Covid-19 impacted all libraries! “The severity and long duration of the Covid-19 crisis have generated intense anxiety for the economic future of all libraries (Jones, S. 2020, p. 954). The pandemic, unlike so many other crises, has affected the daily operation of libraries and all of their stakeholders. “Public and academic libraries are looking at moderate to severe budget declines ( Peet, L. 2020, p. 1).
Despite the impact that the pandemic is having on libraries, their services are still an important need to local communities. Many libraries changed their normal means of operation to provide needed services. Libraries responded to their patrons’ needs by “expanding wi-fi coverage to their parking lots and devising effective, efficient, and touch-less curbside delivery of books and other materials (Jones, S. 2020, p. 954).”
Further, American Library Association conducted a survey in May 2020 to detail how libraries can support students, faculty, and the communities they serve, despite their budget constraints (American Library Association, 2020). Libraries have reported the following Covid-19 responses: forming new partnerships, distribution of personal protective equipment, addressing food insecurity, and sharing accurate community information and services.
Libraries’ response to a major setback proves that they are a needed institution and are capable of functioning in different capacities. Several library directors thought of how to minimize cutting personnel and reshifted how they worked in their libraries. For example, Executive Director Reyes-Gavilan of the DC Public library reduced the hours the library would be open for cleaning, so staff can work at least part-time from home. I believe it is commendable what the directors have done and are doing for employees and patrons to ensure their needs are being met.
In closing, it is important that librarians understand how libraries are funded and how to respond during times of crisis. ALA states that “it will prove especially helpful to library directors and managers of small-to-medium sized public libraries, academic, school, and special libraries, to know how to navigate [their] challenging budget year (2018).” They offer the following advice on moving forward during challenging times:
- Know why your library budget is being cut
- Ask yourself if the cut was done fairly
- Advocate for your library
- Seek advice
- Communicate positive change
- Move forward: communicate and plan
Sources:
American Library Association. (2020, May 11). “Libraries respond: COVID-19 survey,” American Library Association. http://www.ala.org/tools/covid/libraries-respond-covid-19-survey. Document ID: bea6be3c-412d-4dcd-b3b0-f1e38c06394b
American Library Association. (2018, September 18). “Budget in the crosshairs? Navigating a challenging budget year”. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/navigating-challenging-budget-year-budget-crosshairs. Document ID: 847b3ef2-e4b5-4cac-a525-2c5e96c878ad
Peet, L. (2020, September 24). Budgeting for the new normal: Libraries respond to COVID-19 funding constraints. Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=budgeting-for-the-new-normal-libraries-respond-to-covid-19-funding-constraints
Jones, S. (2020). Optimizing public library resources in a post-COVID-19 world. Journal of Library Administration, 60(8), 951-957. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2020.1820281