Irish libraries and COVID-19: first reflections

Abstract

hosted a seminar via Zoom, entitled 'Irish Libraries and COVID-19: First Reflections'. The seminar explored the response of the library sector to the global pandemic that has impacted every aspect of life. This article presents the case studies from the seminar. Irish libraries and COVID-19: first reflectionsKeywords COVID-19; 3D printing; poetry; public libraries; health sciences; medical libraries College Cork (UCC) Library and Marian Higgins, Kildare Libraries. The innovativeness and commitment of libraries to continuing to deliver on their mission even in extraordinary times, was illustrated by four case studies in the second session, which was chaired by Fiona Morley, Head of Digital Programmes and Information Systems at MU. Eileen Kennedy, NUI Galway), talked about the 3D printing of a range of kit and tools for frontline workers. Helen Fallon described how MU Library organised an online poetry workshop. Dr Sandra Collins covered the Irish National Library's work to collect the Irish experience of COVID-19, while Joan Ward spoke about Libraries Ireland's 'Spring into Storytime' initiative moving online due to COVID-19. The third session saw Laura Connaughton, Head of Academic Services at MU Library, chair a virtual panel question and answer session with all of the speakers and open to all delegates. In the fourth and final session, Hugh Murphy, Head of Collections and Content at MU Library, distilled the key learning points and common themes from the seminar. The following case studies are based on the presentations.

A Systematic Review of Library Services Provision in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Despite library closure, findings show that libraries have continued one of their core missions -supporting the educational objectives of their institutions. Results show that the majority of academic libraries in the included studies are supporting and facilitating remote access to digital contents in support of teaching and learning in universities (Carbery et al, 2020;Tsekea & Chigwada, 2020;Ishtiaq, Sehar & Shahid, 2020). More specifically, academic librarians are assisting teaching staff to upload contents on learning management systems (Tsekea & Chigwada, 2020) and providing digital services to teaching faculty and students through digital library and institutional repositories (Mehta & Wang, 2020).…”

“…As schools close, school libraries now promote the use of other online course platforms for autonomous learning, examination resources, vocational training, and self-improvement (Guo et al, 2020), as well the use of open educational resources (Mehta & Wang, 2020). In addition, academic libraries are granting students additional access to online resources (Cox & Brewster, 2020), engaging them in virtual consultations via Google Hangout meetings and email communications (Carbery et al, 2020;Weeks et al, 2020), as well as compiling lists of virtual tours to museums, operas, aquariums, zoos and national parks (Yu & Mani, 2020). This is to ensure students adhere to government lockdown restrictions by studying at home while having the opportunities to virtually visit places they might have visited in-person.…”

“…The current situation has improved libraries' collaboration effort with publishers and database providers to create emergency temporary access services to allow in-copyright physical items to remain accessible (Carbery et al, 2020;Walsh & Rana, 2020). Librarians are helping to distribute articles, papers, case reports, and other resources from free or open access initiatives by database providers, publishers, and internet companies (Walsh & Rana, 2020).…”

“…Librarians are helping to distribute articles, papers, case reports, and other resources from free or open access initiatives by database providers, publishers, and internet companies (Walsh & Rana, 2020). Other efforts include ensuring that open access collections and resources were accessible and visible to end-users (Carbery et al, 2020;Dadhe & Dubey, 2020) and that open access journals are evaluated for credibility and quality (Mbambo-Thata, 2021). The current situation has echoed the importance of collaboration -usually referred to as a consortium -among libraries.…”

“…Findings show that several medical libraries are striving to provide access to resources targeted toward improving public health and safety. For example, several libraries are using their makerspaces for 3D printing of face masks and personal protective equipment (PPEs) to be used by medical practitioners and staff (Carbery et al, 2020;Dadhe & Dubey, 2020;See, 2020;Weeks et al, 2020;Yu & Mani, 2020). Some libraries have responded to national needs by 3D printing a range of kit and tools for frontline workers, including visor shields, mask clips, and other 3D objects to support the needs of community healthcare workers and student wellness centers (Carbery et al, 2020;Weeks, 2020).…”