Transition of University Libraries to Adapt to the New Normal: A mid- and post-COVID-19 Response

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the response of university libraries during the COVID-19 outbreak and to establish the practices in carrying out their operational procedures, delivery models, implemented tactics and overall functioning. This study adheres to a quantitative approach. Though, during the pandemic, most of the university libraries were physically inaccessible to readers, they continued to adapt practices to interactively disseminate information and services to its users. Libraries were able to introduce and familiarize their users to new technologies and tools that could adequately serve students and faculty. This study reveals that the efforts and innovations of the libraries and librarians were instrumental in keeping alive the library mission, despite the loss of some services. Hence, this research focuses on revealing the practices adapted, their effectiveness, limitations and presents recommendations for the functioning of an efficient post-COVID-19 University Library framework.