The Missouri State University Libraries offers a wealth of information resources, services, and spaces, both online digitally and in-person in Duane G. Meyer Library, as well as at the Haseltine Library in the Greenwood Lab School on the Springfield campus.

After months of sheltering in place and teaching and taking online courses during the last half of spring semester and throughout the summer session, the Missouri State University community is largely back on campus, taking a mix of seated, blended, and online courses. Early indicators are that the university community is doing a good job of wearing masks, distancing, and other safety precautions. 

After usage of the Meyer Library building literally dropped to zero this spring, the leadership team of the MSU Libraries has been monitoring how usage of the library building has changed as the campus was re-occupied this fall. 

As we approach the mid-point of the Fall Semester, door count data indicate that usage of the library building has bounced back, but not yet to the volume experienced prior to COVID-19. Through Tuesday, September 29, 2020, which was the 44th day in the 7th week of the term, the number of people entering Meyer Library is running 51.64% below the same 44 days during the 2019 Fall Semester. In other words, for every 100 people who entered the building last fall, approximately 49 people entered this fall. 

Of course, many information resources and services provided by the MSU Libraries can be accessed online. Also, for in-library users, we are taking efforts to make usage more self-service, always with the opportunity to obtain assistance when needed. As individuals and organizations around the world work hard and creatively to address all of the risks and consequences of this global pandemic, the MSU Libraries and its dedicated employees continue striving to meet the information needs of the communities we serve.