A dynamic approach to Library and Information services as emergency measures in response to COVID-19 pandemic in Academic Libraries
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Date
2021-09
Authors
Egberongbe, H.S.
Alabi, A.O.
Adewuyi, O.W
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nigerian Library Link
Abstract
In any higher institution, academic libraries are backbone for meeting the tripod mandate of teaching, learning and research. This article examined the innovative solutions deployed by academic libraries as emergency measures in meeting varied users’ demands during Covid-19 pandemic using the Dynamic Capability theory as
theoretical lens for the study. Using the purposive sampling method, academic libraries of ten foremost universities in the world based on the Times Higher Education ranking for 2021 were chosen for this study. The library website of the selected universities were visited and explored to obtain explicit information on their response to the pandemic. Data was analyzed qualitatively using content analysis. The results demonstrate controlled access to physical library services, and (2) full swing into provision of online services and resources on the other hand. Findings revealed that academic libraries of foremost institutions in the world responded to the pandemic through a modification of physical access to library services to minimal/no physical contact services, conversion of print resources to electronic copies; deployment of personalized library services, as well as provision of online library services and resources. In practice, the implication of the study for the LIS profession is the need for a more holistic, encompassing and sensitive approach to technological infrastructural development beyond what suffice for day-to-day library services, to incorporating disaster preparedness and management. Libraries must be prepared for disaster of any kind, be it health related, natural or man-made
Description
Scholarly article
Keywords
SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19 , Corona virus , University Libraries , Dynamic Capability Theory , Digital Library , Lockdown , Response to COVID-19 , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Other social sciences::Library and information science
Citation
Egberongbe, H.S. Alabi, A.O. Adewuyi, O.W. (2021). A dynamic approach to Library and Information services as emergency measures in response to COVID-19 pandemic in Academic Libraries. Nigerian Library Link, 20(1&2).