Face-to-face with the new normal: libraries' readiness and perspectives toward the changing service environment

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore how library management in academic and school institutions has been adapting to the changes brought about by the global COVID-19 pandemic. It discusses how their priorities have shifted in reinventing their strategic plans and innovative library responses; and their readiness to meet new expectations to support their communities, as necessitated by the changes.Design/methodology/approachEmploying the change readiness concept as a framework, it encompasses inquiry into the library management's response to the changes in the service and work environments at the onset of change, while in the process of adapting to the current changes, and readiness to the perceived changes in the next normal future service environment. Quantitative design was employed for this study, and self-selection strategy as a non-probability sampling technique was used in collecting data from respondents. Target respondents were head librarians. An online questionnaire was used as instrument for data gathering, which was tested valid and reliable.FindingsFindings reveal that respondents have achieved quite a lot in preparing to adapt to change and generally agree that they are ready to deal with the perceived, future-wise changes in all aspects.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was open to all types of libraries as subjects; however, one-person libraries were excluded. Being self-selected, the respondent group for this study is not a true representative of the target population. Data analysis was strictly based on the gathered results.Practical implicationsThe study offers insights on the value of integrating measures pertinent to the emergence of new roles and needs in the changing service environment.Originality/valueThe results of the study are seen to have a potential contribution to the library organization's growth as they oversee their operations, prospectively.

Researching Finnish library responses to Covid-19 digital literacy challenges through the employment of reflective practice

“…the commute and meeting faceto-face with colleagues (Virrankoski et al, 2020: 22). These experiences resonate with findings reporting perspectives from library leaders around the world (Connaway et al, 2021;Abrigo and Torres, 2022).…”

“…On the emotional side, although information professionals could interact with colleagues online, they missed the social aspects of work, for example, the commute and meeting face-to-face with colleagues (Virrankoski et al, 2020: 22). These experiences resonate with findings reporting perspectives from library leaders around the world (Abrigo and Torres, 2022; Connaway et al, 2021).…”

Australian public libraries during the COVID-19 crisis: operations, management and service provision

“…Library managers needed to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic just like everyone else, but they also needed to manage the changes required of libraries and staff in a particularly swift order. Thus, Abrigo and Torres (2022) frame their survey of Filipino libraries’ responses to the pandemic specifically as an exercise in change management. Across most indicators, they conclude that the libraries managed the changes successfully, developing new services as smoothly as could be expected; it should be pointed out, however, that their respondents were chief librarians, whose perspectives were likely based on their experiences in their managerial roles.…”