LTS is pleased to announce the creation of the following mask-optional spaces in the Libraries and Computing Center, starting Thursday, February 17:
- Linderman Library: Rotunda, Stacks, 3rd floor Study Rooms, Lucy’s Cafe Area
- Fairchild-Martindale Library (FML): South wings of 4th, 5th, and 6th floors; CITL Commons
- Computing Center: Lower Level Study Area
This change does not affect campus policy elsewhere.
Masks will continue to be required in all other LTS areas, including:
- Library entrances, elevators, hallways, restrooms, and help/service desks
- All LTS classrooms and computer labs when used for meetings or instruction, including the Digital Media Studio
- Linderman Library Grand Reading Room (1st floor), Special Collections (3rd floor)
- Fairchild-Martindale Library (FML): 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th floors north, The Grind (except while eating)
Eating and drinking are permitted in the mask-optional areas, with the expectation that areas are kept clean, all trash is disposed of, and others in the area are treated with courtesy.
As noted in the recent announcement from the Covid Response Team, Lehigh has approved these new options as a first step in response to the decline in local case counts, low positivity rates in the campus community, and the efficacy of high-quality masks at protecting individuals who wear them.
We in Library and Technology Services are dedicated to creating welcoming, supportive, inspiring spaces for the Lehigh community. We hope that, by offering options, we enable everyone in the campus community to find a place in the libraries where they are both comfortable and safe.
If you have any questions, please contact the LTS Help Desk at 610-758-4357 or helpdesk@lehigh.edu.
Sincerely,
Greg Reihman, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Library and Technology Services