The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event for academic libraries and librarians. It caused libraries to suddenly cease in-person operations and forced libraries to scramble to provide basic operations and services. The impact of closing library facilities and losing access to the workplace was very significant for “back-end” operations, such as acquisitions and collection management. The pandemic also had a significant impact on print and electronic usage, as well as building traffic. Even though many libraries and librarians have returned to in-person work, COVID-19’s impact on libraries is still being felt. This presentation will address how COVID-19 has impacted:
The Library as a place and safe space
Changing Expectations of Library Users
Work Environments & Communication methods
Workflows and Processes
Collection Philosophy & Budgeting
Usage of Collections and Physical Spaces
The presentation will serve as a case study for three different types of academic libraries: the Zahnow Library at Saginaw Valley State University, a smaller public university library in Michigan, Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library, which is a joint-use library in southeast Florida and the Lied Library at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which is a R1 academic institution. By comparing three distinct types of libraries, we hope to draw some comparisons, parallels, and differences regarding usage and trends prior and during COVID. We will look at how our building circulation and usage has changed during COVID and what trends we noticed with an emphasis on monographic materials, device checkouts and study rooms. The presentation will have some interactive polling and questions for the audience.
The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event for academic libraries and librarians. It caused libraries to suddenly cease in-person operations and forced libraries to scramble to provide basic operations and services. The impact of closing library facilities and losing access to the workplace was very significant for “back-end” operations, such as acquisitions and collection management. The pandemic also had a significant impact on print and electronic usage, as well as building traffic. Even though many libraries and librarians have returned to in-person work, COVID-19’s impact on libraries is still being felt. This presentation will address how COVID-19 has impacted:
The Library as a place and safe space
Changing Expectations of Library Users
Work Environments & Communication methods
Workflows and Processes
Collection Philosophy & Budgeting
Usage of Collections and Physical Spaces
The presentation will serve as a case study for three different types of academic libraries: the Zahnow Library at Saginaw Valley State University, a smaller public university library in Michigan, Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library, which is a joint-use library in southeast Florida and the Lied Library at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which is a R1 academic institution. By comparing three distinct types of libraries, we hope to draw some comparisons, parallels, and differences regarding usage and trends prior and during COVID. We will look at how our building circulation and usage has changed during COVID and what trends we noticed with an emphasis on monographic materials, device checkouts and study rooms. The presentation will have some interactive polling and questions for the audience.
Cory Tucker is a Librarian and Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Cory is the Head of Collections, Interlibrary Loan and Acquisitions. Cory received his B.S. in Finance from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and his M.L.S. from the University of South Florida-Tampa.
I'm been a librarian for 16 years and been involved in liaison and collection work for over a decade. I enjoy working with others and analyzing statistics and materials. I am happily married with 3 boys.
