16/03/20
SCONUL is monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and its impact, and remain committed to supporting our members.
On the Access Scheme, the usual restrictions on library closures will be suspended until further notice, and we would be happy to support any initiatives that members wish to take to change the terms of what they can offer under the Scheme.
At present, we are preparing for the SCONUL conference to go ahead on 10-12 June. However, we will keep this under review and make decisions based on minimising any unnecessary costs to SCONUL and its members. We can reassure members that any delegates fees will be refunded should the conference be cancelled.
The SCONUL office remains open and we are working as normal, but we have put in place all the necessary requirements for staff to work from home should that be required. Students or staff ringing the office or contacting us by email will have their enquiries dealt with in the usual way. We have taken the precaution of moving all meetings to a virtual basis until the end of April and we will keep this under review.
Access to content: SCONUL is working with Jisc and RLUK on an approach to publishers of electronic textbooks and books, and of databases to seek a removal of restrictions on concurrent use for the duration of the Covid 19 crisis. We will keep the sector informed of progress.
SCONUL will continue to monitor the situation, providing you with updates appropriately.