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PurposeThis study investigated how students of the Faculties of Humanities and Education and Social Sciences at a Caribbean University sought information during the COVID-19 pandemic, identified challenges they experienced in seeking information for academic tasks and how satisfied they were with the Library's provision of electronic resources and services during this period.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative survey design was adopted for this study. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.FindingsThis study revealed that undergraduates relied upon lecture notes to complete assignments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Undergraduate students have developed a definite information-seeking pattern, which did not change during the pandemic. They tend to use information channels that require the least effort. Postgraduate students used a variety of Library information channels but primarily used electronic journals. On the whole, students experienced challenges while seeking information via the channels provided by the Library. Students were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with the Library's provision of electronic resources and services.Research limitations/implicationsThe study used non-probability sampling and only included students from two faculties at one university. As a result, the findings may not be generalized to the entire student population or all Caribbean universities.Practical implicationsThe results of this study can be used to identify the difficulties students are having in accessing information from the Library and gauge service delivery.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the scholarship from the Caribbean written to show whether students' information-seeking behaviour changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the recent outreach service efforts of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Main Library in the form of a Hall of Residence Librarian Programme. The aim of the programme was to minimize library anxiety through partnership with the Office of Students Services. Design/methodology/approach – The transition from the secondary to the tertiary level is not always the smoothest for some students. On the islands of the English-speaking Caribbean, such as Jamaica, it can be especially difficult as some matriculants have never used an automated library. These students often experience great difficulty in effectively using the library which may result in them shying away from doing so and thus negatively impact the quality of their work. The UWI, the UWI Main Library, Mona campus, Jamaica has sought to address this challenge through the development of an outreach project to the first-year students entitled the Halls of Residence Librarian (HRL) programme. Findings – This new form of library outreach on The UWI Mona campus has yielded the offering of library services in new locations, strategic partnerships, increased interactions with the first-year students and a greater awareness of these students ' needs. Most importantly, it was very effective in reducing library anxiety among the first-year students. Research limitations/implications – The “low” turnout to Research Rescue was largely attributed to the fact that this programme was entirely optional for the students, and it was not affiliated with any compulsory course or class. There was also the issue of a lack of incentives to boost student attendance at these sessions. Originality/value – This initiative is untested in the English-speaking Caribbean. The paper explores the outreach efforts of the library at the Mona campus of The UWI and seeks to add to the limited body of literature on Academic Library Outreach in the Caribbean.

is an award winning author and editor in library and information science technology and series editor for several books for a popular librarian series providing valuable information to librarians. She is indeed an expert in maker culture having two more recent additional texts highlighting maker spaces. This important and informative handbook for librarians provides a reference point for persons interested in learning more about makerspaces, trends, issues, funding, equipping and creating a makerspace. This information is critical for library communities to be mindful of their focus and the resources needed and associated with maker culture. This "one stop handbook" provides a detailed index which helps readers identify the various areas covered in this topical area associated with the future of libraries and librarianship and how we provide collaborative spaces for our users.The text is divided into three parts: Part one Creating the Makerspace; Part two Makerspace Materials, Tools and Technologies; and Part three Looking Ahead. In Part one, the expert contributors explore the definition of a makerspace and their purpose, one writer Bronkar indicates that "the focus is on sharing and learning in a synergetic environment". The main types of libraries that makerspaces are found in are examined; the public library been described as the "forefront of the makerspace movement". Examples of libraries and their makerspace foci are analysed. The book articulates that focus must be decided on before initiating a makerspace project as this is vital in its creation; for example, in an academic library, the emphasis would be more project-based training and the equipment would be typically adjusted with the curriculum in mind or it could be problemsolving projects. Numerous examples of makerspace equipment starter lists, with estimated costs, 3D compatible software, and popular apps associated with them are looked at. Training, planning, policymaking and marketing the space are briefly touched. Pedagogy and the different learning styles that occur in these informal spaces are delved into. Lesson plans, maker education, curricular material relevant to a makerspace, and the library projecting its goals and the needs of its institution through this medium is scrutinized. The