with the rest of the university, the Libraries has adjusted to operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic and services may change at any time as conditions warrant.
Hours: Our hours have been updated for the fall semester and may change if needed.
Library Access: Through Monday, September 6, 2021, access to any library location is limited to Mason students, faculty, and staff. Signage will be posted to indicate the university’s Safe Return to Campus guidelines, and those who do not adhere to the university policies and guidelines may be asked to leave and may be subject to disciplinary action. As of Tuesday, September 7, 2021, the Libraries will welcome our Passport Program participants and other community members to resume in-person library visits. All who visit the Libraries should be wearing face coverings and should be prepared to show the results of their daily COVID health check.
Stacks: As of Monday, August 16, 2021, the stacks have reopened for in-person browsing, though patrons are still welcome to utilize our online request system if they prefer via their library account. If you encounter difficulty placing your request, please email fencirc@gmu.edu.
Study Spaces and Computers: To promote physical distancing and follow university guidelines, some tables, carrels, workstations, and chairs were removed or marked out-of-use in each library and building capacity was limited. As we begin the Fall 2021 semester, these spaces may change and capacity numbers have been increased. We continue to offer individual study rooms for use by reservation, and we will open up group study rooms for reservation as well. For those who prefer a distanced study space, please visit Fenwick Library’s 5th floor study space which has been designated for this purpose.
Furniture: With the start of the Fall 2021, the amount of distanced space will change as furniture is returned from storage. We ask you that not move or rearrange the furniture.
Food and Drink: No food and beverages are allowed in library locations, with the exception of water in a closed container. Please help us maintain clean and safe spaces by not bringing in food or drink. Face coverings should be worn at all times, unless actively drinking.
Further information about circulation, reference, and research services: Please review our current FAQs.
Health & safety protocols
Current status information
The Libraries will follow university and state guidelines. Our FAQs will be updated as needed. Responses are based on Mason’s Safe Return plan and current information. Responses and available services are subject to change.
General information on library services
Mason Libraries provides free 24/7 access to thousands of online resources for Mason faculty, students and staff – just use your Mason NetID and password. Visit library.gmu.edu to discover what the Libraries offer to support and enhance your learning, teaching, and research at Mason. Highlights include:
Questions? Please contact us at any time.
