Libraries, Digital Information, and COVID: Practical Applications and Approaches to Challenge and Change

COVID-19 is having a significant impact on how we live, learn, plan, and develop, and this book provides solutions for librarians responding to the challenge. It emphasizes the need for sustainable digital access and suggests that libraries will need to adapt to meet the changing needs of their users. The book offers analysis and examples from around the world on how libraries are managing to deliver access and services during the pandemic, and provides a framework for library directors to plan sustainable services and collections for an uncertain future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 25 June 2021
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

COVID-19 has had a profound impact on our lives, education, planning, and development. As we navigate this unprecedented time, it is essential to consider the implications of COVID-19 on the future of digital information use and delivery, as well as traditional library services. Libraries, as institutions that have always been at the forefront of information access and dissemination, are uniquely positioned to address these challenges.

In the immediate term, libraries are providing innovative solutions to meet the needs of their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many libraries have transitioned to online services, offering virtual book clubs, online research tools, and digital resources. This has allowed people to continue their education and research even when physical libraries are closed. Additionally, libraries are working to provide access to essential resources, such as food and medical supplies, to those in need.

However, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on digital information use and delivery are likely to be significant. As more people work and study remotely, the demand for online access to information will increase. Libraries will need to adapt to this shift by investing in digital infrastructure, developing online resources, and providing training to their staff and users.

At the same time, traditional library services will also continue to be important. Physical libraries will remain a valuable space for community engagement, learning, and research. Librarians will need to find new ways to engage with their communities, such as through virtual programs and online resources, to ensure that libraries remain relevant in the digital age.

One of the key challenges facing libraries in the post-COVID-19 world is the need for sustainable digital access. As more people rely on digital information, the demand for internet access and technology will continue to grow. Libraries will need to invest in digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet and digital devices, to ensure that their communities have access to the resources they need.

Another challenge is the reassessment of information and its commercial value. With the increasing availability of digital information, there is a growing concern about the sustainability of the traditional publishing industry. Libraries will need to work closely with publishers and other stakeholders to ensure that they can access the information they need while also supporting the sustainability of the industry.

In response to these challenges, libraries are exploring new partnerships
solutions. One approach is to increase cooperation and collaboration among libraries and other stakeholders. This can include partnerships with publishers, technology companies, and community organizations to provide access to digital information and resources. Libraries can also work to develop new models of library provision, such as hybrid libraries that offer both physical and digital services, or mobile libraries that provide access to information and resources in underserved communities.

Another approach is to rethink and question their identities, values, and purpose. Librarians need to be adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of their communities, and they need to be willing to explore new technologies and services to meet the needs of their users. This can include developing new programs and services that address the social and economic challenges facing their communities, such as job training and literacy programs.

In conclusion, COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the future of digital information use and delivery, as well as traditional library services. Libraries are uniquely positioned to address these challenges by providing innovative solutions in the immediate term and developing sustainable solutions in the long term. By increasing cooperation and collaboration, rethinking and questioning their identities, values, and purpose, and exploring new technologies and services, libraries can ensure that they remain relevant and valuable to their communities in the digital age.

Weight: 1000g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323884938